The University of Akron Moves Forward With Second Attempt for A Smoke-Free Campus

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The University of Akron Moves Forward With Second Attempt for A Smoke-Free Campus

Ideastream Public Media | By Michael Bratton

Published April 1, 2016 at 5:32 PM EDT

Plans to eliminate smoking at the University of Akron failed in 2014 after University Council failed to approve it.

Efforts to make the a smoke-free environment are being met with mixed emotions.

A recent survey issued to students and staff about the university鈥檚 smoking policy shows that 54 percent of people believe smoking should be allowed only at specific locations, while 28 percent want to prohibit all tobacco use on campus.

is the administrator of the university鈥檚 recreation and wellness subcommittee. He says the survey information will be used to develop recommendations for changes.

鈥淲e want to make sure we鈥檙e representing our students and campus community here and their needs and what they want," MacDonald said. "So we鈥檙e taking a look at that information, and we鈥檒l be proposing policies that are related to that. You know, a stronger restriction on smoking and tobacco use.鈥�

Recommendations for changes to the university鈥檚 smoking policy will be presented to on April 12. Efforts to eliminate smoking on campus failed to be approved by the council in 2014.