Get ready to smoke your last cigarette indoors. After this year, smoking in any of the University’s buildings will be banned, leaving smokers to the mercy of the elements.
The Office of Housing and Residence Life, in conjunction with Interhall and the Housing Advisory Council, has recently decided to change the University’s smoking policy. The new policy, which will officially begin at the end of the semester, requires all University residence halls, townhouses and apartments to be smoke-free. Smoking will also be prohibited near building entrances and air intakes for the ventilation system.
The current policy, as written in the Student Handbook, says that smoking is only permitted in private rooms or apartments with the consent of all occupants. Smoking on non-smoking floors is currently prohibited
Smoke-free policies are gaining popularity on many college campuses. “It is a trend, and probably a really good idea” said Director of Health Education Services Carol Day. A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health found that 25 percent of American colleges have banned smoking in dormitories, and many others are considering making similar policies, reported The Justice, the weekly newspaper of Brandeis University.
The ban is the culmination of a process which began earlier this year. “The administration came to us to get students opinions [on the smoking policy],” Interhall Vice President for Leadership and Development Abony Holmes (COL ‘05) said.
Interhall sent out a survey this winter, which was distributed throughout University dorms and apartments. The survey contained a series of questions, which asked the students for their opinions on the smoking policy.
“We got an overwhelming response of people wanting to see change, and wanting to see smoke-free dorms,” said Holmes. Of the over 1250 students surveyed, 90 percent supported the idea of smoke-free residences.
The results were presented to the Interhall General Assembly. They used the results to plan their proposal, which was then sent to the Office of Housing and Residence Life and The Housing Advisory Council. This spring, based on that proposal, the administration opted to change the smoking policy.
Interhall is optimistic that their new policy will be effective. “Not only does [the policy] help to avoid annoyances, health problems, and fire risks, but it is important to realize that this is to help cater to the general wishes of the student body,” Interhall Vice President of External Affairs Matthew Wolfe (MSB ‘05) said.
