One of the largest community college systems in the country has announced plans to have a smoke- and tobacco-free campus. The change goes into effect on July 1 of next year for the Maricopa County Community College District.

The program is part of a new district-wide initiative called Maricopa Breathe Easy that is designed to promote health among the students, faculty members and staff of the Maricopa community colleges.

Chancellor Rufus Glasper said the district is making this announcement well in advance of its implementation to give students and employees plenty of time to adjust to this change.

The district plans to offer smoking cessation programs to help students and staff adjust to the changes.