Lessons learned from tobacco-free U.S. colleges and universities

The purpose of this study was to assess tobacco-control policies and practices of 100% tobacco-free U.S. colleges and universities. Key informants from 162 participating institutions completed an online survey, providing descriptive data for their current tobacco-control policies and practices. While the majority of the data was quantitative, the survey also included 3 open-ended questions to provide informants with the opportunity to offer "lessons learned" pertaining to issues encountered during campus transition to becoming a tobacco-free environment. Common themes and recommendations emerged with regard to policy development, implementation, ongoing practices, and enforcement. These findings may serve as a helpful resource to other academic institutions in their development of public health policies and practices for a healthy tobacco-free environment.