Student groups united in promoting a smoke-free campus by kicking it up a notch during the Kickin' Butt at UB celebration in the Student Union on Tuesday.
Through Quit Smoking Drop-In Clinics, which are being offered on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., WES is dedicated to helping students understand their addiction.
The Quit Coach program is also a valuable resource. Students, faculty, and staff who want to quit are paired with a pharmacy student who acts as a quit coach. The student and quit coach meet several times over the course of a three month period.
Quit Clinics are of use to students who are affected on a more emotional level, as many may know someone close to them who smokes. Staff members advise students about how to talk to a friend or family member about quitting.
Besides informing students, the event's main purpose, Daun-Barnett stresses, was to show gratitude toward those who have complied with the policy.
'We want to show appreciation to people who are complying,' Daun-Barnett said. '[Volunteers] who see people [obeying the policy] offer them a coupon for a free gift, and they just bring that to [Wellness Services] before Feb. 12. When they see people smoking in inappropriate places, they are given a policy card.'
Students were given the chance to be a part of WES's documentary about UBreathe Free at the celebration, and many shared their opinions on what changes they have observed on campus and what things seem to be remaining the same.
'I think once it becomes [accepted] that you're not allowed to smoke on campus at all, we will see more change,' said Tegan Leach, a junior computer science major. 'How much change we see depends on the consequences that follow … [The policy] has to be enforced. If someone gets a hefty fine, that will be an encouragement to both them and others who hear about it [to act in accordance].'
Dragana Abramovic, a freshman biology major, thought that the theme of the event was inventive and creative. She believes that though it may not change everyone's attitude toward UBreathe Free and smoking in general, it will get the message out there.
'I thought it was pretty cool,' Abramovic said. 'This will raise awareness. It was a fun show to watch. It will give people more options if they want to quit smoking.'
The Kickin' Butt at UB celebration was just one of the many programs and events that Student Wellness services will be planning in the months to come, according to Daun-Barnett.
'We just wanted to make this fun and kind of an outreach for smokers and nonsmokers,' Daun-Barnett said. 'We want to celebrate how far we've come.'
