By Dan Nonte, University Relations
Contact: (336) 334-4314
Posted 2-4-08
GREENSBORO, NC - A task force charged with recommending a new smoking policy to the chancellor is considering a 25-foot smoke-free zone around campus buildings.
Exceptions to the policy would be allowed only in areas more than 25 feet from any entrance, heavily traveled walkway, air intake or operable window, according to the proposal favored by the task force.
The task force will make a recommendation to the chancellor by March 1. A new policy could be in place for the start of the next academic year. The campus currently bans smoking inside buildings.
During the summer, the NC General Assembly banned smoking in state buildings and gave state institutions, including universities, the authority to prohibit smoking up to 100 feet from buildings. That measure has prompted new consideration of smoking policies at many campuses in the UNC system.
Smoking rules vary among the system’s 16 campuses. UNC-Chapel Hill and Winston Salem State have banned smoking within 100 feet of buildings, a measure that effectively prohibits smoking on those campuses. East Carolina, NC Central and NC State forbid smoking within 25 feet of buildings.
At UNCG, an online survey during the fall collected opinions from 138 participants, 17 percent of whom identified themselves as smokers. Participants were recruited through the Student Government Association, the Residence Hall Association, the Faculty Senate and the Staff Senate.
Eighty-six percent of respondents reported that they encountered smoke at least occasionally when entering or exiting campus buildings. Sixty-two percent of participants said they were offended by that smoke.
Sixty percent of smokers indicated a desire to quit. UNCG can help with smoking cessation services offered through the Student Health Center. For more information about these services, which are available to students, faculty and staff, contact Wellness Coordinator Jason Robertson at 4-3097 or jorobert@uncg.edu.
Another factor in the task force’s deliberations has been UNCG’s efforts to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council. A 25-foot smoke-free zone around buildings would meet those standards.
Appointed by Vice Chancellor for Business Affairs Reade Taylor, the members of the UNCG Smoking Task Force are:
• John Bryant, Student Government
• Chair Mike Byers, Auxiliary Services;
• Brett Carter, Student Affairs;
• Terri Cartner, Auxiliary Services;
• Paul Davis, Faculty Senate;
• Mary Hummel, Housing & Residence Life;
• Dan Nonte, University Relations;
• Robert Norton, Bryan School;
• Jason Robertson, Student Health; and
• David Vaughan, Provost’s Office.
Comments about the proposed policy may be made to Dan Nonte, 4-4314 or dmnonte@uncg.edu, or to any other member of the task force.
