In spring 2008, the student-led Student Health Advisory Board proposed that OSU adopt a smoke-free policy to reduce second-hand smoke exposure. The vice provost for student affairs appointed a task force to further examine the proposal. Over the following two years, the task force gathered feedback from the Corvallis campus, as well as other campuses and organizations that had a smoke-free or tobacco-free policy, and recommended a smoke-free policy at Oregon State. A smoke-free policy was adopted at OSU effective September 2012, and a completely tobacco-free policy became effective September 2019.
Smoking is not allowed within the campus boundary. Smoking is permissible on sidewalks that border OSU's boundaries.
Oregon State University’s Corvallis campus is a nonsmoking environment — you are not allowed to smoke while on campus. Come prepared with your own nicotine-replacement therapies to help manage your cravings while on campus. The use of electronic cigarettes will not be allowed.
Apart from nicotine-replacement therapy techniques, there are things you can do to help cope with your cravings. Nicotine cravings only last about three minutes, so one of the most important things you can do is delay. When a craving hits, find something to distract you until the feeling passes. Go for a walk, drink water or snack on something healthy.
The Oregon State University community is here to help you be successful. If you need help to quit tobacco, contact Student Health Services for its tobacco cessation program at 541-737-WELL (541-737-9355). Services for students are free and include a visit with a tobacco cessation coach, nicotine gum or patches, and additional resources to help you quit.
If you are not ready to meet with a health educator, the wellness team at Student Health Services also has a vast array of brochures and health education materials to assist with tobacco cessation. Visit room 337 at SHS for more information.