By Oct. 1, Georgia Perimeter College students, faculty and staff should be familiar with the slogan: GPC Tobacco-Free Campus. They’ll also know where to find resources that will assist with efforts to stop using tobacco products.

The GPC Tobacco and Smoke-free Campus Task Force has been busy developing an implementation plan in light of the new University System of Georgia Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campus policy that will go into effect on all GPC campuses on Oct. 1.

The USG Board of Regents voted in March to create a policy that will prohibit the use of all forms of tobacco products on property owned, leased, rented or in the possession of the University System of Georgia. The policy will apply to GPC faculty, staff, students, contractors, subcontractors and visitors.

“The Board of Regents recognizes the serious health implications of both direct use of tobacco products and indirect exposure to the use of tobacco products,” says Julius Whitaker, task force chair and GPC interim director of policy and governance. “The Regents also recognize their responsibility to promote the health and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and visitors.”

“The  USG defines ‘tobacco products’ as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, all forms of smokeless tobacco, clove cigarettes and any other smoking devices that use tobacco, such as hookahs, or simulate the use of tobacco, such as electronic cigarettes,” Whitaker says. For additional information about the USG Tobacco Free Initiative, visit usg.edu/tobaccofree/

GPC follows the lead of more than half of all USG institutions that already are tobacco- and smoke-free and more than 1,000 other colleges and universities that have already implemented tobacco- and/or smoke-free policies. Visit tobaccofreecampus.org to learn more about the nationwide effort.

Information on tobacco cessation programs to help people quit smoking or using tobacco products is available through the GPC Health and Wellness department, Student Health Clinic, the Office of Student Life, and Advising Counseling and Recruiting Services, as well as the university system website, usg.edu/wellness and at cdc.gov .

In addition, the Student Health Clinics will provide low-cost and free nicotine replacement products to currently enrolled GPC students as well as GPC employees. Prescription medications also are available through an appointment with GPC’s nurse practitioner.