Goal
Until a permanent policy is developed regarding smoking on the campus, locations for smoking shall be sought which offer smokers the opportunity to share in the use of campus amenities in a manner which does not interfere with use by non-smokers. Consideration will be given to locating smoking shelters near major buildings and other gathering areas. Shelters will provide protection from the weather and should be easily accessible but not interfere with the circulation of other students.
Purpose
Smoking on campus is currently regulated by state law I-901 which prohibits smoking within 25 feet of building entrances. Although smokers are encouraged to smoke in designated areas, students often smoke on pathways and under building overhangs (particularly at the Library, SC, RLC, and SMT). Not only is this often in conflict with state law, this situation is undesirable to many non-smokers and to the administration. The lack of properly located and designed shelters makes policing difficult. Smokers need appropriate places to go.
There are several designated smoking areas provided on campus which have met with varying levels of success. The existing areas are often not used because they do not provide adequate shelter from the elements. Smoking on main campus pathways and in areas where other students congregate continues to be a problem noted by many students. If well-designed and carefully-located smoking shelters can be provided, it is believed that most smoking students will use them.
Location
Consideration will be given to locating smoking shelters near major campus buildings and other areas where high levels of student activity occur. They should be located such that they share in the general activities of the area but do not inconvenience other students. In short they should be present but isolated. The following five areas need to be identified:
- Adjacent to LC
- Adjacent to the Library and Rutkowski Learning Center
- Adjacent to the SMT, Technology Center, and the Marv Nelson Science Learning Center
- Within the International Village
- Adjacent to a new Trades facility to be located on the existing Lea Hill Park.
Design
Shelters need to be of a size that will accommodate a reasonable number of students. They shall provide protection from rain and other elements. Shelters shall be well vented and have appropriate lighting. Seating shall be provided both under cover and not. High visibility into the shelters shall be provided so the shelters are safe and can be passively monitored by security.
