TRU is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace and learning environment for the entire campus community, which includes the air we breathe. Health and Safety and other staff are handing out flyers across campus today to advise students, faculty and staff of the update to TRU’s Smoking/Tobacco Policy and point smokers in the direction of the new designated smoking areas.
The policy change was undertaken by a committee representing a cross-section of students and employees from all areas—including smokers, non-smokers and former smokers—and has received the support of TRUSU.
The revised policy limits smoking to nine designated covered smoking areas (DSAs) around campus (see map), which will reduce TRU community members’ exposure to second-hand smoke. Each DSA has been strategically located based on volume, proximity to building entrances, and time allowances between classes.
Respiratory Therapy students and TRU Wellness will continue their collaboration to provide tobacco reduction/cessation education and support. Email tobaccoeducation@tru.ca for more information.
This major shift will take some time to get used to. If you see someone smoking outside the designated smoking areas, please politely direct them to the nearest designated smoking area and thank them for helping make clean air a priority on campus.
Download and print the Designated Smoking Areas map.
Look for the Respiratory Therapy program’s Tobacco Education Kiosk in various buildings on campus this semester, starting Sept. 11 on Student Street in Old Main, 1 to 3pm. RT students at the kiosks will gather comments on the DSA locations to ensure they are optimally located.
October through April, RT students will be offering support for any tobacco users who are ready to practice reduction/quitting. As health care professionals in training, RT students are well aware of the difficulties of walking away from long term tobacco use and the benefits of practicing quitting when trying to reach long term tobacco cessation.
For more information:
Janine Chan, Respiratory Therapy
Co-Chair JOHSC Smoking Subcommittee
Thompson Rivers University
T: 250.371.5543
E: jchan@tru.ca
Contact tobaccoeducation@tru.ca to start your quit attempt.
