Beginning Sept. 1, those smoking a cigarette on the Stanislaus State campus will be asked to put it out – not “butts” about it.

The new tobacco-free, smoke-free and vape-free campus policy is part of a larger California State University system initiative to wipe out all tobacco products, including cigarettes, hookahs, chewing tobacco, smokeless tobacco, vape pens and e-cigarettes, banning them from the inside and outside of any buildings as wells as in parking lots.

The American College Health Association has recommended all colleges and universities adopt a 100 percent tobacco-free campus policy, and nationally, more than 1,200 colleges are smoke free. In California, 102 public colleges and universities have significantly stronger policies than California State Law, which only requires no smoking within 20 feet of buildings, and the entire University of California system has been 100 percent tobacco-free since 2014.

Now, it’s Stanislaus State’s turn to clear the air. The university joined the cause to make the school a healthier environment for all students, said Task Force member and Interim Director for Communications and Creative Services Kristina Stamper.

“We’re excited to implement this on our campus,” said Stamper. “This is a policy that eliminates secondhand smoke and ensures equal access for everyone on our campus.”

Stamper is part of a Task Force that involves students, faculty, staff and the university’s Chief of Police, just to name a few. The Task Force was formed to help implement the best policy to promote clean air and better prepare students for their future smoke-free work environments, according to a released statement. The policy was also formed to discourage the campus community from smoking and support those who have already undertaken the challenge of quitting.

“I think it will encourage people, especially people who have been trying to quit,” said Stamper. “We hope it makes them feel supported and encouraged toward that healthy habit.”

Before the new policy is implemented Sept. 1, there will be a summer-long campus rollout of information to ensure the campus community is aware of the new rules.

“We invite your input, questions, concerns and ideas about the rollout so that we may incorporate them into a process that results in the entire Stan State community accepting and embracing the new smoke- and tobacco-free campus,” said the Task Force’s statement.

Stamper stated that any inquiries should be directed to Task Force member lead Kellie Marshall, who can be reached at kmarshall@csustan.edu or 209-667-3351 ext. 3572.