Effective May 31, 2013, we became a tobacco-free campus. This date was purposefully chosen to coincide with World No Tobacco Day, a 24-hour abstinence from tobacco created by the World Health Organization in 1987 and celebrated annually around the globe.

What does it mean to be a tobacco-free campus?

No tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, chew, or electronic cigarettes including vaping products) are allowed on campus. This includes not only the building, but the parking lot and grounds, as well.

Can I smoke in my car?

No. As long as the car is located in the parking lot, this is part of our campus, and no smoking is allowed.

Where can I use tobacco?

You may go out onto Montpelier Road or anywhere past the stop sign once you are off campus.

Why did we become a tobacco-free campus?

While we support every person’s right to choose to use tobacco, we are a university that is dedicated to improving health and wellness. To this end, because second-hand smoke is a detrimental agent, we seek to protect all of our community members.

What if I see someone smoking or using tobacco on our campus?

If you see people smoking or using tobacco products on our campus, please kindly remind them of our tobacco-free status, and ask them to put out their cigarette, dispose of their tobacco product, or stop use of their electronic cigarette. If they refuse, please report this to the front desk ambassador.

What resources are available if I want to quit smoking or if I am having trouble getting through the school or work day without smoking as often?

We have several support resources available for those who wish to reduce or quit smoking:

  1. All students, staff, and faculty are able to take advantage of free acupuncture detox sessions at Laurel Wellness, located in Room 10 on the 2nd floor, every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Spaces are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. You may come at any time during those two hours and no appointment is needed. Please allow at least 15 minutes for your treatment. For more information about Laurel Wellness, please contact Rhonda Armero at .
  2. Staff and faculty also may contact Higher Ed Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) at 1-800-252-4555 or www.HigherEdEAP.com to speak to a professional who can provide support and referrals to other helpful resources, if needed. 

Additional organizations and websites available:

  • Howard County Health Department offers free smoking cessation classes and prescription products for those who need it. Call 410-313-6265.
  • Howard County General Hospital provides a two-hour monthly class to learn tips for quitting the tobacco habit and mastering long-term success for those who want to quit and those who have already quit. Call 410-740-7601.
  • Nicotine Anonymous (NicA) provides a 12-step program, meeting schedules and locations, print materials, and how to start a group in your area. Contact 1-877-879-6422 or www.nicotine-anonymous.com.
  • QuitNet offers free, cutting-edge services to people trying to quit tobacco. Contact www.quitnet.com.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office on Smoking and Health provides a free quit support line. Contact 1-800-784-8669 (1-800-QUIT-NOW) or www.cdc.gov/tobacco.
  • National Cancer Institute provides quitting information, quit-smoking guide, counseling, and referrals. Contact 1-877-448-7848 or www.smokefree.gov.
  • American Heart Association offers quitting tips and advice. Contact 1-866-399-6789; www.everydaychoices.org.
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides advice on protecting children from secondhand smoke, the Smoke-free Homes Pledge, and other tobacco-related materials. Contact 1-866-766-5337 (1-866-SMOKE-FREE) or www.epa.gov/smokefree.
  • American Lung Association Quit provides materials (including some in Spanish) and a low-cost quit-smoking program. Contact 1-800-548-8252, www.lungusa.org, or www.ffsonline.org.
  • American Cancer Society provides information and support for those wanting to quit smoking. Contact 1-800-227-2345 or www.cancer.org.
  • Publichealth.org offers a guide about the effects of smoking and options to help you quit. Visit www.publichealth.org/smoking-in-america.

(Please note that inclusion on this list does not mean that MUIH endorses these programs.)

Where can I get more information about our tobacco-free status?

Official policies and literature are currently being finalized, and will be posted here, as well as any additional resources.