Tobacco Ban on Campus Divides Student Body- Final

Tobacco Ban on Campus Divides Student Body

Texas State University adopted a ban on all tobacco products. The ban took affect August 1, 2011 and has since left the student body questioning its effectiveness.
                 
University President Denise Trauth announced the tobacco free policy in May of last year and sent out an email to all students and faculty via e-mail. Trauth said the main reason for the smoking ban was due to the health risks related to tobacco use.

The policy states “Texas State University is committed to maintaining healthy and safe campuses in San Marcos and in Round Rock,” however some feel this commitment isn’t being taken seriously by all.
               
Students report witnessing the policy being ignored daily, “The ban is pointless because students still smoke,” said Nick Juarez, freshman art major. “The ban is a good idea but it needs more enforcement.”

Several surveys were completed showing that 78.7 % of Texas State students believe there are potential benefits of TSU becoming a completely smoke-free campus and 67 % were in favor of becoming a completely smoke-free campus. With so much support for a smoke-free campus where does the lack of compliance stem from?   
                 
Many feel that the lack of compliance stems from the authorities shortage of enforcement. “It would be more effective if the rule was enforced more strongly. There's really no one out there regulating it or offering consequences for not following the rule,” said Courtney Williams, Social Work major.

 Rather than abiding by the rules people are trying to go around the system. “I feel like the smoking ban really pushes smokers into corners, literally, and makes us have to hide. Some people choose not to hide it, but only because they haven't been approached by authority yet,” said Collin Sutton geography major.

The policy clearly states that everyone on campus must comply with the tobacco free ban. Instead of leaving the enforcement to university police the policy asks individuals who observe policy violations to inform the violator of the universities prohibition of tobacco products. If the individual continues to violate the rules then the correct authority should be notified.

Also, rather than directly putting a ban on tobacco products some students believed designated smoking areas would have been a better option.

Sources:

1.       National College Health Assessment Survey (2010)- Texas State University

2.       Email from President Trauth regarding the tobacco free policy

3.       Nick Juarez

4.       Courtney Williams.

5.       Collin Sutton

6.       Texas State University tobacco free policy

Tobacco Ban on Campus Divides Student Body-Final

Tobacco Ban on Campus Divides Student Body

Texas State University adopted a ban on all tobacco products. The ban took affect August 1, 2011 and has since left the student body questioning its effectiveness.

                 

University President Denise Trauth announced the tobacco free policy in May of last year and sent out an email to all students and faculty via e-mail. Trauth said the main reason for the smoking ban was due to the health risks related to tobacco use.

The policy states “Texas State University is committed to maintaining healthy and safe campuses in San Marcos and in Round Rock,” however some feel this commitment isn’t being taken seriously by all.

               

Students report witnessing the policy being ignored daily, “The ban is pointless because students still smoke,” said Nick Juarez, freshman art major. “The ban is a good idea but it needs more enforcement.”

Several surveys were completed showing that 78.7 % of Texas State students believe there are potential benefits of TSU becoming a completely smoke-free campus and 67 % were in favor of becoming a completely smoke-free campus. With so much support for a smoke-free campus where does the lack of compliance stem from?   

                 

Many feel that the lack of compliance stems from the authorities shortage of enforcement. “It would be more effective if the rule was enforced more strongly. There's really no one out there regulating it or offering consequences for not following the rule,” said Courtney Williams, Social Work major.

 Rather than abiding by the rules people are trying to go around the system. “I feel like the smoking ban really pushes smokers into corners, literally, and makes us have to hide. Some people choose not to hide it, but only because they haven't been approached by authority yet,” said Collin Sutton geography major.

The policy clearly states that everyone on campus must comply with the tobacco free ban. Instead of leaving the enforcement to university police the policy asks individuals who observe policy violations to inform the violator of the universities prohibition of tobacco products. If the individual continues to violate the rules then the correct authority should be notified.

Also, rather than directly putting a ban on tobacco products some students believed designated smoking areas would have been a better option.

Sources:

1.       National College Health Assessment Survey (2010)- Texas State University

2.       Email from President Trauth regarding the tobacco free policy

3.       Nick Juarez

4.       Courtney Williams.

5.       Collin Sutton

6.       Texas State University tobacco free policy

Smoking Ban questionable without enforcement

It has been over half a year since Texas State University’s smoking ban has took effect on August 1, 2011 the San Marcos campus as well as the Round Rock campus. But many students feel the enforcement isn’t being forced properly.

"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.

The smoking ban is enforced on all university property including buildings, athletic recreational fields, the golf course, parking garages and lots, Sewell Park, Freeman Ranch and even in your own vehicles.

When asked about the impact on the smoking ban on campus, elementary education major and 2 year smoker Ashley Winslow said, “I don’t think it has made an impact it’s not going to stop smokers. "I think it's more of an appearance thing for Texas State to be able to say we're a smoke free campus," said English major Collin Couey. "They don't enforce it very well."

University Police does not regularly look for smokers on campus and they don’t have the resources to do it. The university’s attempt for the ban doesn’t seem sincere but only something to be gained, a good reputation.

University policy also states for students or employees who see tobacco violations to speak to a management official if the violator refuses to follow the ban but students seem confused on how to enforce without the police’s help.

Colin Sutton, a geography major states, “Some people choose not to hide it, but only because they haven't been approached by authority yet.” Sutton and other students seem to bring up the biggest issue of no real enforcement on campus.

The ban took place after Dr. Emilio Carranco, Director of the Student Health Center, showed a study that students attending smoke free campuses were 23 percent less likely to start smoking. The university is hoping to increase health awareness and get student’s to quit smoking.

A common resolution said among the students is to have a specific location dedicated to smokers decreasing and helping the students allergic to tobacco or with health problems. President Trauth faces many other issues for example campus construction, constant increasing enrollment and budget cuts but the smoking ban seems to fall short leaving no concrete manpower or impact for students.

Smoking Ban Generates Mixed Reviews

    On August 1, 2011 Texas State University implemented a ban against tobacco use on all university property. A research survey was conducted in 2010 to get faculty and student input on the subject. With 67 percent of students and 75 percent of staff in agreeance with a smoke-free campus, President Denise Trauth confirmed the ban last april.
    “Our decision to become a tobacco-free university is based on the scientific evidence regarding the harmful effects and health risks of tobacco,” Trauth said.
Some students support Trauth in her decision and see the new law as a positive change for the school.
    "It's a step in the right direction," Social Work major Courtney Williams said. "I've already noticed less cigarette butts on the ground."
    Communication Design major, Seth Davis, was once a smoker but has stopped due to health reasons. Recognizing the rewards the ban has to offer the school, he is in full support of it.
    "It's one of the best things to happen on campus in a long time," Davis said. "It will be great, it makes it more pleasant for everyone walking around on campus."
    Even with the health benefits and decrease in litter, Geography major, Colin Sutton still sees flaws in the ban.
    “I feel like the smoking ban really pushes smokers into corners,” Sutton said. “Maybe a better solution would be to have designated smoking areas.”
    Sutton is not the only one who feels changes should be made to the no-tolerance rule.
    “I think they should have made designated smoking area," English major Collin Couey said. "I don't think they should've gone straight to a ban."
    Whether for, against or indifferent to the ban, the most prominent problem, according to students,  seems to be the enforcement issue. The policy states that anyone who see tobacco violations should inform the person smoking of the ban. If they refuse to comply, the observer should then report the violator to a management official. But students wonder how long smokers will follow the guidelines if no one is there to make sure they do.
    "It would be more effective if the rule was enforced more strongly," Williams said. "There's really no one out there regulating it or offering consequences for not following the rule."
     Despite the discrepancies, the university stands by the ban and continues to do more to help tobacco users within the school. The Health Center on campus is providing a free smoking cessation program for students for $10.

Sources:
http://www.txstate.edu/effective/upps/upps-04-05-02.html
http://www.healthcenter.txstate.edu/SERVICES/tobacco-free.html
Courtney Willaims
Denise Trauth
Seth Davis
Colin Sutton
Collin Couey

Smoking Ban in Effect or Ineffective?

Texas State University employed a tobacco ban on both its campuses on August 1, 2011, banning the use of all tobacco products. Almost six months later, students are not convinced the ban is working.

The leading policy statement states Texas State University is committed to maintaining healthy and safe campuses in San Marcos and in Round Rock. The ban applies to faculty, students, visitors and employers of contractors and subcontractors. The tobacco-free policy is not limited to cigarettes alone, but includes any form of tobacco.

The enforcement of this policy rests in the hands of the Texas State community; it is up to the on-campus community to report smoking violations. Section 3.01 states that any person who observes tobacco policy violations should inform the violator that the use of tobacco is prohibited. If the violator does not adhere to the policy, then it is up to the observer to report the violation to a management official.

Smokers and nonsmokers alike feel that the ban has proven to be ineffective so far.
Ishmael Johnson, mass communication major sophomore, a nonsmoker, does not think the ban will have an impact. “Instead of less smokers there are more cigarette butts on the ground,” Johnson Said. “The ‘community enforcement’ policy of the smoking ban does not work because people are apprehensive about confronting their peers.”

Another student, Ashley Moran, chemistry major freshman, agrees that the smoking ban is ineffective. Moran, a smoker of one year, does not think the university can do anything to better enforce the ban. “It’s such a big campus that it would be hard to enforce it,” Moran said. “And it would be really hard to also.”

Texas State University President Denise Trauth made a statement concerning the policy in April 2011. “Our decision to become a tobacco-free university is based on the scientific evidence regarding the harmful health risks of tobacco,” Trauth said.

Trauth also included information regarding resources available to both students and faculty that want to quit smoking, including telephone hotlines and online cessation programs. Additionally, smoking cessation programs are available to employees through their health insurance plans as well as to students at a discounted rate through the Texas State Student Health Center.

Even with these resources available, students still do not think the ban is going to have an impact. “You can make your own decisions,” said Natalie Oliver, interdisciplinary studies major sophomore. “It’s not going to stop the smokers.” Oliver herself is a smoker.

Ashley Winslow, interdisciplinary studies sophomore, is also a smoker. When asked how she feels about the smoking ban, Winslow said, “We get it, but it really hasn’t changed anything.”


sources:
Tobacco Policy:
http://www.txstate.edu/effective/upps/upps-04-05-02.html

President Denise Trauth’s Statement:
http://www.healthcenter.txstate.edu/SERVICES/tobacco-free.html


Ashley Miller

Scarce enforcement snuffs smoking ban effectiveness - FINAL

By Alyssa Vidales

Sights and smells of cigarette smoke have some Texas State students convinced that the new campus smoking ban has yet to be properly enforced.

“[The ban] is pointless because people don't pay attention to it,” said Ashley Moran, chemistry freshman. “It’s not a bad idea, though.”

Effective as of August 1, 2011, the “tobacco-free” policy prohibits the use of tobacco products on campus to better reduce health risks and harmful effects attributed to public smoking, according to an announcement issued last year by Texas State president Denise Trauth,

According to the tobacco policy, “The university expects that all Texas State community members and others who use tobacco products will voluntarily comply with this policy’s spirit and intent.”

Ishmael Johnson, journalism sophomore, says placing the responsibility of the smoking ban’s success on students rather trained authorities signals a problem with the tobacco-free policy.

“The ‘community enforcement’ policy of the smoking ban does not work because people are apprehensive about confronting their peers,” he said.

 "I think it has raised more problems and a complete ban wasn't the correct way to go about the smoking situation.”

While two studies conducted by Texas State in 2010 found that 65 percent of students and 75 percent of university faculty and staff favor a smoke-free institution, some students say the consistent presence of campus smoking speaks louder than statistics.

Colin Sutton, geography junior and avid smoker, says he likes the idea of limiting smoking in public for health reasons but doesn’t agree with how the policy bans smoking on campus altogether.

“I feel like the smoking ban really pushes smokers into corners, literally, and makes us have to hide,” he said. “Some people choose not to hide it, but only because they haven't been approached by authorities yet.”

Students who do smoke on campus have been seen doing so behind corners of buildings and on less-traveled pathways. Select areas are littered with cigarette butts, suggesting these refuges to be makeshift designated smoking area where authorities rarely enforce the smoking ban.

Natalie Oliver, interdisciplinary studies sophomore, says she smokes on campus despite the smoking ban but is conscious of where she lights up.

“If no one is cracking down, people will continue to smoke,” she said. “They will just hide more.”

Oliver says understands not everyone approves of her habit but doesn’t care how others perceive her when she smokes.

“I understand not everyone wants to smell like smoke,” she said. “It’s not going to stop the smokers. You can make your own decision

Sources:

http://www.healthcenter.txstate.edu/SERVICES/tobacco-free.html

http://www.txstate.edu/effective/upps/upps-04-05-02.html

Is a tobacco free campus fair to all?

Brandon Searcy

02/14/2012

MC 1313

TTH-930-1050

Is a tobacco free campus fair to all?

With Texas State University becoming a tobacco free campus before the start of the 2011 fall semester to minimize health risks, and putting students in a divide about the policy.

 The Texas State University tobacco ban was implemented on August 1, 2011. The policy states “Texas State University is committed to maintaining healthy and safe campuses in San Marcos and in Round Rock.” In President Trauth’s announcement over the policy she states “Our decision to become a tobacco-free university is based on the scientific evidence regarding the harmful effects and health risks of tobacco.”

While there is a difference in opinion between students about the tobacco ban, some believe it will make an impact and be more pleasurable for everyone.

"It's one of the best things to happen on campus in a long time." Seth Davis, communication design senior said when asked how he felt about the smoking ban.

"No, I don't anymore.” said Seth, when asked if he smoked. “I do not want to die young and be unhealthy."

"It's a positive change for the school.” said Courtney Williams, social work. “It won't work 100% but it's a step in the right direction."

Others believe that smokers aren’t being fairly treated and they have the right to use tobacco on campus.

"I don't like it because you should be able to smoke where you want to." said Hannah Schneiderman, English and philosophy sophomore.

"At first I was a little pissed off.” said Tiffany Rainey, English Major “It was so sudden." When asked if she has been confronted about smoking on campus, "Girls have said hateful things.” said Tiffany “One girl told me, 'You're wrong for that.'"

With the conflict of interest between students about the Tobacco Policy, you wonder if it will be embraced or will a plan that “meets in the middle” so all students can be happy.

Sources

Texas State Tobacco Policy- http://www.txstate.edu/effective/upps/upps-04-05-02.html

President Trauth’s Tobacco Policy Announcement- http://www.healthcenter.txstate.edu/SERVICES/tobacco-free.html

Seth Davis, communication design senior

Tiffany Rainey, English Major- 4.0 Student

Courtney Williams, Social Work

Hannnah Schneiderman, English and philosophy sophomore.

Students' Opinions on Tobacco Ban Differ

Students' Opinions on Tobacco Ban Differ

      Students at Texas State University have different opinions on its tobacco-free policy. In the six months since the ban took effect, students have observed its effects, or, according to some, lack thereof.
      The ban applies to all parts of the campus and some students have received it well. Tiffany Rainey, an English major at Texas State, said that the ban has helped her to decrease her cigarette intake. Other students, however, feel that the ban went too far.
      “I think rather than ban it, they should just make special areas for smoking,” said Iza Martinez, a graduate student getting her Master’s in literature. Many students feel that the main problem, however, is lack of enforcement.
      “I think it’s more of an appearance thing for Texas State to be able to say we’re a smoke-free campus. They don’t enforce it very well,” said Collin Couey, an English major. According to university President Denise Trauth’s tobacco-free policy announcement, the decision to ban tobacco came based on scientific evidence about its harmful effects on health.
      In addition, her announcement revealed that in a survey conducted by the National College Health Assessment in 2010, 67 percent of Texas State students supported a smoke-free campus. Another survey from the same year conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that 19.3 percent of adults in the U.S. are current smokers, with a higher prevalence in the Midwest and South.
      The official university tobacco policy states that students or employees who witness tobacco violations should inform those smoking of the ban. If they refuse to comply, observers should report violators to a management official.
      Students who would like assistance to quit smoking are welcome to participate in the free smoking cessation program at the Student Health Center. Discounted smoking cessation medications are also available.

Campus Tobacco Ban Still In Place

Campus Tobacco Ban Still In Place

A campus wide tobacco ban has been in effect since fall 2011 at Texas State Unviersity. According to the university, a survey conducted on campus found, 67 percent of the students surveyed favored the ban.

         Prior to the ban, only high traffic areas on campus, such as the quad, were smoke-free.

         University President Denise Trauth announced the ban April of 2011. Trauth noted the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and, the student body’s desire to go smoke-free.

         Despite the ban students can still be found smoking on campus. Which poses a question, “how is the smoking ban being enforced?”

         Collin Couey, English senior, was asked about his view of 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. They don’t enforce it very well.”

         Due to the limited number of officers employed by the university it is unrealistic to believe that Texas State would use its limited manpower to troll the quad for smokers.

         Texas State University’s Tobbaco Policy states, “The university expects that all Texas State community members and others who use tobacco products will voluntarily comply with this policy’s spirit and intent.”

         The only penalty students face is a report to the dean of the Students Office.

         For this, the smokers rejoice. Every student knows where to catch a classmate on his smoke break, near the bus loop, behind Derrick Hall, or next to the Taylor-Murphy building.

         Many student smokers accredit their habit to stress caused by their workload. Ashley Winslow, elementary education sophomore, admitted she is one of those students, “we try not to smoke in the middle of the campus… I try to hide.”

         Despite the criticism there are students, staff and faculty members who continue their support for the ban. Courtney Williams, social work junior, said, “It’s a positive change for the school. It won’t work 100 percent, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

         The American College Health Association urges universities to become tobacco-free. ACHA also states, “environmental tobacco smoke has been classified as a Class-A carcinogen and that there is no safe level of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), a recognized toxic air contaminant.”

         Both the city of San Marcos and the University of Texas are considering similar tobacco bans inside of local businesses and on campus.

 By: Victoria Gomez

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GRADING RUBRIC 

Texas State Tobacco-Free Progress (Story 2 Final)

Texas State Tobacco-Free Progress

Students are continuing to light up cigarettes six months after a tobacco-free policy was set in place for Texas State University, leaving many with divided reactions.

“As Texas State becomes a tobacco-free institution, the use of any tobacco products will be prohibited on all university properties and in vehicles owned or leased by the university,” Texas State president, Denise Trauth, said in a university-wide email. “The university expects all faculty members, students, employees of contractors and subcontractors, and visitors to comply with this policy’s spirit and intent.”

Texas State University’s Tobacco Policy has had over a decade of progress by becoming smoke-free inside all university buildings and vehicles in 2000 and several outside smoke-free zones were established in 2005. In 2010, the smoking policy was scheduled for review and update.

The tobacco ban officially came in to effect August 1, 2011. According to the Texas State University’s Tobacco Policy, the rules ban tobacco use on all parts of campus including Sewell Park, the Golf Course, Bobcat Stadium and all university athletic or recreational fields.

“Tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco and all other tobacco products,” the director of the student health center Emilio Carranco, M.D., M.S., said.  According to the university’s official tobacco policy, “The University will deal with tobacco policy violations on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the university’s established disciplinary policies. Persons that repeatedly violate the tobacco policy should be reported to the appropriate administrative official.” 

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Secondhand smoke exposure can increase a nonsmoker’s risk for heart disease or lung cancer by up to 30 percent.”

“It is the third leading cause of preventable death in the U.S.,” according to a published report on http://www.smokefree.org said. The website also states, “Even 30 minutes of exposure to secondhand smoke can slow blood flow through the coronary arteries and increase the risk for blood clots.”

Texas State students are divided on the effect of the tobacco-free policy.

“It's a good idea,” Colin Sutton geography junior said.  “I wish I didn't smoke, but I do. I agree that second hand smoke is not healthy, and the cigarette butts also cause a littering problem on campus. I feel like the smoking ban really pushes smokers into corners, literally, and makes us have to hide.”

"Second-hand smoke is deadly around you, even on skin and clothes from the person sitting next to you,” Ronald Cichocki, history senior said.

“People talk and get angry,” Tiffany Rainey, English junior said. “They feel it (the ban) was a misrepresentation of people who actually gave input. I don't want to smoke. I have a need and if the ban is enforced I'll quit."

Many students have opinions about the location of the tobacco-free ban. 

“I know a lot of people are upset about it and I know there is a lot more tension between smokers and nonsmokers," Hannah Schneiderman English sophomore said. "I don't like it because you should be able to smoke where you want to."

"I don't smoke, and I'm allergic to smoke, Collin Couey,” English senior said. “I don't think it should be banned. I think they should have made designated smoking areas. I don't like walking behind someone who is smoking but I don't think they should've gone straight to a ban."

The Texas State Student Health Center offers a free smoking cessation program for all enrolled students. The smoking cessation program includes assessment, educational resources and support by a trained nursing staff. Telephone help lines include: The American Cancer Society 1-877-YES-QUIT (1-877-937-7848) and the National Cancer Institute 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

Story 2 final draft

Students evaluate tobacco ban

The tobacco ban that Texas State University implemented in August 2011 has left some students wondering if it has accomplished anything.

Certain areas on campus such as the Quad were designated smoke-free in 2005. Now, Texas State is the first university within the Texas State University System to prohibit the use of tobacco products anywhere on its campus.

The university website said that 67 percent of students surveyed and 75 percent of faculty and staff members surveyed were in favor of a smoke-free campus.

In an announcement to the university, Texas State University President Denise Trauth said that the reasoning behind the ban was scientific evidence of the health risks associated with smoking.

Students and others on campus are expected to comply with the ban, according to the policy on the Texas State website. However, some students said the ban is ineffective because they had not seen anyone enforcing the ban.

Jamie Peterson, a graduate student studying technical communication, is in favor of the ban, but does not think it’s working. “…I see people smoking all the time," said Peterson.

Indeed, there are students who admitted they still smoke on campus. Natalie Oliver and Ashley Winslow, both sophomore interdisciplinary studies majors, said they usually just hide when they smoke.

It seems that many students who still smoke on campus hide behind buildings because they believe the Texas State University Police Department will not do anything to stop them.

Violators of the policy can be reported to the Dean of Students or to their respective supervisors, but the policy does not say that tickets may be issued by the police department.

Students like senior English major Collin Couey suggested an alternative to the ban on smoking.  “I think they should have made designated smoking areas…I don't think they should've gone straight to a ban," said Couey.

But, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, simply separating smokers and non-smokers does not eliminate all of the risks associated with secondhand smoke. Any exposure is potentially dangerous.

Despite some pessimism, there are students who are optimistic about the ban. "It's one of the best things to happen on campus in a long time," said Seth Davis, senior communication design student.

“I think people will get used to it over time,” said Danielle Blackburn, freshman political science major.

Junior English major Tiffany Rainey said that she has cut back on smoking since there are no ashtrays on campus, and if the ban was enforced better she would quit.

A smoking cessation program is offered for free, and medications designed to help students quit are available at discounted prices at the Student Health Center, according to the university website. The hope is that the ban will provide motivation for students to use the available resources to quit.

Sources: Collin Couey, Ashley Winslow, Natalie Oliver, Jamie Peterson, Danielle Blackburn, Tiffany Rainey, Seth Davis

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services news release:

http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/12/20101209a.html

Texas State University tobacco-free policy/Dr. Trauth’s announcement:

http://www.healthcenter.txstate.edu/SERVICES/tobacco-free.html

Texas State Student Weigh In On Tobacco Ban (final)

Liza Winkler

2/15/12

Texas State Students Weigh In On Tobacco Ban

Word Count: 594

Texas State students have responded with relatively positive compliance to a campus-wide tobacco ban policy implemented over six months ago.

Smoking was first banned inside university owned or leased buildings and vehicles in 2000.  The Quad, the outdoor areas near Alkek Library and the Academic Services Building breezeway became smoke-free seven years ago.

Texas State was the first university in the Texas State University System to implement a tobacco-free policy which went into effect on Aug. 1, 2011.

Iza Martinez, literature masters student, is a nonsmoker. Martinez said she thinks students hide more frequently around campus to smoke since the tobacco ban was put in place. She said the university should revert back to designating special areas for smoking rather than ban tobacco entirely.

“I think the smoking ban was brought in because the smoking population is way smaller than the non-smoking population,” Martinez said. “Maybe they wanted to make the campus better for the majority.”

Natalie Oliver, interdisciplinary studies sophomore, and student smoker, said she has not seen any university officials enforcing the smoking ban around campus. She said she would stop smoking on campus if she was approached by a police officer about her behavior.

“If no one is cracking down, people will continue to smoke,” Oliver said. “People will just hide more. I definitely don't smoke mid-campus though because that's not fair for other people to smell smoke.”

Repetitive reminders for tobacco ban violations can result in student referral to the Dean of Students Office. Faculty member violations are reported to the Office of the Provost and staff members consult with the Joanne Smith, vice president of Student Affairs, for any referrals.

Emilio Carranco, director of the Student Health Center, said the University Police Department received 117 reports of smoking violations on campus last semester. He said five students, no faculty members and one staff member were referred to the respective department officials for repeated violations of the tobacco ban.

Jamie Peterson, technical communication masters student, is a nonsmoker. Peterson said she has only observed a few people smoking at Texas State in comparison to her undergraduate college where smoking was permitted. 

“In the long run, I think hopefully people will realize it's just too much trouble to walk off campus to smoke,” Peterson said. “They have to trek up or down the hills and they realize they can't breathe. Maybe it's because they smoke all the time.”

Tiffany Rainey, English junior, and student smoker, said she has no where to put her cigarette butts since the university removed ashtrays as part of the tobacco-free policy. She said she has already cut back on smoking and will quit smoking on campus if the tobacco ban is enforced more visibly.

"At first I was a little pissed off [about the tobacco ban], it was so sudden,” Rainey said. “Girls have said hateful things to me when they see me smoking. One girl told me, 'You're wrong for that.’”

Seth Davis, communication design senior, is a former smoker. Davis said he quit smoking because he did not want to die at a young age and be unhealthy. He said more students need to abide by the tobacco-free policy instead of smoking in hidden areas.

"[The tobacco ban] is one of the best things to happen on campus in a long time," Davis said. “It makes it more pleasant for everyone."

Students can receive aid to quit smoking at the Student Health Center with a free cessation program and discounted cessation medications. Faculty and staff can utilize the on-campus smoking cessation program for $10.

Sources

Iza Martinez - literature masters student

Natalie Oliver - interdisciplinary studies sophomore 

Emilio Carranco - director of the Student Health Center

Jamie Peterson - technical communication masters student

Tiffany Rainey - English junior 

Seth Davis - communication design senior
Student Health Center website - http://www.healthcenter.txstate.edu/