A letter from President Kelley: Choose to UNDO

The University of North Dakota is launching the “Choose to UNDO” campaign in conjunction with the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout, which will be celebrated nationally on Thursday, Nov. 18.

The purpose of the “Choose to UNDO” campaign is to invite UND students, faculty, staff and administrators to band together to support ongoing efforts to “UNDO” the damage caused by tobacco use and second hand smoke. Although important progress has been made on campus and in the community, cigarette smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, resulting in approximately 443,000 deaths annually. Second-hand smoke is estimated to cause an additional 46,000 heart disease deaths and 3,400 lung cancer deaths in non-smokers each year in the United States.

What you can “DO” to support Tobacco-free UND:

• Educate yourself and others about the Tobacco-free UND policy and quit tobacco options.
• Quit tobacco for the day (and maybe for life).
• Abide by the tobacco-free campus policy.
• Respectfully inform individuals of the policy when you observe violations.
• Motivate others to learn more about the policy and cessation options.

Compliance with the tobacco-free campus policy is the responsibility and right of all UND students, staff, and faculty members. Tobacco use is not allowed on UND property. Tobacco use is allowed on city sidewalks adjacent to city streets. An updated map highlighting campus and city property is available at the link below. Questions about policy applicability may be directed to the UND Safety and Environmental Health Office by telephone: 701.777.3341 or e-mail: safety@und.edu .

A comprehensive array of quit tobacco options are available to help those who are ready to quit. I invite those who use tobacco to take advantage of the support available to assist you. Questions about quit tobacco options may be directed to the Health and Wellness Resource Office by telephone: 701.777.2097 or e-mail: health&wellnessresources@mail.und.edu .

A video of UND community members sharing why they are tobacco-free, a list of quit tobacco options, an updated map, policy information, frequently asked questions, and downloadable materials are available at www.tobaccofree.und.edu . Print materials and quit tobacco kits are also available at the Health and Wellness Resource Office in the Memorial Union.

Please join me celebrating the Great American Smokeout and in supporting a Tobacco-free UND throughout the year.

— President Robert O. Kelley.