The NIU smoking policy that went into effect Sept. 1 has caused few problems and has inspired more than 25 faculty and staff members to quit smoking.

Pat Hewitt, Interior Facilities Committee chairman, said, “People seem to be adapting to it (the smoking policy). There have been a few rough spots in some buildings, but I haven’t had any smokers call up and say it (the policy) is unfair.”

Some non-smokers have called to complain about the allowance of smoking in designated areas and private offices of certain university buildings, she said.

Under the new policy, certain areas of university buildings have been allowed to be designated as “smoking areas.”

Hewitt said that the physical plant has installed ventilation systems to circulate the air in smoking areas. However, she said, “To a non-smoker the air may still be a little heavy.”

About six university buildings have specially-designated smoking areas, including Lowden Hall and Swen Parson Hall, Hewitt said.

There have only been a couple of incidents reported of people not abiding by the smoking policy, Hewitt said. People having problems with others smoking in non-designated areas should bring their complaints to the area supervisor or NIU employees, she said.

Hewitt said that if assistance is not found on these levels, people can contact the area vice president.

She said any problems should be easily taken care of and she is “assuming that no vice presidents will have to get involved, but it is in place in case that has to be done. We are not looking to develop smoking police,” Hewitt said.

Clinics have been available to faculty, staff and student smokers who wish to quit smoking, Hewitt said.

Gary Gresholdt, administrative associate to Jon Dalton, NIU vice president for student affairs, said a seven session “Freedom from Smoking” clinic will begin Sept. 20.

Gresholdt said the clinic is a development of the American Lung Association and is available to a maximum of 25 NIU faculty and staff members.

The clinic will be facilitated by the DeKalb County Health Department.

“The clinic is in response to the smoking policy,” he said.

The usual registration fee for the clinic is $35, but it is currently available to NIU faculty and staff free of charge, Gresholdt said.

“More than 25 (faculty and staff members) have expressed interest in the clinic. We do have a waiting list,” he said.

Hewitt said that in a survey taken last year, more than 60 faculty and staff members were interested in a smoking clinic.

Michael Haines, NIU Health Enhancement Services coordinator, said that although the service has offered smoking clinics to students and staff in the past, there are currently no programs being offered.

Haines said, “Students are pretty healthy when it comes to smoking.” He said students tend to smoke less than older adults.

“Our office prepares more information as to why they (students) shouldn’t start smoking,” he said.

Last November the service offered a smoking clinic during the “Great American Smoke Out” week, but only three students and one staff member attended, Haines said. He said the service probably will offer a clinic later this year, but currently recommends students to the American Lung Association off campus.