In an effort to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke, six fourth-year Western nursing students want to create designated smoking areas on campus. Their hope is that designated areas would draw smokers away from heavily travelled entrances to buildings.

The project is part of their ‘political action’ class, a required course that encourages students to take action against something they would like to see changed.

“Some people deal with issues such as curriculum, we decided to take on smoking,” said Laura Van de Polder, a member of the group.

“Some universities have gone completely smoke free, but that is impossible to do here. We at least hope we can create designated areas, away from doors. Second-hand smoke is even more detrimental.”

The proposed designated areas would be in the form of ‘smoking gazebos.’ The gazebos would be roofed, wooden structures and could hold 40-50 people at various locations across campus.

“We got the idea from different hospitals and universities that use similar ideas,” said Kate Leslie, another member of the group. “They would be quite large. The quotes we’ve received [about costs] have been very widespread.”

“The campus is so busy we want them to be away from traffic areas. It would be up to Physical Plant to determine where to put them,” Van de Polder added.

Western currently has a policy regarding smoking, but it is little known, and even less enforced. The policy says smoking is prohibited within 10 metres of any door on campus. Violators are subject to disciplinary action from administration, and the school itself can be fined up to $25,000.

However, Leslie and Van de Polder are quick to point out they are not targeting the habits of smokers, and their goal is not to push smokers outside of campus.

“We don’t want to preach at smokers, we just want to ensure the health and safety of all the non-smokers. Student health should be a priority,” Van de Polder said.

“We want to make the designated areas appealing to smokers,” Leslie added.

The group is preparing an information package to submit to the University Students’ Council Health Commissioner. The package will include their ideas for solutions, background information, and statistics on university-aged smokers. Twelve per cent of smokers pick up the habit while at university.

USC VP-student affairs Chris Crighton said council was not yet familiar with the proposal, but liked the idea.

“I like how they want to meet halfway by creating somewhere to go in the rain or winter, when nobody wants to be outside. However, I think cost could be a hindrance, and building on campus is never easy.”

Regardless of the response from the USC or administration, the group hopes, at the bare minimum, the current policy will be enforced.

“It has to be feasible for the university, so whether it is a gazebo or a roped off area, there should be a physical place to go,” Van de Polder said.

“We want an increase in compliance [with the current policy],” Leslie added. “A good start would be moving disposal units away from doors, or putting up warning signs of the consequences.”