Smokers at CSU-Monterey Bay will have to take a couple of steps back when it's time to light up.

The school enacted a rule this month stating that smokers must be at least 25 feet away from any building, window or door when they smoke. The policy was the brainchild of a five-member student group trying to increase campus awareness about tobacco and tobacco-related products.

Several student smokers on campus were unfazed by the changes.

"When you enter buildings you don't want smoke in your face," said smoker Emily Chalmers, who is a junior.

Between drags, Chalmers said that at other schools, smoking is limited to parking lots.

"I don't mind the 25 feet," Chalmers said.

Her only concern was that it could be difficult to take a smoke break and be back in class if the smoking location was far from her classroom.

Freshman Emme Engleman said she heard of the new policy via word-of-mouth.

She is hoping for an overhang or an area where smokers can sit, smoke and dump their ashes rain or shine.

Nonsmokers Kelly Bohn and Shawna McDonnell are happy with the new change.

"It is easier for us nonsmokers," McDonnell said. "I like it because I don't smoke and I don't like to smell it."

McDonnell and Bohn both live on campus and had experiences with smoke creeping into their rooms.

Student Wendy Fernandez wasn't concerned with the smoking policy. Fernandez said the wind would end up blowing the smoke toward people.

"I just don't think it is needed," Fernandez said. "It is windy regardless of 25-feet or not. It'll get to you anyways."

Members of the Campus Advocacy Mentorship Program, a program of the American Lung Association of the Central Coast, worked for more than a year to pass the rule.

Jaylene Appelbaum, the group's project coordinator, said the new policy was approved by CSUMB President Peter Smith but it took awhile to get it through on campus committees.

"It has been going really well," said Appelbaum about the new policy.

The policy for government buildings is 25 feet and CSUMB extended it a little further.

"We haven't heard any oppositions to this point," said Holly White, spokeswoman with CSUMB.

"This policy is definitely a big deal. Their tenacity, patience and willingness to go through a complex process paid off."

Smokers who are caught puffing away too close to buildings will be given a warning through the end of the current school year. And smokers who are at least 25 feet away from buildings will be given gift certificates or a prize for obeying the rules.

Fines will most likely be given out next fall, Appelbaum said.

Appelbaum said the committee is working toward positive reinforcement and education to get the new word out about the policy.

The group will be hosting a poster contest for the new signs that eventually be hung.

In the meantime, Appelbaum and others have been getting the word out.

"People have been talking about the policy," Appelbaum said.