UNIVERSITY SMOKING POLICY CHANGES

Recent revisions to the university's smoking policy have put new restrictions on members of the campus community, as well as visitors, who feel the need to light up.

Effective Jan. 1 of this year, smoking is prohibited within 20 feet of the entrance to any university facility. The new policy also prohibits smoking in indoor and enclosed courtyard locations, such as Tonelson Garden at Webb Center, and in "all outdoor athletic facilities that are defined by a fence or wall and within 20 feet of fence or wall entrances."

Further, the policy prohibits smoking in all university-provided vehicles. According to the policy: "Complaints based on this policy and disputes arising from its implementations should be referred to the immediate supervisor of the relevant unit for resolution."

Two of the main revisions to the policy, calling for the prohibition of smoking within 20 feet of building entrances and in university vehicles, were originally proposed by Dana Burnett, vice president for student services. According to Burnett, the 20-foot restriction is recommended by the American College Health Association.

Other revisions to the policy were recommended by the Faculty Senate. Both the Faculty Senate and Student Senate endorsed the 20-foot restriction. The revised policy was authorized by President Roseann Runte.