* The year 2015 signaled a fresh start for SUNY Oswego. Read the college's new tobacco-free, smoke-free policy and see the related news release.

* The Great American Smokeout was Thursday, Nov. 20. SUNY Oswego held a well-attended promotional event on the Marano Campus Center mezzanine. The team effort of the college's Clean Air Committee, Health Services, Lifestyles, Campus Life and an enthusiastic group of student volunteers made for a first-class awareness- and consciousness-raising happening. Cessation workshops and information, an appearance by hapless character "Ciggy Butts," logo-inscribed bracelets and mints, free food -- Oswego's Smokeout was smokin'!

* Trisha DeWolf, alcohol and other drugs program coordinator, and Donna Jerrett, tobacco-cessation coordinator at Health Services, appeared Oct. 23 in Syracuse on a panel titled "Creating a Tobacco-Free Campus: Lessons Learned" during the annual meeting of the New York State College Health Association.

* The college's Clean Air Committee worked throughout 2014 to raise awareness for Tobacco Free 2015, teaming with Facilities Services to station OzQuits! sandwich board-style signs in campus buildings, tabling at Cruisin' the Campus during orientation sessions and planning on a broad front for education, communication and cessation initiatives, from permanent signage to awareness events.

* President Stanley officially kicked off the OzQuits! campaign on Earth Day, April 22, 2014. Student volunteers assisted Campus Life staff members and other Clean Air Committee members kicking off the educational, communication and cessation campaign leading to the initiation of the college's tobacco- and smoke-free policy.

* In the news:

• CNYCentral.com and its news channels on WSTM and WTVH, reported on SUNY Oswego's tobacco-free policy, as did numerous other news outlets.
• WRVO-FM reported on "SUNY Oswego prepares for Tobacco Free 2015." Perennial winner of regional and statewide awards, the National Public Radio affiliate serves 15 counties in Central and Northern New York, thanks to powerful retransmitters and low-power translators.
• The Daily Orange student-run newspaper reported that Syracuse University will implement a tobacco-free policy on campus beginning in summer 2015.