TODAY'S QUESTION: Will MU's smoking ban encourage smokers to quit?

A letter from MU Chancellor Brady Deaton sent out Wednesday reminded students, faculty and staff that as of July 1, MU will extend its smoking ban. It will limit lighting up to certain designated areas of campus.

The step is the second in a four-part process toward making MU a smoke-free campus. The university's current policy prohibits smoking within 20 feet of doors, windows and fresh air intake systems on campus.

Deaton said MU is aiming to be smoke free by Jan. 1, 2014.

Deaton said more than 500 campuses nationwide are smoke free. Missouri State University plans to join those ranks by August 2012.

Several smoking cessation programs are offered through the Smoke-Free Mizzou website. Deaton said they can help students and staff quit by helping establish a plan and possibly providing nicotine replacement therapy.

Will the ban and MU's cessation programs be enough to get smokers to drop the habit?