UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA), and Health Promotion and Wellness, a unit of Penn State Student Affairs, are teaming up for the Tobacco-Free Campus Ambassadors program, which supports the University’s commitment to a healthful environment for all members of the community.

The program is looking for student ambassadors to participate in the following:

• Approach individuals using tobacco products on campus to let them know about the Tobacco-Free Campus policy.
• Participate in tobacco litter clean-up efforts.
• Give out promotional items and educational materials.
• Provide information about smoking cessation resources.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 30 and applications can be found here.

Student ambassadors will gain leadership experience and resumé-boosting skills as part of this volunteer program.  

Health Promotion and Wellness staff will provide a two-hour training session to the volunteer ambassadors. Training topics will include understanding the health impacts of tobacco use and secondhand smoke, how to approach those who are using tobacco, and smoking cessation and general wellness resources.  

All ambassadors will be asked to attend a training session and commit to 1-3 volunteer hours per week.

Linda LaSalle, director of Health Promotion and Wellness, said that the office is excited to collaborate with UPUA on the creation of the program.

“The program provides an opportunity for students to support a healthy campus environment by educating others about the new tobacco-free campus policy,” LaSalle said.

Penn State’s smoking and tobacco policy, which became effective on Aug. 6, states that, “Smoking and the use of tobacco are prohibited in and on all University owned or leased properties, facilities, and vehicles. The policy includes all University locations with the exception of research or cultural and religious uses. Learn more about the policy at tobaccofree.psu.edu.  

For further information on the ambassador program, contact Lauri Dusselier at 814-863-0461 or promotinghealth@psu.edu.