The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will ban the use of all smoking, tobacco and vaping products on its properties starting Jan. 1.

Formed through a student-led initiative, the tobacco-free policy prohibits the use of all smoking, tobacco, vaping and related products on university property.

The change follows a national trend to enact smoke- and tobacco-free policies designed to encourage healthier campus and work environments, and aligns with initiatives at a majority of Big Ten institutions and other universities in the state.

In March, the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska and a university-wide exploratory committee conducted a survey of students, faculty and staff to gauge interest in creating a tobacco/smoke-free policy. The survey showed that 83.8 percent of students as well as 88.4 percent of faculty and staff supported the enactment of restrictive smoking policies at Nebraska.

As the university readies to enact the policy, students, faculty, staff and visitors are encouraged to take appropriate steps to prepare for the change. Resources for tobacco cessation and policy education are available at the university’s information page regarding the new policy.