Students and Faculty react to the new tobacco policy

By Michael Schrader

On May 8, 2011, Marian University transitioned into a new era in campus life, Tobacco Free.
The Tobacco Free Policy has been with the University for over nine months.
Dean of Students Ruth Rodgers suggested that the ban has been reasonably successful thus far.


“There are people who push that limit still, but generally there is very little public smoking in areas where lots of students are walking by.”

Rodgers went on to say there are problems with campus visitors who aren’t aware of
Marian’s Tobacco Free Policy. Chief Scott Ralph also said, “The Marian Community has shown respect and dignity of others regarding this policy. It seems to be working very well.”

Even some of the students agree with Rodgers and Ralph. Freshman Donovan Jones and
Sophomore Allie Foley said they believe the Tobacco Free Policy is effective.

“I don’t see anyone smoking on campus,” said Foley.

Jones believes the Tobacco Free Policy is working, “I haven’t encountered anyone smoking on campus or having smelled smoke on anyone in any of my classes so far.”

Yet, not all students see the policy as being effective. Transfer Sophomore Karli Williamson noticed students and faculty smoking in their cars.

“I’m a transfer student, so I don’t know how it was last year, but I don’t see it being very effective now.”

Rodgers mentioned that they have been lenient towards students and faculty using tobacco products in their cars; it’s when users throw cigarette butts on the ground that it becomes a problem.

The push for a tobacco free campus started in 2008 when the University moved to a Tobacco Free Policy with designated smoking areas. Conversations about a completely
Tobacco Free Policy began in the Fall semester of 2010, Rodgers said.

The policy was passed in October of that same year but didn’t come into effect until May 8, 2011. Currently, there are no monetary sanctions for smoking on campus. The act is a conduct issue, and persistent violators will be reported to Human Resources or the Dean of Students.

However, the discussion of the Tobacco Free Policy is still ongoing. A Marian University Admissions member explained how forcing students to smoke on the other side of Cold Springs Road looks unappealing to prospective students and
families.

“We have had potential students and their families making negative comments about the students lining the area across the street from campus in order to smoke.”

The staff member suggested that bringing back the designated smoking area, “will allow people the space to smoke outside, will be far enough from any doors… and
will produce a more professional and inviting campus for potential students and their families.”

Rodgers also mentioned some faculty and staff members have suggested that they do not like the policy, but there are no current efforts to reverse the policy as it
stands.