Appalachian State University has adopted a new smoking policy as of Aug. 15.

The new policy prohibits all students, university employees, visitors and guests of the university from smoking anywhere other than designated areas, according to the university’s smoking policy manual.

The designated smoking areas can be found in the smoking manual’s smoking map.  Smoking remains prohibited within any university property, vehicles or buildings.
The aim of the policy is to eliminate the potential of secondhand smoke and create a smoke-free campus.

“Immediately, when a person smokes or is in an environment where secondhand smoke is inhaled, there are a significant number of body changes,” said Dr. Bob Ellison, director of Health Services.

The changes include an increase in blood pressure and heart rate as well as many other respiratory complications, Ellison said. The effects of secondhand smoke in non-smokers are not equivalent to that of a smoker, but can present some of the same bodily changes and health risks.

Appalachian is dedicated to a healthy work and living environment, and this policy is being put in place to benefit both smokers and non-smokers on campus, according to the manual.

“I think the campus initiative is to bring smoking awareness and its seriousness to everybody, not just students,” Ellison said.

Dean of students JJ Brown said the policy change means that students who are smokers will need to be educated on the appropriate locations where smoking is permitted.

“I hope that members of our community will work together as we help transition to this new approach,” Brown said.

This policy will be enforced by ASU Police as they will make main campus their primary concentration, ASU Police Chief Gunther Doerr said.

Violations of this policy will result in an infraction and $25 fine pursuant to NCGS, according to the Policy Manual.

More information about policy and procedure can be found online in the Appalachian State University Smoking Policy Manual.

Story: HANNAH MAGILL, Intern News Reporter
Photo: COURTNEY ROSKOS, Senior Photographer