Tobacco free campus 2012

Perhaps one of the biggest questions circulating campus right now is: What’s going on with the smoking policy?

Perhaps one of the biggest questions circulating campus right now is: What’s going on with the smoking policy?

Pat Sisneros, vice president of College Services, said the administration is moving forward for a smoke-free campus.

Sisneros said there is a draft of the policy that has to be voted on by the board of trustees, something that is planned to happen sometime in the spring. As far as a set date on when the policy would be implemented if it is approved, Sisneros said “July 1st is still the plan.”

If the policy is approved, EvCC will be the fourth community technical college in the state to become tobacco-free. Clark, Lower Columbia, and the most recent, South Puget Sound, are the three campuses to precede EvCC.



Sisneros said that when it comes to “weighing public health issues against the rights of an individual,” public health triumphs. The main issue is the second hand smoke, especially when it comes to the designated area in front of Shuksan hall, Sisneros said.

If the board of trustees votes against the proposed policy, Sisneros said the administration would take another look at the designated areas, and where the best places to have them would be; namely, moving the area in front of Shuksan hall.

Sisneros said that they have been working with the ASB on what the penalty process would be if the policy is approved. He also said that he’s been “talking to colleagues on other campuses to see what they do.”

According to Emily Harrington, ASB president, this idea was initially proposed around 15 years ago.

“The executive council doesn’t take an official stance. It’s our duty to represent all students.” Because students are divided on the issue, “it wouldn’t be true to pick one side or the other,” Harrington said. She said that her job is to make student voices heard, something she said the administration has been very interested in hearing in regards to the policy proposal. “The administration really sought out student voice, and what the impact would be.”



Harrington said it was very important that students understand that as of right now, “until the board votes on it, it remains a proposal.” Right now, she said, they’re just waiting for the board of trustees to vote.



“Any student that would like their voice heard is encouraged to talk to student government,” Harrington said. She said that based on all the conversation she’s had with students, the opposing sides to the issue seem about even, and a large group are indifferent.

Sisneros said: “Eventually, the state might mandate no smoking on any state property. We’re moving in the right direction.”