News release Public Information Office   SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu     www.selu.edu/news Contact: Rene Abadie Date: 6/12/03   DESIGNATED SMOKING AREAS PLANNED AT SOUTHEASTERN       HAMMOND – Using the theme “No Butts About It,” Southeastern Louisiana University is encouraging smokers to use specially designed smoking areas to be located near the library and major classroom buildings.       The newly designed smoking areas will be in the vicinity of Fayard Hall, D Vickers Hall, Garrett Hall and the Sims Memorial Library. Each smoking area will include benches, sufficient ash cans and attractive landscaping to provide students, faculty and staff with a comfortable, nearby location in which to smoke.       “Smokers tend to congregate around the main entrances to these buildings, which is uncomfortable for non-smokers and is creating a growing litter problem,” said Brad O’Hara, vice president for student affairs. “We are not trying to ostracize smokers or create a total smoke-free environment. Our intent is to provide attractive facilities for smokers that are adjacent to these buildings to help us maintain the appearance of the campus and to reduce health problems and physical reactions in those individuals susceptible to second-hand smoke.”       The new smoking areas -- expected to be ready by Monday, August 18 – will be located on the east side and at both ends of Fayard Hall, at the back entrance to D Vickers and on the north side of Garrett Hall and the north side of the library. Signs will be posted in the buildings directing smokers to the new designated areas. O’Hara explained that additional smoking areas will be developed gradually for other classroom buildings on the campus.       Last year the Southeastern Faculty Senate adopted a resolution urging the administration to construct the designated smoking areas. The Southeastern Student Government Association also endorsed the recommendation. “The Student Government Association is in support of this recommendation,” said SGA President Ashley McKee. “We are extremely pleased that the interests of both smokers and non-smokers were taken into consideration."       The move is in keeping with guidelines of the American College Health Association, which notes that environmental tobacco smoke has been classified as a Class-A cancer-causing agent. ACHA recommends that smoking be prohibited within 20 feet of the entrance to any campus building.       Southeastern is also offering the services of the University Health Center for smokers who want to quit the habit. Initially smokers can contact the Health Center for information on available cessation programs and other approaches.       “Surveys indicate that more than 80 percent of current smokers would like to quit smoking,” said Patti Wascom, director of the University Health Center. “That number is even higher among college students, according to a University of Wisconsin poll. The problem is that most of these individuals are addicted. We have information and other resources designed to help smokers who want to quit.”      Wascom said the university intends to offer more intensive on-campus cessation programs in the near future. For more information, call the Health Center at 985-549-2241. Return to News Releases