Smoking Policy
Recognizing that exposure to tobacco smoke (both active and passive) presents an unhealthy environment and has been linked to many serious health problems, the Governor's Executive Office for Administration and Finance issued a smoking policy on May 15, 1987 affecting all state agencies. The Massachusetts State Legislature amended the Massachusetts General Laws, effective January 1988, restricting smoking in all public buildings. More recently, the American College Health Association and the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University have issued specific guidelines concerning college campuses. In the absence of separate, adequately ventilated indoor areas that meet the recommended criteria, smoking is not permitted inside any public buildings on campus.
Designated, outdoor, protected areas with proper receptacles are available, subject to cleanliness standards and adherence to safety regulations, as follows:
- Berkshire Towers-side patio
- Bowman Hall-back entrance on Montana Street
- Brewer Perkins-garage entrance overhang
- Campus Center-2nd floor entry level side facing Hoosac Hall
- Hoosac Hall-same as Campus Center
- Venable Hall-same as Campus Center
- Library-lower level back door overhang
- Eldridge Hall-Library lower level back door overhang
- Mark Hopkins-front steps on Church Street
- Powerplant-overhang area at rear of Campus Center
- Townhouse Offices-Campus Center balcony overhang facing Townhouses
- Quad-no smoking in the quad
- Church Street Center-no designated smoking area consequently no smoking
- Highland House-no designated smoking area consequently no smoking
- Murdock Hall-no designated smoking area consequently no smoking
- Shapiro House-no designated smoking area consequently no smoking
- Smith House-no designated smoking area consequently no smoking
In addition, under "Student Dormitories" there is no smoking permitted inside the dormitories.
Prohibited areas in all public buildings include work areas, dining areas, private offices, waiting rooms, restrooms, stairwells, lobbies, hallways, meeting rooms and classrooms. Smoking is also prohibited in college vehicles. Smokers are expected to show consideration for the health and safety of others at all times.
Student Dormitories:
Smoking in student rooms is not permitted. Smoking is not allowed in hallways, stairways, lobbies, restrooms, elevators or any other common areas.
Expectations:
It is expected that all members of the College community will exercise self-discipline in modifying their behavior and will demonstrate good judgment in respecting the rights of others. It is expected that all members of the College community and visitors will abide by this policy.
Smokers are expected to show consideration for the health and safety of others. Any employee or student who believes he or she is being subjected to secondhand smoke in violation of this policy should inform the offending party that this policy exists and request that he or she adhere to the policy. If the offending party does not comply with this request, the violation should be reported to the department head or administrator who is in charge of the area in which the violation occurred. That individual will be responsible for addressing the problem with the offending person or persons. Problems which cannot be resolved at that level should be referred to the Vice President who oversees the department.
