By
Kristopher Califano
Arizona Daily Wildcat
New plan prohibits lighting up in offices, within 25 feet of buildings
Revisions to the UA's new smoking policy have made it even tougher for smokers to find a place to light up on campus.
The new procedure, which was approved by University of Arizona President Peter Likins in July, prohibits employees and students from smoking in university offices and within 25 feet of buildings.
Within the guidelines to last semester's policy, some people were capitalizing on its vagueness and smoking in their personal offices. Also, there was no clause mandating that smokers stand a minimum distance away from buildings.
Melissa McGee, health educator from the UA Campus Health Service, said the necessity for a revised plan was a direct result of the vague exception regarding offices. The old policy allowed people to smoke in areas where air quality affected others, which was the main concern behind last semester's action.
"Our intent was not to stigmatize those who smoke, but to maintain air quality," McGee said.
Exceptions to the updated policy include the Corleone Apartments, Babcock Inn Residence Hall, stairwells that have been approved for smoking and buildings not owned by the university. The new revision also calls for a prohibition of smoking within 25 feet of any UA building entrance, exit or vent.
The revision also prohibits smoking in all university buildings and vehicles.
The UA Campus Community Health, Wellness and Safety Committee wrote the smoking policy. State law and university policy generally prohibits smoking in buildings that are owned by the state.
Before the new smoking revisions were passed, they underwent reviews by several campus organizations, including the Faculty Senate, Staff Advisory Council and Associated Students. After receiving feedback, the revisions were taken and approved by Likins and his cabinet.
McGee said most students are supportive and have reacted positively toward the change.
Other students such as Jesse Cary, systems engineering senior and a smoker, agreed with the need for smoking restrictions, but has some suggestions so UA smokers can also be accommodated.
"I think it would be helpful if they had designated smoking areas, " Cary said.
Joey Simmrin, communication junior, added that the policy is not fair to UA smokers, including himself.
"The policy is discriminatory and a little ridiculous," he said.
Besides supporting a smoking policy review, the Campus Health Service is going to begin a new anti-smoking ad campaign.
"We have also established a collaboration with the American Lung Association for cessation classes for students and faculty who wish to quit smoking," says McGee.
McGee said it is "highly doubtful" that smoking will be completely banned from campus.
"We have a lot of open air space, I don't foresee a need," she said.
