Faculty, students share role in enforcing 25-feet smoking policy

Jackson sophomore Laura Morris does not see a point in the 25-feet smoking policy.

“I don’t think it’s working — I’ve seen people right outside the door smoking,” Morris said.

Several are still lighting up close to campus buildings despite the smoking ordinance that states students and faculty members are to smoke at least 25 feet away from any air ducts or entry ways of the buildings.

But there may not be much that can be done if an individual is caught smoking near an entrance.

“It’s more of a policy than an ordinance,” said Central Michigan University Police Capt. Fred Harris. “It is the department heads that enforce the policy, not us.”

With the police unable to enforce the policy, the school turns to the faculty.

“All faculty, staff and students share in the responsibility for adhering to and enforcing the policy,” said General Counsel Manuel Rupe.

Additionally, residence assistants and multicultural advisers of residence halls are looked upon for support in enforcing it. After that, it goes to resident hall directors.

“If there were ever any habitual offenders, we would send them to Student Rights and Responsibilities,” said Emmons Resident Hall Director Nathan Tomson.

Is it enforced?

Sometimes, the policy is taken a step further with Director of Student Life Tony Voisin.

The office would investigate and have a conversation with the people who violated the code of conduct, Voisin said.

The policy itself is more than a decade old and has been expanded several times.

“The policy was originally implemented 17 years ago in January 1992 with revisions in July 1995, February 1999 and, most recently, July 2008,” Rupe said.

According to the policy, some general areas on campus can put a stricter distance than 25 feet. Signs on the sidewalks in front of entrances, in buildings and other places are reminders for students and faculty members.

But some students have not seen any regulation or progress with the policy.

“I do not think they are being regulated,” said Vermontville freshman Corey Spitzley. “You look around the doors, there are a bunch of cigarette butts. I smoke personally, and I don’t usually go out 25 feet if it’s really windy out, I’ll stand right next to the door.

“Nobody’s complained yet or said anything. And if they do, I’ll be happy to move.”