The ACCD Student Handbook states: “Smoking is prohibited in all classrooms, laboratories, offices, conference rooms, and all other rooms in all buildings of the College.” Smoking is permitted in designated areas at each college.” This policy was revised in March 2003.
The Office of Student Affairs received the complaint from a Palo Alto student, who is also an expectant mother.
Dr.
Adolfo R. Barrera, Vice President of Student Affairs, said, “I’ve
been here going on my second year, and I’ve only had one student
complaint on smoking.”
Barrera mentioned that he did not think smoking here on campus is a major problem,
judging from the number of complaints on other issues, but he said it was an
important issue.
At a recent Student Government meeting, the issue of smoking was explored. During this meeting, the members of the Student Government reviewed a policy on smoking from our sister school, San Antonio College. Their policy was made to clarify the generic ACCD smoking policy. A couple of the provisions at SAC include posting signs in designated smoking areas and prohibiting smoking 6 feet from any building entrance or doorway.
The Palo Alto Student Government has inserted a survey in this issue for all students, staff and faculty. If the survey is not in your issue, it can be obtained at the Student Activities Office, located in the Student Center.
St.
Philip’s
College, also a sister school, has made efforts to solve smoking problems
on their own campus. They designated a gazebo on campus for their smokers.
Secretary Lydia Trevino of
the Student Affairs Office said the expectant mother who made the
complaint
was concerned for the health and well-being of her child. The student
was also interested in knowing who should enforce the smoking rule
here on campus. If there is a problem, notify campus security to
enforce the
rule.
Trevino said that the President Dr.
Ana M. “Cha” Guzmán made the policy at Palo Alto
for smoking to be at least 20 feet away from any building entrance.
Most students are unaware that this rule exists.
Barrera said, “The reason for this is a simple lack of communication
on this issue.”
Barrera sent a student out on campus to count and determine where all
the smoking receptacles are located. The student found a total of 30
receptacles throughout our campus. Although the receptacles have been
moved further from the buildings, smokers continue to smoke close to
the buildings.
Students leaving the buildings
are upset that they must trudge through the seemingly endless walls
of smoke that float around each Palo Alto building.
Vanessa McBryde, a sophomore Business Management major, said
when there’s
too much smoke in a space, it does bother her. McBryde also said that
even though she is not a smoker, she doesn’t want to tell someone
else not to.
Regina Morales, a freshman Education major, said that the faculty,
staff and students who smoke generally do not bother her. She said
that since
it is being done outside in an open area, it shouldn’t be a problem.
“If it really bothers you, you should say something to them,” said
Morales.
Professor of History Javier Aguirre said
the smoking problem is a big deal, and he thinks that the smoking here
on campus should be prohibited, whether in designated areas or not. Aguirre
said that not only is smoking a problem or inconvenience to people, but
it is also a problem because smokers litter the campus.
“Yes, they litter the campus. I especially hate it when they open their
car door and dump the contents of their ashtrays on the ground,” said Aguirre.
Even though there are the 30 receptacles, some smokers seem to disregard
their responsibility of keeping our campus clean.
If you have a problem with this issue and/or a comment, contact the Student
Affairs Office, in Palomino Center, Room 110, or contact a member of
the Student Government.