Cough sjsu--utilizing campus clubs to mobilize and organize the college community for a clean air campus

Young adults currently use tobacco at higher rates than any age group population. One way to prevent tobacco use initiation, increase quit attempts, and protect individuals from secondhand smoke is adoption of tobacco-free policies. On the College Tobacco Report Card, conducted by California Youth Advocacy Network (CYAN) , on colleges/universities in Santa Clara County, San Jose State University (SJSU) received an “F” on its report card in limiting or /prohibiting tobacco usage on campus. The report card demonstrated that SJSU is not making significant progress towards limiting tobacco use and needs intervention to address gaps in campus tobacco-use policies. Utilizing Socio-Ecological Model of Policy/System/Environmental Change, the adoption of 100% tobacco-free policy will create an environment that promotes health, supports/encourages a tobacco-free lifestyle, and promotes cessation services/support. A Clearing the Air grant was offered by SOPHE on tobacco cessation and as a group effort, SJSU Health Center, CYAN, Dept of Public Health co-wrote and received the grant to get students involved and compensated. This promoted student leadership, advocacy skill-building, and leadership of students. From this grant, COUGH@SJSU was re-started as a campus club to educate the campus community on smoke free policies. COUGH@SJSU partnered with other campus organizations and departments to organize and develop creative campus events and unique activities to bring the awareness of a smoke free campus and encourage tobacco cessation and healthier habits. The actions of the students clubs/departments have brought significant change to the campus, to which there is now a smoke-free resolution at the Chancellor's office.