Smoke-free policy still faces opposition
Carl Kurek
Issue date: 2/8/10 Section: News
PUC started the fall 2009 semester as a smoke-free campus and nearly six months later, there is still a struggle to get everyone to comply. The university decided not to enforce the policy but instead to rely on cooperation from smokers on campus, and they are still intending to do so.
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Advancement Wes Lukoshus, said that numerous challenges arise when trying to transition a campus of PUC's size to a smoke-free environment.
"Our position thus far has been that of being patient and willing to work with members of our campus community to help them understand and comply with our new policy," said Lukoshus.
According to Lukoshus, instead of issuing citations, University Police officers as well as administrators and others respond to violators by reminding them that the campus is smoke-free. He said that individuals often put out their cigarette when officers approach them.
Second semester freshmen John Kutscher and Jesse Saddler are both smokers who are not in favor of the current policy.
"I don't think they should ban smoking because it's people's choice whether they smoke or not and everybody should have a choice," said Kutscher.
Saddler realizes that secondhand smoke is the main concern but believes that in an outside environment-as long as smokers stay away from entrance ways-it should not be a significant issue.
Both students believe that it is unfair that smokers can no longer be shielded by buildings from inclement weather and are instead forced to stand on the perimeter of campus or walk to their cars to have a cigarette.
Lukoshus said that the university has no plans to accommodate individuals who smoke.
"Providing campus spaces or areas, covered or otherwise, for use by individuals who choose to smoke sends a message that is contrary to our current smoke-free campus policy," said Lukoshus.
SGA President Jessie Martin said SGA is in favor of the smoking ban and pleased when it was passed, but they are disappointed with the enforcement of it.
"Self-enforcement is going to be the key," said Martin, "It's going to call for those who don't smoke to stand up to those who do and let them know we don't want smoking on campus."
Lukoshus said that a recent University Police survey indicated that smoking is occurring more often inside personal vehicles, which is permitted by the current policy, rather than in the open.
"There is greater compliance to the policy now than six months ago. We remain hopeful that over time, compliance will continue to increase," said Lukoshus.
PUC Wellness Coordinator Martha Lowry offered a six-week class last fall to smokers who wanted to quit and she remains available to conduct one-on-one counseling to those who want to kick the habit.
The university supported the smoking ban after student researchers found that 61% of people surveyed were in favor of a smoke-free campus.
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Advancement Wes Lukoshus, said that numerous challenges arise when trying to transition a campus of PUC's size to a smoke-free environment.
"Our position thus far has been that of being patient and willing to work with members of our campus community to help them understand and comply with our new policy," said Lukoshus.
According to Lukoshus, instead of issuing citations, University Police officers as well as administrators and others respond to violators by reminding them that the campus is smoke-free. He said that individuals often put out their cigarette when officers approach them.
Second semester freshmen John Kutscher and Jesse Saddler are both smokers who are not in favor of the current policy.
"I don't think they should ban smoking because it's people's choice whether they smoke or not and everybody should have a choice," said Kutscher.
Saddler realizes that secondhand smoke is the main concern but believes that in an outside environment-as long as smokers stay away from entrance ways-it should not be a significant issue.
Both students believe that it is unfair that smokers can no longer be shielded by buildings from inclement weather and are instead forced to stand on the perimeter of campus or walk to their cars to have a cigarette.
Lukoshus said that the university has no plans to accommodate individuals who smoke.
"Providing campus spaces or areas, covered or otherwise, for use by individuals who choose to smoke sends a message that is contrary to our current smoke-free campus policy," said Lukoshus.
SGA President Jessie Martin said SGA is in favor of the smoking ban and pleased when it was passed, but they are disappointed with the enforcement of it.
"Self-enforcement is going to be the key," said Martin, "It's going to call for those who don't smoke to stand up to those who do and let them know we don't want smoking on campus."
Lukoshus said that a recent University Police survey indicated that smoking is occurring more often inside personal vehicles, which is permitted by the current policy, rather than in the open.
"There is greater compliance to the policy now than six months ago. We remain hopeful that over time, compliance will continue to increase," said Lukoshus.
PUC Wellness Coordinator Martha Lowry offered a six-week class last fall to smokers who wanted to quit and she remains available to conduct one-on-one counseling to those who want to kick the habit.
The university supported the smoking ban after student researchers found that 61% of people surveyed were in favor of a smoke-free campus.
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