The plan to make residence halls smoke-free in Fall 2002 has stirred little opposition.
Alan Hargrave, director of Housing and Residence Life, said one smoker has contacted him to voice concerns about the policy change. The smoker who contacted Hargrave could not be reached for comment.
There are currently eight floors on campus where smoking is permitted, Hargrave said.
According to Hargrave, smoking violations have not troubled those in nonsmoking residence halls much, and the majority of those caught only need to be warned.
The only area on campus where smoking in front of the entry way is prohibited is the front porch area of Studebaker West, according to Hargrave.
Junior Amanda Turney is a transfer student from Indiana University and a smoker.
"When I first came here, I was surprised to see that anyone could smoke at all," Turney said. "At I.U., we couldn't smoke whatsoever."
Not all smokers, however, disagree with the change.
"I understand they are changing due to dangers like second-hand smoke," Turney said. "In Brayton/Clevenger last year, our smoking floor was so smoky, I'm sure nonsmoking floors were affected."
According to Kevin Kenyon, director of Facilities, Planning and Management, issues regarding smoking have focused on several key areas. These areas include the prevention of smoking inside entry-way airlocks during severe weather, elimination of excessive cigarette butts on the ground, prevention of smoking near air vents that carry smoke into buildings and the improper extinguishing of cigarettes on dry flower beds in the summer, which poses a fire hazard.
There are no rules regarding how far smokers must stand from campus buildings.
"It has been mentioned, but there are no restrictions on a minimum standing distance so far and such sanctions would be objectionable if passed," Kenyon said.
Hargrave stresses that cigarettes are not illegal and smokers should not feel criminalized in any way. Additionally, realistic enforcement of more restrictions is not likely, he said.
"I think if people use common courtesy when smoking outside and if nonsmokers like myself do not have to push people out of the way or walk through a cloud, then there shouldn't be a need for further restrictions," Hargrave said.
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