In the recently released 2023 College and University Smoke and Tobacco-Free Policy Report Card, CSU Monterey Bay is among 31% of California colleges and universities to receive an A+ rating for their efforts to curb the use of tobacco, tobacco products and e-cigarettes. 

Compiled by the California Youth Advocacy Network, this year's report includes a policy analysis of all 149 public colleges and universities and 109 private institutions affiliated with the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. Approximately 60% of California colleges and universities have a score of 90% or higher. To receive an A+, a school must have a perfect score of 100. 

Ana Hernandez, senior director of health and wellness at CSUMB, said the perfect score reflects CSUMB’s commitment to its students, staff, faculty and administrators. 

“The CSUMB campus community has embraced Health Promotion and Education's smoking cessation resources and Quit Kits,” Hernandez said. “It has also joined the American Cancer Society's annual, nationwide Great American Smokeout during the third week of November, to celebrate giving up tobacco.”

All CSU and UC schools received top ratings for their policies of being tobacco-free campuses as well as prohibiting e-cigarettes. 

Schools are ranked from A+ to F depending upon the degree to which they restrict smoking and the use of other products. Downgrades are given, for instance, for prohibiting tobacco but not e-cigarettes. Schools that allow smoking in parking lots receive a C grade. Those with designated smoking areas draw a D. And, where smoking is allowed on the campus perimeter and entryways, schools are given an F. 

Studies show that smoke- and tobacco-free policies are effective in preventing tobacco and nicotine use among young adults, as well as helping individuals quit using tobacco. The Youth Advocacy Network said it hopes the report will help expedite the process of policy adoption at California colleges and universities that are not currently smoke- and tobacco-free.

It congratulated Los Angeles Southwestern, Mt. San Antonio, and West Los Angeles colleges on the adoption of 100% smoke or tobacco-free policies during the 2022-23 academic year.

For more details, view the full report.