The ambition of the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne is to ban smoking in all indoor and outdoor spaces, while reserving dedicated areas for smokers on the outskirts of campus.
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Cigarettes are outside. And especially not within the walls of the university. This is the ambition of the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne which announced this ambition this Thursday, November 7. While tobacco-free month began in November, the university wants to go further.
The University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA) today launched its Tobacco-Free Health Campus (CSST), “confirming its commitment to the health and well-being of its students and staff”. This initiative, presented by Professor Vincent Durlach, doctor specializing in metabolic diseases and tobaccoology, Doctor Julien Camiat, head of university clinic and Fany Reffuveille, vice-dean of the UFR of pharmacy, “is part of the National Tobacco Control Plan 2023-2027, echoing the 2003 WHO Framework Convention, which aims to reduce the harmful consequences of smoking on the population“.
Clearly, the objective will be to ban smoking in all indoor and outdoor spaces, “while reserving dedicated areas for smokers on the outskirts of campus”. This approach, supported by the deans of the health campus components, “aims to provide a healthier environment and reduce exposure to passive smoking for campus users.”
To support this tobacco-free campus, “free smoking cessation aid is offered to students and staff“. Since October 22, 2024, a cessation support area has hosted consultations with tobacco specialists as well as stress management workshops.
With the support of Professor Karine Gallopel-Morvan from the School of Advanced Studies in Public Health in Rennes, instigator of the first tobacco-free campus in France, “the tobacco-free campus of the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne relies on recognized expertise. This project, financed to the tune of 72,000 euros by the Regional Health Agency (ARS) Grand Est, benefits from support until 2025 for sustainable implementation.
The URCA aims to position itself as a “reference player in health prevention and the fight against smoking”. Furthermore, a steering committee was established in June 2024, and the system will be evaluated between June and September 2025 to measure its impact and adjust actions. This tobacco-free campus model aims to serve as an example by encouraging tobacco prevention in university environments.
