As returning students arrived back on campus this fall, they found signs notifying them that the “smoker porches” are now smoke-free environments. This could be the first step in creating a smoke free campus for Seton Hill University (SHU). Many rumors are that the SHU Student Government Association (SHGA) could be deciding on whether or not smoking should be banned completely on campus.
According to Charmaine Strong, the dean of student services, “SHGA will work with a committee to explore the issues. Dr. Boyle, SHU president, announced at a general assembly last week that a committee will be appointed to discuss. SHGA would hope to be a part of the committee.” She also went on to say that the administration sets the university policy and also includes input from respective parties.
By Kayla Sheffield
Contributor
As returning students arrived back on campus this fall, they found signs notifying them that the “smoker porches” are now smoke-free environments. This could be the first step in creating a smoke free campus for Seton Hill University (SHU). Many rumors are that the SHU Student Government Association (SHGA) could be deciding on whether or not smoking should be banned completely on campus.
According to Charmaine Strong, the dean of student services, “SHGA will work with a committee to explore the issues. Dr. Boyle, SHU president, announced at a general assembly last week that a committee will be appointed to discuss. SHGA would hope to be a part of the committee.” She also went on to say that the administration sets the university policy and also includes input from respective parties.
But SHU is not the only school who is weighing out the pros and cons of banning smoking. TIME Magazine posted an article on its website about how colleges and universities all over Pennsylvania are banning smoking on their campuses and how it is causing some controversial issues. Concerns over safety and the environment are on the rise and yet students and faculty members from many Pennsylvania schools are holding protests and having petitions signed.
Many find it an inconvenience to have to walk or drive off campus to have a cigarette but there are those who understand why some schools are choosing to ban smoking. Paul Woods, a freshman, would have no problem smoking off campus. “If they ban it, they have their reasons for it,” he said.
Freshman Jessica Celesnik agrees and pointed out a major consequence of smoking on campus. “There are always cigarette butts everywhere,” she said.
Other students disagree and feel that a ban is too extreme. “I can see banning it inside but there is a difference between banning smoking inside and banning smoking outside,“ said Amy Antal, a freshman. “When you’re outside the wind is blowing and it’s not bothering anyone.”
Although she feels a smoking ban would lead to a healthier campus, sophomore Ashley Jervis suggests a compromise could be made to the ban. “I, at least, feel that if (smoking) wasn’t banned, there should be a designated smoking area to keep everyone happy. Smoking right outside building entrances forces non-smokers to take in the effects of smoking even though it is not their choice,” she said.