UMass Dartmouth officials and students have been working for a year to make the university smoke and tobacco-free. Now its official. As of June 1st, the campus has been declared smoke, tobacco and e-cigarette-free.

University spokesman John Hoey tells WBSM News, "its not about the prohibition as much as it is about the education. By putting these restrictions in place, it really requires us to go the extra mile to educate people about smoking, and the dangers of smoking."

Several university organizations are involved in educating students about the impacts of smoking. For example, a certified smoking cessation specialist from the American Lung Association ran two, eight-week "Quit Smoking" groups each semester, and more are planned for the next school year.

Also, the university's Office of Student Affairs has continually updated the campus on the policy change, and will discuss the smoke-free policy with incoming students and families at Orientation.

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