2008 Woodie Awards
Advocates urge smoking policy change
The Smoke Free San Mateo County Advocates (SFSMCA) are urging a change in smoking policy.
Issue date: 3/5/07 Section: News
The Smoke Free San Mateo County Advocates (SFSMCA) are urging a change in smoking policy.
The smoking policy outlined in the CSM Catalog states "smoking is prohibited in all indoor locations, and within a distance of twenty feet from any doorway," which the SFSMCA thinks is unacceptable.
Project Coordinator of the SFSMCA, Michelle Loya-Talamantes along with other students have been diligently working to modify the smoking policy on campus, as well as to educate students on health risks associated with secondhand smoking.
"A lot of smokers support it," said Loya-Talamantes. "71 percent of smokers are trying to quit but find it difficult when many are smoking around them."
The SFSMCA are not the first to try and alter the policy. Last February, the science faculty and staff submitted a petition to district and college administrators trying to ban smoking near the new science Bldg. 36. Their request was forwarded to The College Council for further review so that the proposed changes would not conflict with district policy.
The College Council is a committee that consists of four groups that make up the voice of CSM. Administrators, classified, faculty, and students all have an equal voice. Four members represent each group.
This year the college council has continued their effort in finding a consensus in order to create a policy suitable for everyone on campus.
John Sewart, dean of articulation and research was commissioned to conduct a survey that was distributed to students and staff by e-mail. The results of the survey will be discussed at the next college council meeting on March 7.
Academic Senate President Jeremy Ball, a non-smoker who serves on the college council is in favor of having designated smoking zones that are convenient and accessible to smokers, and keep non-smokers clear of the smoke.
Ball believes people should be allowed to make their own life choices, and that it is the college's obligation to protect students that need protecting. "We are trying to find a solution that meets the need of the greatest number of people," said Ball.
Struggling to quit smoking Harry Simms, associated students of College of San Mateo president would also like to see designated smoking areas in practical places that would be shielded from the rain.
"There is a definite need for a new policy. Students shouldn't have to deal with getting a face full of smoke every time they are on campus," said Simms.
At the moment there does not seem to be any organized group in opposition of the proposed smoking zones or a smoke free campus.
With smokers seemingly silenced, SFSMCA's wish of a healthier smoke free environment may be closer than they know.
The results of the smoking survey will inevitably be the deciding factor on whether any action is taken to change the current policy.
The smoking policy outlined in the CSM Catalog states "smoking is prohibited in all indoor locations, and within a distance of twenty feet from any doorway," which the SFSMCA thinks is unacceptable.
Project Coordinator of the SFSMCA, Michelle Loya-Talamantes along with other students have been diligently working to modify the smoking policy on campus, as well as to educate students on health risks associated with secondhand smoking.
"A lot of smokers support it," said Loya-Talamantes. "71 percent of smokers are trying to quit but find it difficult when many are smoking around them."
The SFSMCA are not the first to try and alter the policy. Last February, the science faculty and staff submitted a petition to district and college administrators trying to ban smoking near the new science Bldg. 36. Their request was forwarded to The College Council for further review so that the proposed changes would not conflict with district policy.
The College Council is a committee that consists of four groups that make up the voice of CSM. Administrators, classified, faculty, and students all have an equal voice. Four members represent each group.
This year the college council has continued their effort in finding a consensus in order to create a policy suitable for everyone on campus.
John Sewart, dean of articulation and research was commissioned to conduct a survey that was distributed to students and staff by e-mail. The results of the survey will be discussed at the next college council meeting on March 7.
Academic Senate President Jeremy Ball, a non-smoker who serves on the college council is in favor of having designated smoking zones that are convenient and accessible to smokers, and keep non-smokers clear of the smoke.
Ball believes people should be allowed to make their own life choices, and that it is the college's obligation to protect students that need protecting. "We are trying to find a solution that meets the need of the greatest number of people," said Ball.
Struggling to quit smoking Harry Simms, associated students of College of San Mateo president would also like to see designated smoking areas in practical places that would be shielded from the rain.
"There is a definite need for a new policy. Students shouldn't have to deal with getting a face full of smoke every time they are on campus," said Simms.
At the moment there does not seem to be any organized group in opposition of the proposed smoking zones or a smoke free campus.
With smokers seemingly silenced, SFSMCA's wish of a healthier smoke free environment may be closer than they know.
The results of the smoking survey will inevitably be the deciding factor on whether any action is taken to change the current policy.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Matthew Finch
posted 3/14/08 @ 12:31 PM PST
CSM did implement a new smoking policy. It allows smoking in designated areas only, which are marked by signs and blue benches. They are not protected from rain or wind, and are hardly out of the way--in some cases, less than twenty feet from main footpaths. (Continued…)
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