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2004

NSU Wellness Committee begins to explore the topic of establishing a smoke-free university.  Smoke-free universities are beginning to sprout nation-wide.

2007

NSU begins seriously considering adopting a more restrictive smoking policy.

Fall 2007

NSU authors a survey regarding smoking habits and feelings among university students, faculty, and staff at both the main NSU campus and all satellite campuses.  This includes on-line students. The survey results were as follows:

• 3,307 respondents
• 8.26% indicated they were smokers (273)
• 75.14% in favor of smoking zones (2,485)
• 68.64% in favor of prohibiting smoking totally (2,270)
• 47.87% not aware of current NSU smoking policy (1,583)

Summer 2009 

After almost two years of university-wide discussion and research, to include administrators and student government representatives, NSU decides to limit smoking on its main campus to twelve (12) designated smoking zone locations.  Canopies, benches, and ash trays are provided at these locations.

Fall 2010

A tremendous amount of feedback was received through the Chancellor's annual town hall meetings that the smoking zone concept was not working.  It was reported by students and employees that they witness multiple smoking violations on a daily basis. These violations were not being addressed and were having negative impact on students academic success and employee work performance.

Winter 2011

NSU authors a second comprehensive survey regarding smoking habits and feelings among university students, faculty, and staff at both the main NSU campus and all satellite campuses.  This includes on-line students. The survey has additional questions regarding the 2009 policy revision and smoking zones. The results were as follows:

• 2,146 respondents
• 7.74% indicated they were smokers
• 65.75% in favor of prohibiting smoking totally
• 17.05% not aware of current NSU smoking policy
• 56.4% of smokers say they have smoked in a designated zone
• 18.03% say they have confronted someone smoking outside of designated zone
• 71.97% said they would not or have not confronted someone because of a lack of importance, a lack of responsibility, or a lack of comfort to do so.

Spring 2011

Chancellor Ferrero sends out a mass e-mail to the NSU community to give everyone a final chance to offer feedback on smoking and the likelihood of NSU becoming a smoke-free campus.

Summer 2011

An internal task force evaluates all research, feedback and findings and recommends to President George Hanbury and Chancellor Ray Ferrero, Jr. that NSU become a tobacco-free university effective July 1, 2012.  The President accepts this recommendation.

November 17, 2011

In conjunction with the nation-wide Great American Smoke-out, President Hanbury formally announces that NSU will become a tobacco-free university effective July 1, 2012.