The University of Texas tower reaches high into the skies of Austin. (credit: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

AUSTIN (AP) - The University of Texas in Austin has gone tobacco-free in a healthy move that could add up to more cancer research money.

UT previously banned smoking in residence halls, during class and at other indoor areas.

The expanded campus-wide policy, citing health and environmental concerns, took effect Monday. School officials announced the change Wednesday, as approved by UT System officials.

More than a dozen temporary tobacco use locations have been set up on the UT flagship campus, through next February, to help ease into the updated ban.

The Cancer Research Institute of Texas in February announced future funding would be contingent on tobacco-free policies by participants.

UT has received about $30 million from the group. School officials say having a tobacco-free campus could mean an additional $88 million.

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