Up in Smoke
Students question ban's effectiveness
Texas State University made another progressive step and became a tobacco-free campus on August 1, 2011.
The ban prohibits smoking and the use of any tobacco product anywhere on Texas State property, which includes Sewell Park, the Golf Course, Bobcat Stadium and all university athletic or recreational fields. The ban also prohibits smoking and the use of any tobacco product in university owned or leased vehicles.
In 2005, Round Rock opened as a smoke-free campus. Health concerns were the reason for making the San Marcos campus smoke-free as well.
"Our decision to become a tobacco-free university is based on the scientific evidence regarding the harmful effects and health risks of tobacco," Texas State University President Denise M. Trauth said.
In 2010, the National College Health Assessment conducted two surveys which showed support for a tobacco-free campus. Sixty-seven percent of students were in favor of Texas State University becoming a completely smoke-free campus.
"I like it," said James DeRoulac, a finance major. "I like it a lot."
However, not all students are in favor of the ban.
"I don't like it because you should be able to smoke where you want to," said Hannah Schneiderman, an English and philosophy major.
The growing question now is whether this ban is effective.
Like a majority of students, Jamie Peterson, a graduate student, doesn't believe the ban is effective.
"I don't think it's working," said Peterson. "I see people smoking all the time."
Students said one problem with the ban's effectiveness is its enforcement.
Natalie Oliver, an interdisciplinary studies major, said she never sees anyone enforcing the ban.
"If no one is cracking down, people will continue to smoke," said Oliver. "They will just hide more."
Collin Couey, an English major, also doesn't see anyone enforcing the ban.
"I think it's more of an appearance thing for Texas State to be able to say we're a smoke-free campus," said Couey.
Students who are against the ban said designated smoking areas would be more effective than the ban.
"I think rather than ban it they should just make special areas for smoking," said Iza Martinez, a graduate student.
With the effectiveness of the smoking ban in question, there are other places smokers can turn to for help with quitting.
The Student Health Center offers students a free smoking cessation program and discounted smoking cessation medications. For faculty and staff, the Student Health Center offers a smoking cessation program for a $10 charge.
There are also many online smoking cessation resources: Quitnet, Smoking Cessation by About.com, Smokefree.gov, My Last Dip and Smokeless Tobacco: A Guide For Quitting.
Not all students have lost hope for the ban though.
"In the long run, I think hopefully people will realize it's just too much trouble to walk off campus to smoke," said Peterson. "That's what I think is going to come out of it if I think positively."
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