With the goal of creating a more positive and healthy place for students, the University became tobacco free on Aug. 17. | Photo illustration by Sonia Zuniga
Students had mixed feelings about UH officially became a tobacco free campus on Aug. 17 in an effort to become a healthier Tier One university.
The University’s policy aims to have a more positive and health-directed impact on the entire student body. According to the Surgeon General, students between the ages of 18 and 25 are the most susceptible to be addicted to tobacco.
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs from the Health and Wellness Center Floyd Robinson said that the health of the entire campus is vital to the future well-being for the University.
“We’re trying to make a positive effect for our community,” said Robinson. “We are concerned about (smoking) issues (that are) affecting our student body and faculty.”
UH anticipates to reduce negative influences and reinforce healthier choices. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the U.S., according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, signaling that more than 480,000 die to second-hand smoking.
Mechanical engineer junior Amy Nicholson said the cigarette smoke “clings to you” as you walk by.
“I’m not a smoker, so it doesn’t affect me,” said Nicholson. “I think a lot of people should just smoke elsewhere.”
While emails and social media posts were created to inform the incoming student body for the fall semester, not all students were aware of this significant moment for UH.
“I definitely didn’t know about (the ban),” said mechanical engineering sophomore Daniel Guerra.
In 2001, the tobacco free policy was first introduced to UH. After deliberations and revising, a plan was set in motion in 2013. This modified version made smoking on campus more difficult, but not impossible in designated areas.
Floyd Robinson expressed that UH supports those who want to quit smoking.
“We hope our students take advantage of this policy, possibly make a change,” Robinson said.
My observation is most students are observing the ban, its the faculty and staff that are ignoring it.