Smoking zones set to start today

The University of Southern Mississippi's new smoking policy will go into effect today as the spring semester begins.  

Over Christmas break, new signs were placed where students and faculty members are permitted to smoke on campus.  Starting today, the University Police Department will begin to ticket people who smoke in prohibited areas.

According to a USM press release, the smoking policy was initiated in the fall semester, and violators will be subjected to a $100 fine.  The Department of Residence Life will also be considered authority and can ticket offenders.

According to the Student Health Services website, smoking in vehicles or tobacco related littering will also be subject to a $100 fine.

Proponents of the policy hope the zones will make Southern Miss a cleaner and healthier campus and environment.  For more information about the smoking policy, visit USM's Health Services Website at http://www.usm.edu/student-health-services/smoking-policy.