In a couple of days, a new smoke-free campus policy will be enforced, on the same time tobacco will be a thing of the past on campus.

According to the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation, there are at least 394 campuses nationwide that adhere to such strict standards. UF is the first public university in the state to adopt such a policy starting Thursday.

The policy prohibits the use of any tobacco products, even smokeless products like snuff or electronic cigarettes.

The ban applies to all UF-owned facilities, including those outside of Alachua County. Tobacco users will also be prohibited from using products in their cars on any campus parking lot or road. It also applies to university-recognized locations on the UF campus, such as fraternity and sorority houses.

The policy is part of the Healthy Gators 2010 Initiative, which is dedicated to promoting a healthy campus environment, according to UF spokesman Steve Orlando.

If caught using tobacco, violators will be reminded of the policy and asked to comply. Students who refuse will be dealt with by the Dean of Students Office, while staff members will answer to their immediate supervisors.

Repeat violators will face harsher consequences, although Orlando said punishment isn’t the emphasis.