A change in Elon University's tobacco policy prohibits smoking within 30 feet of the perimeter of any building since fall.
The change has be not been accompanied by accommodations for smokers, a possible factor of the ineffectiveness of the policy, according to Jordan Perry, coordinator for student development on substance education.
"Part of the problem is that receptacles can be difficult to find, and to my knowledge, no shelter is available for smoking away from campus buildings in the event of inclement weather," said L.D. Russell, a smoker and lecturer in religious studies.
This may be one reason that there is not more compliance with the policy, Perry said.
"I have noticed more students, faculty and staff who don't abide by the policy," she said. "But is it because they don't know about the policy, don't have alternative receptacles or designated areas, or are willfully disregarding the policy? I just don't know."
High cost contributes to the lack of receptacles, according to Perry.
"If we are still trying to pass a smoke- free or tobacco-free policy, the expensive endeavor would not be worth it," said senior Kelly Little, SPARKS team leader.
There has been no indication from administrators that Elon is moving to a smoke-free campus, Perry said. But 49 percent of students, faculty and staff support a smoking ban, according to a survey given on campus in 2010.
"I would like a smoke-free campus, but I can definitely understand the opposing view," said freshman Chelsea McQueen. "You should be able to smoke in the general area that you live in, at least."
While there is a population in support of a smoke-free campus, others said they believe the current policy is fair to both sides.
"I would not expect the entire campus to be smoke- free because it is a personal decision," said freshman Rachel Lewis. "However, it is something that affects people other than the smoker, which is why I do agree with the (current) policy."
Perry identified secondhand smoke as one of the main motivations behind the policy. Secondhand smoke causes cancer, heart disease and other negative health effects, she said.
"As one who cares about being a conscientious smoker, I appreciate the fact that the university has decided to allow smoking on campus," Russell said. "I also appreciate the restrictions designed to prevent offense to those for whom exposure to secondhand smoke is especially dangerous."
It is unknown whether the policy has affected the number of students that smoke. The 2011 annual Core Alcohol and Drug Survey indicated 13 percent of students on campus smoke three times a week or more. The survey will be given again in the spring.
Studies in other North Carolina universities show that cigarette litter can be an indication of the number of smokers on campus.
A national survey found that about 32 percent of all litter in the U.S. comes from tobacco products. Tom Flood, director of landscaping and grounds, said statistics represent litter in Elon as well, according to Perry.