OHIO's Tobacco-Free Commitment

Message from Dr. Roderick McDavis, Twentieth President of »¨¼¾´«Ã½ (2004 – 2017)

The New Year is a time for change. A time to choose goals that will guide the coming year. A time when many of us commit to action. In addition to individual resolutions, the »¨¼¾´«Ã½ community also has collective goals. Among these is a commitment to be a tobacco-free campus.

Personal and environmental wellness are the basis for »¨¼¾´«Ã½â€™s tobacco-free initiative, which has been in effect since August 2015. The initiative prohibits the use of all tobacco and smoking products on »¨¼¾´«Ã½ grounds and facilities while offering cessation support to tobacco users who wish to overcome their addiction. It is one of many ways that »¨¼¾´«Ã½ is encouraging wellbeing within our campus community.

While tobacco use and litter have reportedly decreased since the implementation of OHIO’s tobacco-free policy, there is much room to improve. More than half of respondents in a recent campus survey reported that they still occasionally witness tobacco use on campus. This is where I need your help.

We all have a responsibility to ensure a cleaner, greener environment at »¨¼¾´«Ã½. If you see someone on campus lighting up, gently remind them of our tobacco-free guidelines and request their adherence. Moreover, encourage them to take the next step toward personal wellness by seeking out »¨¼¾´«Ã½â€™s cessation resources. Together, we can make »¨¼¾´«Ã½ a cleaner, greener and healthier place to live and learn.

I ask that you join me in pledging to improve the wellness of our campus community by supporting OHIO’s tobacco-free initiative. Ready to change! Ready to choose! Ready to commit!

Cordially,
Roderick J. McDavis
»¨¼¾´«Ã½ President, 2004 – 2017