Spring Break
Ad hoc committee favors smoke-free university
Laura Houser & Megan Weiland
Issue date: 4/10/07 Section: Campus
Based on results obtained from a survey, the ad hoc committee on the smoking policy reported to Miami's university senate Monday that they are in a consensus to make the campus smoke-free.
Miami's already established smoking policy prohibits faculty, staff and students from smoking within 25 feet of all university buildings, including indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, bridges, walkways, parking garages and theaters.
Before making amendments to this current policy, the committee released a survey in February to all students, staff and faculty offering them a chance to voice their opinions about smoking on campus.
"We have a consensus as to the direction we would like to go," said Jay Barden, senior building and grounds manager and member of the committee.
Six thousand members of the Miami community responded to the survey with 52 percent supporting a completely smoke-free campus. Additionally, 62 percent reported in favor of a smoke-free campus with additional support groups available for those who need them.
Barden said they will not go forward with the smoke-free policy unless there is an interim period in which therapy and support were offered for those quitting.
"To be perfectly honest, it looks like we're going smoke free," Barden said.
One concern being considered is the economics of a decision like this for facilities such as the Marcum Conference Center and the Miami Inn.
Barden worried people might not return if they were prohibited from smoking even in these buildings and said they were considering creating designated smoking areas for visitors and significant donors staying there.
Barden added this policy would only affect university property and university maintained streets.
The committee hopes to create a final report and recommendation by the end of April.
Institute paid parental leave
The senate also endorsed a proposal to provide paid parental leave to benefit eligible employees.
Miami's already established smoking policy prohibits faculty, staff and students from smoking within 25 feet of all university buildings, including indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, bridges, walkways, parking garages and theaters.
Before making amendments to this current policy, the committee released a survey in February to all students, staff and faculty offering them a chance to voice their opinions about smoking on campus.
"We have a consensus as to the direction we would like to go," said Jay Barden, senior building and grounds manager and member of the committee.
Six thousand members of the Miami community responded to the survey with 52 percent supporting a completely smoke-free campus. Additionally, 62 percent reported in favor of a smoke-free campus with additional support groups available for those who need them.
Barden said they will not go forward with the smoke-free policy unless there is an interim period in which therapy and support were offered for those quitting.
"To be perfectly honest, it looks like we're going smoke free," Barden said.
One concern being considered is the economics of a decision like this for facilities such as the Marcum Conference Center and the Miami Inn.
Barden worried people might not return if they were prohibited from smoking even in these buildings and said they were considering creating designated smoking areas for visitors and significant donors staying there.
Barden added this policy would only affect university property and university maintained streets.
The committee hopes to create a final report and recommendation by the end of April.
Institute paid parental leave
The senate also endorsed a proposal to provide paid parental leave to benefit eligible employees.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Jessica
posted 4/10/07 @ 10:08 AM EST
It is absolutely ridiculous to make a campus smoke-free. I have been a youth advocate for many years against Big Tobacco. And no matter how passionate I am about this cause, I am still against a smoke-free campus. (Continued…)
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