Since August 24, 2026, the Cluny campus of the Arts et Métiers , has been participating in the “Smoke-Free Campus” initiative, making it the first institution of higher education in Saône-et-Loire to join the program. The initiative was officially launched on Monday, November 9, in the presence of Dominique Dufour, Prefect of Saône-et-Loire; representatives from Avenir Santé; the city’s mayor; campus administration; and student ambassadors.
An environment that is more conducive to good health
The goal of Campus Sans Tabac is to create an environment that promotes the health and well-being of everyone who studies, works, or visits the campus.
The initiative aims to:
- limit exposure to secondhand smoke and secondhand vapor,
- support people who want to reduce or stop their use
- reduce waste and pollution associated with smoking and vaping.
It helps create a more pleasant environment for studying and working. It is carried out in partnership with Avenir Santé, with support from the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Regional Health Agency. This initiative, which has been underway for three years now, has made it possible to carry out various awareness-raising activities and gradually develop a program tailored to the Cluny campus.
In practical terms, what's changing on campus?
As of August 24, smoking or vaping is no longer permitted in any indoor or outdoor areas on campus: buildings, courtyards, parking lots, green spaces, and walkways. This policy applies to students, staff, contractors, partners, and visitors, including during events held on campus. A designated area for smokers and vapers has been set up. The goal of this initiative is not to stigmatize or penalize those affected, but to balance the protection of public health with support for these practices.
Prevent and provide support rather than ban
Changing behaviors also requires prevention and support. Awareness-raising initiatives are organized on campus, and individuals who wish to reduce or stop their use can be referred to appropriate support services. The approach is based on three principles defined by the campus: respect, compassion, and responsibility. It is therefore not intended as a means of control or punishment, but rather as a collective effort to promote health and well-being.
“When the program was announced, we were a little worried it would create a controlling environment around smoking,” say Paul and Théo, the ambassadors. “But looking back, that’s really not the case, and we’re definitely seeing the effects with some students who want to quit.”
Student Ambassadors: Key Players in the Initiative
This initiative also relies on student involvement. Paul and Théo, second-year students, and Faustine, a first-year student at the Grande Ecole Engineering Programme, are “Campus Sans Tabac” ambassadors. They help bring the initiative to life for other students and spread prevention messages among their peers. This student engagement reflects the program’s goal: to make “Campus Sans Tabac” a collective effort, driven with and by the campus community.
An initiative that is set to take root and spread over the long term
The “Smoke-Free Campus” initiative is therefore not limited to a new set of rules governing the use of campus spaces. The campus is committed to continuing its awareness and prevention efforts, regularly evaluating the program, and maintaining momentum around health and environmental issues. The next campus to take steps toward becoming a “Smoke-Free Campus” will be the Angers campus.
