What Do You Know About Smoking on Campus?
To the editor:
Over the past few years in Maine there has been heated discussion and new legislation regarding smoking in public places. As many of us are aware, smoking was recently banned in restaurants and will soon be banned in bars and pool-halls. The World Health Organization’s acknowledgement of the health hazards associated with second-hand smoke has influenced public health policy in support of these changes. As nurses and full-time students we became interested in how this issue is being addressed on campus. After speaking to a number of students (smokers and non-smokers),! we realized that most are ill-informed regarding the smoking policy on USM’s campuses and its history and future goals.
After The University of Maine, Farmington banned smoking in buildings, a handful of USM staff and students took notice. In 2000, they formed the Tobacco Task Force to develop and implement a policy regarding smoking on the USM campuses. The Task Force’s initial recommendation was to adopt a smoke free campus environment. After campus public hearings and substantial press coverage the Task Force was influenced to take a more incremental and inclusive approach to policy change. The goals of the new USM smoking policy are ” to respect the rights of smokers and non-smokers while accomplishing the following: reduce exposure to second- hand smoke, provide an environment supportive of tobacco- free lifestyles, reduce the risk of accidental fire, and reduce the environmental impact of cigarette litter.”
To accomplish these goals indoor spaces, including residence halls, became smoke free on September 1st, 2002. A 50-foot smoke free perimeter around all campus buildings was also established at that time, until outdoor smoking areas were designated. The ultimate desired goal of the Task Force is to create sheltered outdoor smoking areas that provide seating, are handicapped accessible, have adequate ventilation and are conveniently located. The interim plan until funding for these shelters is available, involves specially designated picnic tables and/or benches on both the Portland and Gorham campuses. On the Lewiston-Auburn Campus there is already a gazebo in place.
We commend the Task Force’s quick progress, especially in the context of a university bureaucracy. We feel that their goals are realistic, respectful and achievable. Despite the hard work the Task Force has done to promote the policy, there is still a lack of widespread knowledge of and adherence to the 50-foot smoke-free zone. Hand in hand with efforts to decrease smoking on campus comes the responsibility to support smoking cessation. A clearer, more eye catching media campaign is set to be launched this fall featuring information on available smoking cessation services along with the implementation of designated smoking areas. We are concerned that a picnic table in a snowy field might not entice smokers away from the doorways of the buildings, and look forward to the time when designated shelters are available. As significant funding is needed to achieve this goal, we call upon the USM student body to bring their ideas, concerns, and/or opinions to the Task Force. You can find more information and contacts at the USM website (www.usm.maine.edu/health). We believe the success of this program is dependant on student cooperation and consideration. Please do your part by adhering to and promoting the smoking policy on your campus.
College of Nursing Graduate Students
Diane Batley, Diana Libby, and Kelly Richards
“Master Dolby’s resignation.”
To the Editor:
I want to believe that Senator Dolby was honest and sincere when he resigned from the senate over the summer via e-mail. I want to believe that the one “serious” politician at USM, a “man” who ran for the state senate as a Green Party Member a little while ago, would sit his final(?) term as a senator and share his experience with those of us that are newer members to this organization.
I have a hard time believing any of the above because it was clear at last years elections that he wasn’t interested in anything other than being elected chair of the student senate.
When his machinations failed to make that happen, Senator Dolby decided he wasn’t a senator anymore, he just didn’t tell the rest of us in person like a man. Due to his busy schedule and “commitments” ( isn’t the senate a commitment? ) senator Dolby has taken the childish way out now, rather than doing the responsible thing and representing the students that voted for him to be a senator this year. Where is his commitment to them? Why is the senate less important than his other commitments?
It makes me wonder what he thinks politics, what representing people as an elected official, is all about.
As a philosophy major he should have plenty of time to think about the philosophy of cowardice, or irresponsibility, or selfishness, all three of which he has exhibited. The student senate, despite a thorough constitution, lacks a clear mission in the minds of many students. Master Dolby’s behavior may be a good example of why this may be the current situation. So as I finish up my Physics Degree, while fixing up the house my wife and I just bought, and helping to raise my seven month old son, while working 25 – 35 hours a week and representing the students who voted for me to represent them in the senate, I will reflect on the important lessons Master Dolby has taught me in the brief time I knew him.
When things don’t go my way I’ll quit.
That’ll show ’em I’m a serious politician.
Jonathan Gartland
32nd Student Senate