Vol. 38, No. 18

3-14-2007
By: Richard Gillette

University to consider two nonsmoking options

The university is considering an option to its nonsmoking policy that would ban smoking anywhere on campus.

The Office of Human Resources has sent a memo to staff and faculty administrators and student government leaders asking the university to consider two options: implement a campuswide ban or continue with the nonsmoking policy updated in December.

The university’s policy, revamped because of a new state law, allows smoking outside of buildings, but not within 25 feet of doors, windows and air intakes. Smoking is banned on the grounds of the Medical Center and contiguous colleges (Health Sciences, Biological Sciences), which chose to go tobacco-free in July.

Larry Lewellen, associate vice president for Human Resources, said the Medical Center ban and the state’s new nonsmoking law sparked the university to consider the policy changes.

“Within a few months after the change at the Medical Center, some colleges and departments approached us and expressed the desire to become smoke-free,” Lewellen said in the memo.

Because of the passage of the Smoke-Free Ohio ballot issue in November, the university must update smoking policy signs located on buildings. The university would rather implement the sign update and a communication program after all policy changes are considered, according to Lewellen.

Ohio State joins a trend of universities and colleges nationwide considering or who have already banned smoking on their campuses.

At least 43 campuses have gone smoke-free, according to Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights. Among Big 10 universities, Indiana and Iowa are considering a ban.

For Ohio State, potential benefits of a ban include encouraging people to quit or reduce smoking and lessening smoking-related trash near buildings, according to the Human Resources memo.

The concern is a ban could alienate neighbors if university employees or students go off campus to smoke and cause litter. The memo also says a ban could cause staff, faculty or students to leave the university.

Human Resources is seeking input on the two options until May 31. No timetable has been set for the policy change, but Lewellen said it would likely be brought to resolution autumn quarter.

“Information has to be gathered broadly from the campus community, and even perhaps our bordering neighborhoods; discussions need to occur in the University Senate; and the Presidents Cabinet would need to approve and seek approval from the Board of Trustees,” Lewellen said. Currently, the Council on the Physical Environment of the University Senate is actively involved and considering its position. Lewellen hopes that discussions with student leaders can be scheduled soon.

Whatever policy is implemented, the university would have to determine how and who enforces it and how aggressively. The university would have to consider enforcement at football Saturdays, outdoor events, parking facilities and with campus visitors.

Eunice Hornsby, a Human Resources program director, said input her office has received reveals that enforcement is the biggest concern.

“That’s what this input period is for. It allows for everyone to be heard and to come up with the best solution for the entire university,” Hornsby said.

Human Resources staff are available to speak at meetings to answer questions, listen to or participate in conversations related to the two options. Contact Hornsby at 688-8643 for more information, or to provide input send e-mails to nonsmoking@hr.osu.edu.

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