Eastern Michigan University’s smoking policy is proving to be confusing and misunderstood around campus.
Several students, smokers and nonsmokers alike, reported they did not know about the smoking policy. For those students who were aware of the smoking policy, most did not know its exact terms.
According to the policy, EMU allows tobacco use on campus. The tobacco use policy in place aims to provide comfort for nonsmokers while still allowing smokers to use tobacco on campus. This policy applies to all faculty members, students, employees and campus visitors.
But lack of knowledge about the smoking policy is causing problems for both smokers and nonsmokers. Uninformed smokers can be reprimanded for violating the smoking policy or for using tobacco in nonsmoking areas. On the other hand, nonsmokers might be faced with discomfort from smokers violating the policy and using tobacco near buildings or in nonsmoking areas.
“I don’t mind it unless someone is smoking right outside the door so I walk into it when I leave the building,” nonsmoker Amber Stagg said.
There are several parts to the tobacco use policy. These are some main rules that most prominently affect students: The use of tobacco products is prohibited within 25 feet of any building entrance, air intake duct and window; the university will install ashtrays and other appropriate tobacco litter appliances beyond 25 feet from the buildings and the use of tobacco products is prohibited in outdoor areas where seating is provided.
Some said they believed it could be easy for confusion to arise about these rules due to the placement of tobacco litter appliances around campus. Outside of Strong Hall, ashtrays have been placed next to the building and in-between benches, although smoking is to take place beyond 25 feet from buildings.
A cluster of benches with an accessible ashtray in the center near Strong contradicts the rule stating tobacco use is prohibited in areas where seating is provided. An ashtray outside of King Hall’s entrance is closer to the building than 25 feet. Furthermore, many of these ashtrays are fixed with no smoking signs, increasing confusion for students.
The location of these ashtrays gives the impression smoking is permitted in these areas and sets students up for violation of the tobacco use policy.
Conversely, Pray-Harrold has two ashtrays outside of its main entrance at a distance from the building in accordance with the smoking policy and also hosts a nonsmoking entrance on the southeast side of the building.
In order for EMU to avoid problems between smokers and nonsmokers while increasing compliance with the tobacco use policy, ideas like relocating certain ashtrays to areas where smoking is permitted or educating the student body on respecting the policy have been circulating.
Eric Ward, EMU’s Wellness Center program coordinator, plans to spread the word as soon as possible. His goal is to launch a campaign about the policy targeting students who are unaware of the policy.
“We’re not saying don’t use tobacco if it is your choice to do so, but if you do, be respectful of the people who don’t,” Ward said. “Some people don’t want to quit or just aren’t there yet, but if you want to quit there are great resources.”
Ward said the campaign will kick off sometime in mid-November coinciding with the Great American Smokeout, an event hosted by the American Cancer Society, which informs smokers about options for quitting and encourages them to make a plan to quit.
Until a better understanding of the rules is found, students found in violation of the smoking policy are subject to be disciplined according to the outlines of the Student Conduct Code. Penalties as a result of violation may include verbal warning, formal reprimand, probation, suspension or dismissal.
Further information on the university tobacco policy can be found at www.emich.edu/uhs/tobacco-policy.html.
