Nevada State University will implement a tobacco-free campus policy starting Monday, August 25, aligning with over 2,100 colleges and universities across the country, including the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and the University of Nevada, Reno. The policy was approved by university leadership in spring 2025 and will cover all students, faculty, staff, and visitors on campus property. This includes all indoor and outdoor areas, sidewalks, parking lots, as well as university-owned or leased vehicles.
The Breathe with Ease team, part of the university’s Sustainability Council, is leading this initiative. The effort is in collaboration with several partners such as the Southern Nevada Health District, Truth Initiative, various NSU offices and associations, and organizations like the Nevada Cancer Coalition and American Lung Association.
Dr. Cassius Lockett, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District said: “The Southern Nevada Health District is proud to support Nevada State University in adopting a tobacco-free campus policy. This step promotes a healthier learning and working environment and helps build a culture of wellness across Southern Nevada. As more institutions and public spaces adopt tobacco-free policies, we move closer to a community with healthier air and reduced exposure to secondhand smoke.”
Dr. Seseer Mou-Danha, leader of the Breathe with Ease Team at NSU stated: “I am proud of the impactful initiatives the Breathe with Ease team and stakeholders at Nevada State University have accomplished, especially in regard to implementing the no smoking on campus policy and infrastructural changes to support the policy. These improvements enhance our campus community and school mission.”
The new rule prohibits all forms of smoking and tobacco use—including cigarettes (both commercial and self-rolled), cigars, pipes, hookahs or water pipes—as well as electronic smoking devices like e-cigarettes or vape pens. Bidis (hand-rolled flavored cigarettes), kreteks (clove cigarettes), smokeless tobacco products such as snuff or chew, and cannabis/marijuana in any form are also banned.
While individuals are not required to quit using tobacco products under this policy, NSU offers free cessation resources through the Nevada Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or nevada.quitlogix.org. More information about the policy can be found on NSU’s website at www.nevadastate.edu/policy/current/tobacco-electronic-smoking-devices-on-university-premises/.