FAU will be the 24th university in Florida to transition to a smoke free campus

The last phase of a five-year plan, FAU’s smoke-free policy will roll out on Jan. 1, 2015. The policy prohibits cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and all types of smokeless tobacco from being used on campus. This includes all outside areas, currently designated smoking areas, inside buildings and parked cars, and traveling on and across campus. Visitors, vendors, employees—including faculty—are subject to this policy as well.

According to University Policy 4.1.7, “Violations of this policy by faculty, staff and students may be grounds for disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion…and violations of this policy by visitors, contractors, guests and other third parties may be grounds for terminating or suspending their access to and/or use of university property.”

Nonsmokers like freshman Jason Shamesman think the policy could be effective. “Occasionally I see people smoking, but it doesn’t bother me much,  however, this policy might convince students to refrain from smoking.”

But many students, like sophomore Carli Lord, don’t anticipate any radical changes.

For those students who opt to quit smoking, there is a cessation program offered through the Wellness Center, located above the Breezeway. The free six-week course provides group support, coaching, and strategies to quit.

Any students interested in participating may contact the Wellness Center at [email protected] or by calling (561) 297-1048. Off-campus services are listed under Tobacco Free Quit Resources under Health and Wellness Education on the main FAU website.