Following two years of debate and research, UMass Dartmouth has become a smoke-free university, aligning the campus with similar policies found at a majority of two-year colleges around the state.

The policy bans cigarettes, tobacco products and e-cigarettes and came into effect on June 1. Previously, smoking was acceptable throughout the property save for the inside of university-owned vehicles and all buildings.

This shift in policy came about after David Milstone, associate vice chancellor for Student Affairs, assembled a committee to discuss the issue in 2013. Members of the committee included students, faculty, smokers, nonsmokers and student unions.

The group looked at regulations found at other colleges, weighed the benefits and costs of shifting the policy and conducted an online survey.

“There was a difference of opinion throughout, but most people were in favor of limiting smoking on campus,” said Sheila Dorgan, director of Student Health Services. “Some had the opinion that it should be nowhere on campus, some thought it should be in a designated area. An overwhelming majority wanted something done.”

Those who argued against an outright ban raised concerns that, without proper receptacles for cigarette butts, the policy would increase litter. Some argued simply that people had a right to smoke.

“It was a long process. Everybody got to give their say. It ended up that we would become smoke, tobacco and vapor free on June 1, 2015,” said Dorgan.

The most recent data on the number of smokers at UMass Dartmouth is from three years ago and was nearly identical to the national average, just under 18 percent. Today, Student Health Resources is trying to provide a way for those smokers to quit.

“We can see our students for one-on-one counseling. That’s covered under the Affordable Care Act — and no co-pay and no deductible because it’s a preventative visit,” said Dorgan.

The university also offers one-hour classes on quitting and links to online resources and smartphone apps.

Some students questioned how their peers will react to the policy.

“I’m glad that there’s efforts to limit secondhand smoke because it can really affect someone’s health. At the same time, it’s people’s decision whether or not they want to do it, and they have a right to make that choice.” said student Nikki Butts, 20, adding that personally, she’s glad to see a shift in policy.

“It’s definitely a health concern, especially when you walk to class and there will be people smoking, putting secondhand smoke in your face. It makes me angry,” she added.

“I think it’s a great idea; I think it’s going to be awful to enforce. People are going to be mad,” said student Nicole Messcher, 21.

She said students are aware that the policy came into effect but that she's still seen others smoking.

“It’s tough to enforce a policy when people have been doing it for three years, like seniors,” said student Adrian Bermudez. “It’s not going to be a smooth transition, that’s for sure.”

Dorgan said that new students and their parents have been mailed information regarding the policy change. Students who continually disregard the regulations will be referred to student conduct personnel. Dorgan doesn’t expect that the new rule will have to be enforced with a heavy hand.

“We’re hoping initially that a majority of people would follow the regulation. We’re going to implement it and see how people react and see what we can do to encourage people to become ex-smokers,” said Dorgan.