ASBSU, administration discuss smoke-free campus

During the Associated Students of Boise State University Senate meeting on Thursday, Ferdinand Schlapper, executive director for the BSU Health, Wellness and Counseling Center, asked for support from senators regarding a proposal to make BSU a smoke-free campus.

Schlapper distributed a smoke-free campus initiative to each of the senators in attendance, which provided them with statistics derived from a survey done at BSU. It included a summary centered on some of the key issues around the university regarding a smoke-free environment.

According to Schlapper, there is a proposed amendment before the university president’s cabinet to change the existing tobacco policy, which designates one smoke-free area within a 30-foot perimeter of the entrance at each facility.

The new policy would require every entrance at every facility to be smoke-free within a 30-foot perimeter, making the university align with what the state Legislature requires.

During the discussion, there was also talk about an entirely smoke-free campus, or having a middle ground where the campus is smoke-free, but with designated areas for smoking.

Over 900 students and 1,750 total faculty, staff and students were surveyed. According to the statistics, 86 percent of BSU students (92 percent of faculty, 87 percent of staff) agree that universities should provide a smoke-free environment for students.

The current policy at BSU states that all university-owned or leased buildings, facilities or areas occupied by state employees shall be designated as “non-smoking” except for full-time residential facilities.

In addition, because many non-smokers exposed to outdoor tobacco smoke suffer immediate symptoms such as breathing difficulties, eye irritation and headaches, this policy extends to some outside areas, as well as inside buildings. Specifically, at least one entrance to university-owned or leased buildings and facilities will be designated and posted: “This is a SMOKE-FREE Entrance.”

Guidelines for residential facilities or areas may be determined by the directors of such facilities.

Smoking is prohibited within 30 feet of main entrances. In support of this, Facilities and Maintenance has provided ashtrays 30 feet from all entrances.

“We are trying to create a healthy environment for the students where they can succeed,” Schlapper said.

Currently, 20 U.S. colleges and universities are entirely smoke free, with an increase of four in the last few months. BSU would be the first major four-year public institution to implement a smoke-free campus.

Sen. Christian Busnardo said the committee working on the proposal would like to give BSU students a chance to voice their opinions regarding this issue.

Busnardo said he encourages readers of The Arbiter to voice their opinions regarding BSU’s current and proposed policies.

Students can voice their opinions by e-mailing Katie Ammar at health@boisestate.edu.

Ryan Mortensen
News Writer

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