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AUS campus smoke-free

Promoting a healthy environment for university students, the American University of Sharjah announced its transition to a smoke-free environment on Sunday. With the new initiative, smoking will no longer be permitted in areas outside buildings in the plaza area of the campus.

“Our drive is to make the campus smoke free, pollution free and dirt free,” said Dr Peter Heath, Chancellor, American University of Sharjah (AUS).

As for the reason behind the decision, he cited the health of those who do not smoke as a cause of prime concern. Passive or second-hand smoke is known to cause health problems for non-smokers.

The decision that applies to all students, employees and visitors was first announced by His Highness Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah and Founder and President of American University of Sharjah, during the Fall 2010 commencement ceremony held recently.

“The AUS aims to become a model institution in a variety of areas. In this context, I am happy to announce the launch of the university’s new incentive for both personal and environmental wellbeing and am, therefore, pleased to declare the campus a smoke-free zone as of next semester,” said Shaikh Sultan.

The policy will restrict smokers to the smoking room in the student centre.

An ongoing internal awareness campaign aims to promote the fact that the AUS campus will be smoke-free, and it aims to intensify efforts to help smokers quit. As an incentive, “the Health Clinic on campus offers special programmes for those who wish to give up smoking. However, people desiring to smoke can do so in the smoking room in the student centre”, the Chancellor added.

The Sharjah Ruler also mentioned that the university has, within the same framework, commenced an ambitious plan to reduce the consumption of water and electricity on campus, including at all student and faculty residences.

muaz@khaleejtimes.com