Towson University will soon be a smoke free campus. Towson will be Maryland's first four year college to ban smoking. The new policy goes into effect in August.
Administrators said they want to reduce health risks from smoking and exposure to second hand smoke. Smoking is already banned in campus buildings at Towson.
Under the new rules, smoking will be off limits on the grounds, on sidewalks, in garages and parking lots. There is also no smoking outside Bill Bateman's Bistro.
Students have mixed emotions about the new policy.
"I don't really mind it at all. All of my friends smoke, but I don't think it will be that much of a change," said Dane Clark, a Towson University student.
"I don't think its right. We are not really hurting anyone from smoking outside. There are designated areas where we can smoke. I don't see the point to ban smoking," said Dave Phillips, a Towson University student.
Towson officials have discussed the ban since last year. The University held forums on the issue for faculty, students and staff. A survey found that a small percentage of students and faculty smoke.
