Aug. 16--The air should become a little cleaner at Calhoun Community College today when the campus tobacco ban goes into effect.
The ban on smoking and use of all tobacco products anywhere on campus, except in personal vehicles, begins with the staff in-service day that kicks off the 2010-11 school year.
The ban's effects should really become noticeable when fall semester begins Aug. 23.
Despite several smoking students speaking out against the ban when it was announced in June, school President Marilyn Beck said she doesn't expect any controversy as the ban starts.
"Now that we've made the decision, I hope it's not such a big thing," Beck said. "I believe our students and employees will be very cooperative. I'm not saying everybody will be happy, but this is something we need to do."
Some students also praised the ban. They complained of problems with smokers violating campus rules and standing in front of building entrances.
At the June announcement, school officials cited health concerns and the smokers' inability to follow the rules as the reasons for the ban.
Beck said she's already seen less on-campus smoking since the ban's announcement.
Calhoun officials have been trying to make sure everyone gets the news about the ban before it begins. Along with local media coverage, maintenance workers put up signs throughout the campus, and the school website touts the change.
Every correspondence to students and staff reminds them of the ban.
Campus security, which is usually busy dealing with opening-week parking issues, will be highly visible as the ban begins. Public Relations Director Janet Martin said security will hand out warnings in the initial days of the ban. Violators will receive $25 fines for subsequent violations, and the fine doubles if not paid within seven days.
Beck said she spoke with a friend who is a president at a college in another state who has already been through the implementation of a tobacco ban. She said her friend said there's wasn't much controversy there.
"They had very few violations," Beck said. "And security was able to manage any issue."
Beck said a tobacco ban shouldn't be big adjustment since almost everyone has been through similar bans in secondary school, church and government buildings. The city of Decatur recently banned smoking in all public buildings.
"From just the cost standpoint alone, I can't see how anyone can afford to smoke," Beck said.
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