Petition Confronts Smoking: Administrators restrict indoor smoking hours after considering ventilation systems; smokers and non-smokers rally for puffing time
Whitney A. Stewart
Issue date: 1/24/08 Section: News
Smokers can't light up in Grewcock Student Union - only the bronze Winston Churchill statue may keep his cigar - but they aren't lounging in their traditional hangout for cigarettes anymore, either.
At least not during the day.
Just months after The Collegian reported snack bar smoking would continue this spring, registering students found new hours limiting light up time there - 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. - and more than 200 students have responded by signing a petition asking administrators to repeal the hours.
"I feel bad that we said we'd do something, and now we're doing something different," Vice President of Administration Rich Péwé said of the smoking policy change.
Vice President of Student Affairs Diane Philipp said smoke in the Knorr Center has always been an issue.
"It was just a matter of when adjustments would be made," she said.
The current heating, ventilation and air system, or HVA, cannot dispose of smoky air, she said.
During winter break, administrators considered installing a separate HVA equipped to clear smoke from the air, Vice President of Administration Rich Péwé said.
"When you walk into the building and someone is smoking, it's like they're smoking everywhere," he said, explaining that current ventilation moves air throughout the entire building.
But when estimates for the system came in at $180,000, administrators scrapped the project.
Philipp called the new after-hours smoking allowance a compromise for people still wanting to smoke inside, but improving the air quality in the building for employees during the workday. Information Technology Services, career planning and Chaplain Duane Beauchamp maintain offices there.
"For non-smokers, I believe it's probably best for health issues," said Tina Waggener, a smoker who works in the ITS office. "It was convenient to smoke up there when it was cold out, but I don't have an issue with going outside."
At least not during the day.
Just months after The Collegian reported snack bar smoking would continue this spring, registering students found new hours limiting light up time there - 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. - and more than 200 students have responded by signing a petition asking administrators to repeal the hours.
"I feel bad that we said we'd do something, and now we're doing something different," Vice President of Administration Rich Péwé said of the smoking policy change.
Vice President of Student Affairs Diane Philipp said smoke in the Knorr Center has always been an issue.
"It was just a matter of when adjustments would be made," she said.
The current heating, ventilation and air system, or HVA, cannot dispose of smoky air, she said.
During winter break, administrators considered installing a separate HVA equipped to clear smoke from the air, Vice President of Administration Rich Péwé said.
"When you walk into the building and someone is smoking, it's like they're smoking everywhere," he said, explaining that current ventilation moves air throughout the entire building.
But when estimates for the system came in at $180,000, administrators scrapped the project.
Philipp called the new after-hours smoking allowance a compromise for people still wanting to smoke inside, but improving the air quality in the building for employees during the workday. Information Technology Services, career planning and Chaplain Duane Beauchamp maintain offices there.
"For non-smokers, I believe it's probably best for health issues," said Tina Waggener, a smoker who works in the ITS office. "It was convenient to smoke up there when it was cold out, but I don't have an issue with going outside."
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Tim
posted 1/28/08 @ 3:16 AM EST
This is such bullshit.
Hugh
posted 1/29/08 @ 10:39 PM EST
The college administration has made this decision to strengthen student "unity" at the expense of an already-existing community which was making use of a college facility frequented by students, faculty, and staff for decades. (Continued…)
Valerie Emerson
posted 3/18/09 @ 6:51 PM EST
Im so sick of hearing about smokers......I smoke because i enjoy it, if I offend you, look the other way! Smokers rights are clearly being violated across the Nation. (Continued…)
Post a Comment