Joining a growing trend among universities, San Diego State University will become a smoke-free campus beginning next year, according to university officials.
On its website, SDSU introduced a new policy that will ban smoking from in or around campus buildings, the Viejas arena, auxiliary buildings, and in parking areas.
The policy will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2014, weeks before students return on Jan. 22.
Although smoking was allowed on campus up until this point, since 2011 it could only be done in twelve designated areas. In accordance with the new policy, ashtrays in those areas will be removed and replaced with signs about the smoking ban.
The decision to ban smoking altogether on campus was the result of a resolution that was developed and voted on by the university’s senate with help from union officials.
“I think the feeling is they wanted to create a healthier environment for the campus community,” said Greg Block, Director of Media Relations and New Media at SDSU.
Block said he thinks the decision will likely be met with some opposition, but the majority of students and faculty will be happy with it.
Over the past few months, there has been an increase in universities choosing to go smoke-free.
Most recently in September, UC San Diego instituted a policy against all smoke and tobacco products. All UC campuses will be required to do the same by January 2014.
