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No smoking in university apartments

Written by Alanna Quillen

Wednesday, 03 September 2008 07:12 PM

Students living in on-campus apartments must now stand 50 feet away from the building when they take a cigarette break. This new policy began on August 1 when new leases went into effect. (The Shorthorn: Stephanie Goddard)

If you’re a smoker who lives in a campus apartment, then say goodbye to smoking in or near your own apartment.

The university implemented a policy banning smoking in apartment rooms, and those who want to smoke will have to walk 50 feet away.

“The campus has a regulation that prohibits smoking within 50 feet of the entrance to any university building,” Apartment Life director Molly Albart said. “Apartment and Residence Life is supporting this policy by implementing the same restrictions in our apartments.”

Residence halls adopted the smoking policy in 2000.

“For our residents’ safety, it makes sense to prohibit smoking based on the potential fire safety hazard that cigarettes create,” Albart said.

More cities and state legislatures are adopting no-smoking policies in their communities, and college campuses are often enforcing or supporting the city’s ordinances, she said.

“I hope it [the policy] will encourage students to make healthy decisions, and for those who do smoke to consider quitting,” she said. “I think it will provide for communities that are safer and more aesthetically pleasing.”

Complaints involving noise from residents smoking while standing outside their apartment door influenced the policy.

“It benefits the nonsmokers who were having to address to second-hand smoke issues and noise from the neighbors that were smoking outside their apartments,” Albart said.

Violating the policy carries a $25 fine. Repeated violations could result in a referral to the Student Conduct Office, Residence director Jack Lee said.

“Safety for the resident that smokes and safety for the other residents in the community is probably the number one purpose of this policy,” he said.

Resident assistants who see smoking in a prohibited area will write an incident report, Albart said. RAs may also inspect rooms for violations.

“I understand that smoking restrictions may upset some smokers,” said Eric Leidlein, management services executive director. “But all things considered, I believe this is a good policy that will benefit both current and future residents.”

English junior Ryan Kongevick, who smokes, said it’s unfair for smokers to have to walk out into the elements to light up. He used to live in an on-campus apartment.

“I have the same right as any other students to be out of the weather,” he said. “It should be up to the students whether they smoke inside their apartment or not.”
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 02 December 2008 02:39 PM )

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