For the last two years, UM-Flint has been working to provide a smoke-free campus to its students as well as employees. Different community and campus surveys finally culminated in a smoke-free campus in July 2011, according to Diana Curran, director of the human resources department.

“It is not 100 percent, but we tried and are trying as much as we can to maintain the situation,” Curran said. “It takes time when any change occurs.”

While the HR Department, along with Student Affairs, is working to implement the banning of smoking on campus, it is also very true that from a smoker’s perspective it is hard to break the habit. Curran said the University is trying to create a growing awareness among the people about it, making them understand through a kind of educating process.

“Because of the fact that the location of the University campus is through many public roads also, it’s very difficult to stop the smoking,” Curran said. Curran also thinks that identifying the proper places and then taking action is the best way to work. “I don’t believe the university is going to be the designated place to smoke under any circumstances.”

Arianna Travis, a freshman majoring in social work, thinks that there should be certain places to smoke on campus for the people who want to.

“I think that it is a very good idea to go smoke-free, but it’s not so effective so far,” Travis said.

According to Curran, the idea of having smoking places on campus contradicts the idea of being a smoke-free campus.

“If any student gets complained about for repetitive smoking, Student Affairs should have to take action against the student,” Curran said. “It might be strict sometimes, leading to suspension from the university. And for any employee, the HR department will take action.”

The Department of Public Safety is also a part of this campaign for a smoke-free campus.

“We’re not directly involved in this matter, but as we always are around the campus, we’re indirectly involved,” Philip Smith, interim director of DPS, said.

Curran encourages students to contribute to the campaign as well.

“If you are noticing someone or any group smoking on campus, please either take the responsibility to say that the University is not the place to smoke or report to Student Affairs or HR department,” Curran said. “We’ll take proper action accordingly.”

Ayana can be reached at ayanag@umflint.edu