PLYMOUTH- After recent extensive research The Chemical Advisory Task Force (CHAT) recommended that there needed to be some modification in Plymouth State University’s current smoking policies.
Upon request of President Wharton, CHAT conducted online surveys, held a campus forum, and prepared extensive focus groups/committee discussions on the campus smoking issue. They determined that there was an apparent interest level in a modification of the campus smoking policy.
President Wharton articulated his conclusion of the policy in an email to all students, faculty and staff earlier this month. He said in reference to the new policy “its success depends on thoughtful planning and implementation in a manner that respects all members of our community.”
To ensure this, a “Tobacco Policy Task Force,” which will include smokers and non-smokers, will be formed in order to develop a plan that will smooth over any possible misinterpretations.
The task force duties will consist of making decisions for alternate exterior locations for smokers, and the best disposal options for the cleaning and maintenance aspect. President Wharton exclaims that these changes “fall within an overarching philosophy that on campus, the right to a smoke-free environment is always paramount.”
One of the major changes is the decision to prohibit smoking in front of building entrances. Smoking will no longer be permitted “within 20 feet of any Plymouth State University building or controlled premise, adjacent to air intake units, outside stairways, or on entrance ramps.”
Smoking will also be prohibited in areas during school related events. Some examples of such events are as follows: graduation, any university receptions, groundbreaking ceremonies, and outdoor concerts.
These are all recommendations from CHAT after performing their research. President Wharton accepted the recommendations and has decided to put them into effect beginning in the Fall 2005 semester.
PSU senior Ruth Rice is a non-smoker who, when asked about the new policy, said, “It’s a positive change for the school I think. I feel like if people want to smoke it’s their choice…but there should be more of a designated area instead of people [smoking] in the highest traffic places on campus.”
Senior, Linzi Bisson stated, “Well, maybe it will help me quit!” While the general consensus among students seems to be accepting, some people are not as understanding when asked their reaction to the new policy.
The Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) says that college, for many students, is a smoking transition period. Many start smoking after they begin college, while other students who entered college as smokers, try to quit. The new policy may assist some people in kicking their habit while attending Plymouth State. For the non-smokers, it will assist in having smoke-free lungs.
According to ABC.com, secondhand smoke is responsible for up to 80,000 heart attacks a year in the U.S. alone. College students are not the highest risk demographic for heart disease, but having cleaner air on campus will prevent four years of secondhand smoke learning for PSU students.