Skidmore College marks launch of new smoke-free, tobacco-free policy
The Skidmore community gathered to mark the launch of the College’s new smoke-free, tobacco-free policy.
Effective Jan. 1, smoking and tobacco use — as well as the use of all e-cigarettes and vaping devices — are prohibited throughout all Skidmore College property, including outdoor areas.
“This is not a policy about what we cannot do. Instead, it is an affirmation of the positive steps that we as a college are taking together to promote the health and well-being of our entire community,” President Philip A. Glotzbach said in a video message shown at the event.
Cerri Banks, dean of students and vice president for student affairs, said it was important for members of the campus community to support one another through the transition. Skidmore is making cessation resources available to those seeking to quit.
“We will only be successful if we each take responsibility for acknowledging, sharing and enforcing this community standard. We stand in this together,” Banks said at the Jan. 28 event, which also included food, giveaways and live jazz.
To implement the new policy, Skidmore is partnering with the Living Tobacco-Free Initiative, a program of the Health Promotion Center of Glens Falls Hospital. Program coordinator Shannon Morrison-Gaczol called the smoke-free, tobacco-free initiative “essential for the Skidmore community’s health and well-being.”
“We’re impressed with Skidmore’s hard work and diligence to make this happen,” she said.
More information about the policy and available cessation resources can be found at www.skidmore.edu/smokefree/.
