Mar 28, 2013 07:26 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Following the footsteps of other major universities, University of California (UC) campuses will also be implementing a ban on smoking, beginning next January.

However, the UC San Diego (UCSD) campus will be smoke-free by September itself.

 "This will contribute to a healthy environment for all staff, students, faculty and visitors," Karen Calfas, Vice Chancellor in charge of wellness-related services at UCSD said.  "Quitting smoking is the single most important health behavior people can change to improve their health."

Calfas said that smoking is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality.

Carlos Auyon, a recent graduate of UCSD, hailed the decision and said that this policy also benefits the non-smokers.

Currently, smoking is not permitted in campus buildings and within 25-feet of an entryway.  But it is allowed in parking lots, near the library and on campus sidewalks and pathways.

According to a study conducted three years back, 14-percent of UCSD students smoke.

If a person is found violating the ban, once this policy is implemented, he/she will be educated on the policy and will be told to promptly implement it instead of being punished.

Similar to UCSD, Cleveland State University has drafted an anti-tobacco policy that bans anyone from using tobacco of any kind on campus including parking garages, lots and personal cars being used for university business, starting next fall.

Joe Mosbrook, director of strategic communications, said that the university was trying to encourage a culture of non-smoking, akin to policies adapted at restaurants and indoor facilities.

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