The University of Saskatchewan is not ready to follow its Regina counterpoint's example and declare a 100 per cent smoke-free campus.

"There are challenges," Patti McDougall, vice-provost of teaching and learning at the U of S, said in an interview with CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning.

McDougall said the university is always looking at and assessing the idea of a 100 per cent smoke-free campus.

"There are complexities. I think that we try to take a proactive approach, getting out educational materials, particularly to our students. We change as the legislation changes and the needs of our campus changes, so it's something we will continue to discuss," she said.

Patti McDougall, University of Saskatchewan vice-provost of teaching and learning suggested that an outright smoking ban is complex and may have to happen in increments. (CBC)

Among the complexities, according to McDougall, is the geographical size of the campus. It's not like a high school, she said, where it is easy for people who want to smoke or vape to leave the property. As it stands, smoking is allowed only outdoors on campus, well away from buildings.

Cancer society pushing for change

The Canadian Cancer Society says the U of S can do better.

"We are urging universities and colleges to have a 100 per cent smoke-free campus policy," said spokesperson Rob Cunningham.

We are urging universities and colleges to have a 100 per cent smoke-free campus policy. - Rob Cunningham, Canadian Cancer Society

Cunningham said that about 65 campuses across the country are 100 per cent smoke-free.

"It provides protection from second hand smoke and discourages smoking," he said. "It's one thing to be able to have a cigarette between classes. But to [have] to go off campus, it's a motivator to quit."

Legal pot use presents a challenge

There is some pressure for universities to clear the air on smoking policies as the country moves toward legal recreational cannabis use in October. Cunningham said about two-thirds of the university campuses that are smoke-free have included cannabis.

For McDougall, this particular element in an overall smoking policy for the U of S is less complicated, as provincial law already bans any smoking of cannabis in public.

"It includes everywhere," said McDougall. "There can be no consumption of cannabis."

She reiterated that the U of S is in a constant process of reviewing its policies on smoking on campus. McDougall suggested that a move to a 100 per cent ban might best happen incrementally, so that smokers have time to adjust.

At some point, McDougal said, the U of S will be a smoke-free campus.