Sometimes getting started is the most difficult part of policy review and change. This example provides the key steps to an effective policy.

To begin, the American Cancer Society's Smoke-free New England Division has created a set of six standards for creating a tobacco-free campus:

1) Prohibit tobacco use on all college properties, including residence halls.

2) Prohibit the sale of tobacco products on campus.

3) Prohibit the free distribution of tobacco products on campus, including in fraternities and sororities.

4) Prohibit tobacco advertisements in college-run publications.

5) Provide free, accessible tobacco treatment on campus and advertise it.

6) Prohibit campus organizations from accepting money from tobacco companies.

Using these standards as guidelines can help campuses determine a starting point as well as give concrete objectives to strive toward. To view a sample policy for a tobacco-free campus visit www.cancer.org and search for Smoke-Free New England.