Four hundred and twenty colleges and universities in the United States have gone smoke free, both indoors and out.
The University is not a smoke-free campus but does have potential to be one if certain policies are taken up.
Delynne Wilcox, assistant director of Health Promotion and Wellness at the Student Health Center, said she likes the idea of a smoke-free environment.
“All communities should aspire to be a smoke-free area, because it makes the community and its members healthier,” Wilcox said.
Wilcox is a health educator, and it is her job to help with the prevention of tobacco use in students and the community. as well as advocate students’ success.
“One way we have tried to help promote smoke-free areas is the formation of the Tobacco Health Strategic Team at the University,” Wilcox said. “This organization, filled with students, faculty and representatives, looks into areas around campus where prevention of smoking can be acted upon.”
According to the UA website, in 2007 the Tobacco Strategic Team at the University obtained support from the Faculty Senate and the Professional Staff Assembly for a proposal to eliminate smoking within 30 feet of the entrance of any building on campus.
While this band is not listed in the UA Student Handbook, UA spokeswoman Cathy Andreen confirmed the University’s efforts to ban smoking in these areas.
“The buildings on campus have been smoke free for many years. Several years ago, action was taken to make the space within 30 feet of the entrances to the academic/administrative buildings smoke free,” she said.
“The Tobacco Strategic Team is now discussing assessing the 30 feet policy to find feedback to see where the policy has had success and look at areas that can be improved,” Wilcox said.
Though it has been proven that smoking is bad for one’s health, many Americans continue to indulge in the habit.
“Approximately 23 percent of men smoke and 18 percent of women smoke,” the American Cancer Society reports. “Most people begin smoking as teens, usually because of curiosity and peer pressure. People with friends and/or parents who smoke are more likely to start smoking than those who don’t.”
Wilcox backed up the American Cancer Society’s report.
“Research is starting to show that students are more likely to pick up smoking during the transition from high school to college,” she said.
Dustin Smalley, a veterinary medicine major, said he smokes for multiple reasons.
“I smoke for two reasons, one being the double effect of knowing that I get a nicotine buzz and alcohol buzz while partying; the other reason being that the stress of school and work causes my nerves to be shot, and a nice cigarette helps me calm down,” he said. “If the University became a smoke-free campus, it would be OK because I know I can still legally smoke and drive.”
Tracsen Hinz, a senior majoring in geography, said she would be able to breathe easier on a smoke-free campus.
“I would feel a lot better about walking to class if we did have a smoke-free campus because then I wouldn’t have to worry about getting caught behind someone smoking and have to breathe the smoke-filled air,” she said. “Sometimes I even hold my breath until I pass them.”
For students who are trying to quit, the University offers support through the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness and the Quit Smart program at the University Recreation Center.
