Begin Again

Dear Lawrence Students,

I write to inform you of some changes in smoking policy for the areas around the main academic buildings. These changes, which are specific to the academic areas of the campus, have been endorsed by the Cabinet and by the Faculty Committee on University Governance. The changes have been prompted by two considerations: First, the emerging evidence about the dangers of second hand smoke have made protection for everyone an increasingly important matter. Second, we have found that efforts to create “smoking halos” around some buildings have not been effective, in part because even when smokers are outside of the no smoking zones defined by the halos, smoke is being drawn into the buildings through their air handling systems.

Effective immediately, smoking will not be permitted outside buildings in the “academic necklace” area of the campus that includes Briggs Hall, Youngchild Hall, Science Hall, Main Hall, Seeley Mudd Library, Wriston Art Center, Memorial Union, Buchanan Kiewit Center, and Sampson House. This includes the roadway bordered by the buildings on the South side of the necklace, the walkway between the Union and the Art Center, the Plaza in front of the Library, and the Plaza between Main Hall and the science buildings. In addition, smoking is banned in the areas outside the Music-Drama Center, the Ruth Shattuck Hall of Music, the Chapel, and the open area bordered by these three buildings. Effectively, this means that smoking will not occur in the main academic areas of the campus. The attached map outlines the areas in which smoking will not be permitted.

We will work with the Facilities Staff on signage for these areas, and on moving the ash trays that are part of the garbage cans currently placed around many of these buildings.

Although these changes are specific to the academic facilities areas of the campus, I encourage the LUCC to engage in conversations about the possibility of similar measures for the residential areas of the campus.

I hope everyone agrees that these changes will help contribute to a healthier campus. I also encourage everyone to take responsibility for encouraging a culture of compliance with these smoking bans. This will create challenges, particularly during the winter months or when it is raining, but we should be up to the task.

Provost and Dean of the Faculty

Lawrence University

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