This fall the University is taking a further step towards becoming a smoke-free campus. Effective fall 2008, there will be two -- and only two -- designated smoking areas, one on the lower campus and one on Lone Mountain. After two years, these two designated areas will most likely be eliminated, and the campus will complete its transition to an entirely smoke-free environment. The University's campus smoking policy is available at the usf smoking policies webpage.

Restricting smoking on the Hilltop protects the health and well-being of all who live, work, study or visit the campus. Keeping our air smoke-free will require some individuals to sacrifice for the good of us all. There is no doubt of the inconvenience this will cause smokers, nor of how it will benefit the campus-at-large. USF's successful transition to a non-smoking environment will require understanding, cooperation and support from non-smokers and smokers alike. The University, through its Health Promotion Services and Well Life program will work to educate the entire university community to the serious health risks posed by smoking, and also to assist those who would like to quit smoking.

USF aims to distinguish itself as a diverse, socially responsible learning community of high quality scholarship and academic rigor. The creation of a smoke-free environment at this point is the socially responsible course of action based on extensive and rigorous research findings. In this instance, head and heart require us to change in the small world of USF. I ask your cooperation and support in effecting this change.