Smoke Free Campus Feedback

NOTE:  Click map of locations of proposed designated smoking areas.
Click here for description of locations which include the areas at HSC and Athletics . 

Thank you for sharing your questions and/or comments. The most recent feedback will be shown at the top. Last updated 7/30/09 9:30 am.

C186: I applaud the change in policy. I can only hope that CNM will follow suit, and soon!

C185:  I just received notice of changes to the UNM Smoking Policy. As a non-smoker, I am shocked. The "designated smoking areas" are laughable. I completely understand the health concerns associated with smoking, but this policy is ridiculous on numerous levels; scope, spirit, and enforcement. For the record, this amounts to institutionalized discrimination and harassment.  Smoking is indeed an important social issue, but the UNM approach is analogous to using a sledge hammer as a fly swatter. I don't suppose there where any discussions on the subject which included smokers advocates who could have contributed to the dialog to come up with a REASONABLE solution for everyone? Here is an idea, create a system of planted tree enclosures to filter smoke filled air. This way smokers get a nice place to light up, and we all get more oxygen and beauty in our environment.  We all win!. My point is that there are creative solutions to most any problem. This policy is neither creative, nor a solution. It's a shame that this is the best an institution of "higher-learning" can come up with. I am stunned.   ANSWER:  There were open forums in January and all Committee meetings were open to everyone with times and locations announced to the campus.

C184:  I feel compelled to give my two cents becuase in my opinion, the implementation of this policy is a prime example of the administrations use of its power and resources for non-academic, non-mission related endeavors.  I support healthy lifestyles, and dislike of secondhand smoke. I don't beleive that banning smoking in the manner put forth will significantly limit non-smokers exposure to second-hand smoke because their exposure is already next to nil on campus. Most smokers are respectful of the space and health of others, and there is much opportunity to avoid coming into even remote contact with second-hand smoke.  There is no empircal evidence that banning smoking in outdoor areas has any benefit to the health of either smokers or non-smokers. None at all. I find it irritating that the University would cite scientific evidence, that although valid, does not support the policy put in place. If the University feels inclined to limit the pursuit of happiness on campus, they ought to have a good reason. The fact that people may not like smokers, seeing people smoke, or having to avoid people smoking in certain areas on campus, is not an argument for limiting individual's rights. Furthermore, unless smokers are hurting others by smoking outside or in their cars (and again, no evidence suggests this), than it can be deducted that the claim of "health" and "wellness" as a driver of this policy is a spoof, a misleading claim that can only raise the concern of why. Why would the leadership at this university feel compelled to mislead students and staff, limit personal freedom and the pursuit of happiness as a matter of policy, and what is the real reason for this seemingly wasteful and abusive use of power? Respectfully yours,

C183:  At long last. However, North Campus has been smoke free for a long time and there are still puffers everywhere you look. In the front of the new hospital, The Pavilion - people are lined up outside the door smoking and throwing butts on the sidewalk. Employees smoke heartily around every corner. If this is going to be designated smoke free, I would suggest the policy be enforced or otherwise forget rules and regulations! Thank you

C182: Staff: Hello - while I am very glad that UNM is about to become totally smoke-free, I was curious about Dr. Schmidly's notation that there will be designated smoking areas during a transition period. On the HSC campus, I notice that smokers congregate along the sidewalk on Marble near the UNMHSC bus stop and the Mental Health Center, as well as on Lomas by the ER entryway. Are these designated smoking areas? How long will the transition be before these areas are also eliminated?

C181: Undergraduate Student: It seems the administration has spent more time in designing ways to limit the freedom of others, than they are concerned about the true business at hand. I have not attended for long, but I have come across age discrimination, poor business planning, and sub-standard IT design. Your current implementation process has gone out of its way to limit areas for those who use tobacco. It would have been simple to have more areas for those poeple in a well designed concept than what is proposed. Areas of high concentration of individuals would of course be ruled out, but an area nearby for others would have been an easy solution. However, it is approached in the same manner as other ideas, with a big stick and no actual concept of how to acheive the desired results. So, while you continue to errode the freedoms of others, as the federal government has done over the years, we will truly be a nation of totalitarianism. Way to go, begin while they are young, it will be easier for the government later.

C180: Undergraduate Student: I'm not a smoker, but I think this has to be the worse thing on the long list of things UNM has done since I've been here. I believe that the smokers on campus have the same right to smoke anywhere as we do to not smoke. Also there is really no way to enforce this act. Sorry I feel it is going to fail, for the best.

C179: Graduate Student: No one questions the dangers of smoking, and I think everyone agrees that it is UNM's responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy environment for students, staff, and faculty; however, implementing a tobacco-free campus in the hopes of getting smokers to quit is laughable. First, as a smoker, I can tell you that people will still smoke on campus. First, even if you remove all the ashtrays and post signs to the effect of "smoking prohibited on campus", people will still smoke and probably litter their butts. Second, this will be impossible to enforce as there are plenty of places to smoke away from the prying eyes of UNM police. Third, if you are going to ban smoking in an attempt to ensure the health of the UNM population, then perhaps you should provide healthier dining alternatives. Oh, and while you're at it, go ahead and ban skateboarding, biking, and any other activity than can potentially endanger the health of others. Good luck on this one. Wow.

C178: Graduate Student: Where will be the smoking areas at UNM?  ANSWER: See above link.

C177:  Other Affiliation: I have read the policy and while I agree the intent of the policy is noble....I find it curious and amusing on how the intent is to enforce the policy. UNM is a large campus of 600 acres with well over 25,000 individuals on UNM property on a daily basis. I assume I could report the violation but since the activity of smoking involves only a few minutes.....I would have no proof of the incident and by the time the appropriate officials arrive the violator would have left. Am I suppose to follow the violator and get his license plate number? Am I suppose to follow the violator and observe what classes he/she takes? It seems most smokers smoke due to high tension and/or stress in addition to their addiction. I think it is a highly uncomfortable and potentially confrontational situation to have UNM faculty, staff, and/or students informing violators. The policy indicates there may be potential disciplinary action on habitual offenders. I am curious on how UNM plans on identifying the offenders who choose to ignore the policy? I seriously doubt a violator is gonna voluntarily ID himself or herself to a random stranger who may issue a citation. Especially given the there is no law against the possession of tobacco in the state of NM....I doubt there will be any legal ramification either. Is the reporter suppose to track the individual until he/she is fully identified? Can we carry handcuffs and detain the individual? Isn't that potentially a dangerous request to burden upon the UNM community? Once again I will mention UNM is a large and diverse community of well over 25,000 patrons lurking around campus. Some are students. Some are staff. Some are simply visitors. I find it difficult to identify folks who violate this policy unless I personally know that person via UNM colleague, classmate, or personal acquaintance. It appears the only drastic punishment that can be fathomed is UNM Security may force the violator to extinguish the cigarette or perhaps leave the area. But UNM Security can't force the offender to ID himself unless he is breaking a law. Also aren't we all in agreement that there are higher priorities for UNM Security such as preventing thefts across campus and investigating more serious legal crimes.

C176:  Other Affiliation:  What kind of ramnifications are there for a person who is smoking outside of a smoking zone? 

C175: Faculty: Please designate an area between Humanities and Woodward (where you can already find several ashtrays/urns). It will serve students, staff and faculty in those buildings as well as the staff working in the SUB.

C174:  Graduate Student: Dr. David J. Schmidly preaches communication, he bombards my e-mail box with garbage, but he is clearly trying to SWEEP the NO-SMOKING ban under the SUMMER RUG.

C173: Undergraduate Student: I want to express my disgust at this new policy. As a non-smoker, I do not feel it is our right to dictate to others what their actions should be. Every smoker knows what the risks are, and chooses to continue despite this. That's their choice to make. Instituting a ban on smoking on campus is not going to make more people quit, even if it was so easy. The only possible result of this initiative is even greater resentment between the student body and an administration that is already perceived as callous. All this for the sake of a vocal minority of non-smokers annoyed by secondhand smoke? I have been at the University for two years now, and have never experienced a problem with secondhand smoke that was any more severe than walking in downtown. I don't expect my statements to change anything, but I could not in all good conscience let my view go unheard regarding this draconian initiative. In America is is tempting to scribble out new laws for every inane and insignificant problem, but universities are about personal development, and part of that is giving people the opportunities to make their own decisions, and bear the personal responsibilities that come with those decisions.

C172: Other Affiliation: Alumna, Parent of current UNM student. The smoke free campus is long overdue. It's an EXCELLENT idea!

C171:  No Affiliation: I applaud this new policy. Secondhand smoke is a real issue. Good job!

C170:  Undergraduate Student: Ok this is tooooo much. All the money that the campus makes every year and now you want to take away smoking. We are all adults and should be able to smoke if we want too. "Designated" areas is a better idea. I think you are going to cause a lot of students and staff to rebel and this could lead to some really pissed off people. Do you have any idea what is like for a smoker to go all day/ night at a campus without a cigarette? This is going to be something to see!!!

C169: Undergraduate Student: I think this is unfair to those who smoke, a resolution to this problem would be only certain areas on the campus that allow smoking, students that smoke need a "stress releif" during school hours and it also makes it easy for those that smoke to concentrate on class. Please consider a smoking area/areas. Thank you.

C168: Undergraduate Student: I would like to know whether or not designated smoking areas have been established yet, and if so where they will be located. Personally I would like to see an area near the Art Department be designated. With 3 hour long studio classes, cigarette breaks just happen.

C167: Undergraduate Student: I heard that there are supposed to be designated smoking areas, at least at first. Where will these be?

C166:  Other Affiliation 
How are you advocating communication when your clearly trying to sneak this under the SUMMER rug? ANSWER:  The majority of the communication has taken place since November 2008.  In January 2009 there were two open forums for students, faculty, staff and the community.  Committee meetings were posted on the website and open to anyone who wished to attend  The proposed policy was sent to the campus for a 30-day comment period which was ended prior to the end of the spring semester.

C165: Graduate Student: I think it would be very good to have a smoke free campus. It will be great to sit outside and enjoy the great weather we have in New Mexico on the campus of UNM without compromising my health (especially since I am an individual with asthma). I thank all those who have played a role in making UNM become a smoke free campus.

C164: Undergraduate Student: I am planning to transfer to UNM in the spring. I am excited to know that UNM cares about it's students enough to give this matter serious thought. Thank you,

C163:  Undergraduate Student:  This is a decision that is being made with no respect for one such commodity that we all believe in: Freedom. All the smokers on the campus are all aware (or i hope) that smoking is adverse to their health. It is documented also that second hand smoke is detramental to one's health. However, it is not as if smokers are pursuing non-smokers and forcing them to inhale their second hand; nor would they want to ruin someone else's day by purposly blowing smoke in their face. It is outside where the smoke will rise into the air not harming anyone but the smoker. It seems to me that this is a discriminatory decision and should be voted upon rather than dictated to the students at the university they pay to attend.

C162:  Undergraduate Student:  The question I had was how will this be enforced? I am very happy about the smoke free campus but I am unsure of how this is going to be implemented.

C161: Staff: I am supportive of the idea of a smoke-free campus, but I must say that I am VERY disappointed with the fact that so much publicity is going out right now about the campus going smoke free, yet NONE of the details about the new policy are available on the Smoke Free Campus Website. The November 2008 letter from President Schmidly is terribly outdated and inadequate. In this letter he states "You will receive additional updates throughout the coming months. The SFE Committee web site that will address frequently asked questions, links to other related sites, and other helpful information" yet I do not see anything on the site that says "View the New Smoking Policy." Why is this policy change being promoted without an explanation of what the changes are? Why is the Smoke Free Website now a major link on the UNM Website without any new information? Is the entire campus going smoke free, or will there be designated smoking zones? Smoking corridors? I have not heard one thing about the new policies and I fear that the lack of information is going to make the policy changes meaningless because nobody knows what the new policy is. Please update the website and ads going out to include what the actual policy is and how it will affect smokers and non-smokers alike. Thank you

C160:  Staff: Thank goodness we are moving towards a smoke free environment on the main campus. This is great. I so dislike breathing other peoples' cigarette smoke. Thank you so much!

C159:  Staff: Please publish the designated areas.

C158:  Undergraduate Student: I am a smoker and I heard about a smoke free campus but the last thing I heard was that there will be smoke areas around campus plus around the dorm area. As a student and an adult, I should be able to smoke when i need to. I do have a habit and I dont smoke around people who let me know about my smoking but i see a bigger problem if there no smoking areas. Students will leave campus to smoke and then will be late to class or still go to class smoking. I been smoking for 20 plus years and i still able to run a mile under 8 minutes and I play both the bagpipes and tuba for UNM. Is there anything that can be done to have a smoking area around the dorm areas at less or would I have to leave campus ever time I want to smoke or sneak around

C157:  Faculty: Smoking is not illegal. A person should be free to do a legal activity. There are designated smoking areas outside of the buildings. This is more than adequate. You are opressing civil rights.

C156:  Staff: Faculty in my department have asked if I know where the new smoking areas will be. Where can I find this information to pass on?

C155:  Graduate Student:  Thank you for taking action on Main Campus, and moving to a smoke-free campus. As a North Campus student, and as someone with asthma, I have enjoyed not having to breathe second-hand smoke just to further my education. I typically dislike my visits to Main Campus, as it usually involves having to put up with second-hand smoke. Now, I may be able to enjoy my visits to main campus! Thank you!!

C154: Graduate Student: Love it! Thank you so much for implementing a smoke-free campus plan. Being a student in George Pearl Hall I am confronted by second hand smoke every day. The stairs in the main entry are a great place to sit. Unfortunately, the stairs are a good place to smoke too. Thanks!

C153:  Staff: Although I no longer smoke, I strongly disagree with this "nanny" policy, and I wonder exactly how you plan to enforce it.

C152:  Staff: have yet to see where these smoking areas will be...

C151: Staff: Hello, I work over at ACC 2 and on occasion have to go by the smoking area out front by Lomas. I, personally, find this offensive and dangerous. You can be 20 ft. away and smell the smoke and end up inhaling it even though you are outside. These people, patients, visitors, faculty, and staff, pay no attention to the cars coming to drop or pick people up, they just want to get over there and smoke. I think it is ridiculous to see patients with IV's, gowns, etc. out smoking when they are here for some type of treatment. This is also directly below the pedestrian bridge and by the stairs to the bridge - who thought that up? I don't know about the other departments, but the smoker's in my department take more breaks and longer breaks then the other staff. If we are supposed to be a smoke free campus, there should be no smoking areas. (As you can tell, you've found one of my soap boxes) Thanks, We are a health organization that is and should promote good health.

C150:  Staff:  Where are the designated smoking areas on main campus? How does one get a smoking area designated?

C149: Graduate Student: I do not believe that the potential health hazards associated with second hand smoke are very severe at all. I think that any potential health benefits by avoiding second hand smoke are greatly offset by the lack of freedom given to smokers. I am not a smoker and my father is a pulmonologist. I have witnessed the anti-smoking movement transform from something designed to help smokers make a good decision into something designed to remove their rights. I believe we have a right to smoke or engage in other unhealthy behavior as long as it does not infringe on others rights. I do not believe we have a right to avoid bad smells, as that is the only infringement I see smokers posing. To me, this is clearly the will of the majority eclipsing that of an unpopular minority. UNM has a responsibility to create well balanced, healthy, productive members of society. I see the responsibility of respecting individual's freedom (even the freedom to make the "wrong" decision to smoke) a higher responsibility. Luckily, most are too busy making money, going to school and living their lives to do much other than to write a comment on a web form. I know I am.

C148: Undergraduate Student:  I heard that there are going to be designated areas where smokers will be able to still smoke and I was wondering where are these places located!!!!

C147: Faculty: There are staff members who are asking where the designated smoke areas will be. The fliers around campus imply that this website will direct them, but there doesn't appear to be any information/maps. When will this information be available as it will impact some employee breaks?

C146: Staff: I am overjoyed that UNM will finally be tobacco-free in August of 2009. 13 years have passed since UNM went smoke-free indoors. My health is just as important to me weather I am indoor or outdoor. I encourage the president and regents to look at the proposed policy and see what they can do to improve it to improve the health of those at UNM. First, all campuses should be included in the policy. Second, having designated areas on campus means that UNM is not smoke-free (smoke is present on campus). Experts have consulted with UNM, and have told us that tobacco users do not honor designated areas. If there are designated areas they should be phased out in a year. Those I have spoken to say that their preference for designated areas are near Vice President and Presidential offices.  Everyone is aware of the harm of tobacco. UNM regularly has children under 18 on campus. UNM is thus an unhealthy environment for them. Activities, including Popejoy, will see more patrons, especially youth after the campus is completely tobacco-free.  Education of the public on this policy change is needed. We as a public need to be bombarded with signs, notes, public information, and as much media as possible. On north campus there is limited signs. Along with signage, employees need to be coached on how to approach a person smoking on campus to politely inform them of the policy.  UNM has a duty and responsibility to protect the public's health. Secondhand smoke is not a mere annoyance, but a serious health hazard. A tobacco-free workplace is a step in the right direction.

C145: Until you stop all the folks that assault our senses with their perfumes, it is unfair that smokers are singled out for persecution.

C144: I have asthma and people do not realize how their smoke effects me, especially when you are walking around campus and because as you know nothing is right next door. when you are walking and breathing across campus and you come across someone who is smoking, asthma suffers are having a hard time breathing as is and then to have to breathe in smoke it can cause a asthma attack. plus it is causes trauma to our lungs and body and it causes a lot of stress to your mind also, when you can't catch your breath you think Oh My God I'm gonna die from not breathing!, I use this when I try to explain what is happening to me when I am having a asthma attack " it's like being in a swimming pool and you have people splashing water in your face and you are gasping for air, and not getting enough air because you just can't catch your breath and you start to panic you feel like your drowning and you think , Oh my God I'm gonna die". Having a asthma attack is no picnic.

Smoke is not the only thing that can cause an asthma attack! I have been at meetings here at UNM. And the smell of overpowering cologne and perfumes mixed in with smoke, also triggers me big time. I like the next person love the smell of a soft perfume and I also love to smell good, but some people use a entire bottle when using cologne and perfume. people take for granted of being able to breathe! for me its a luxury to breathe with out having any of this smells triggering my asthma. A smoke free campus is a great Ideal.

C143: Staff: Thanks for this overdue policy. I do not think it goes far enough. I would like to see stiff penalties for violators. Also, I would like to see a plan to enforce this much needed regulation. Im OK if smokers want to kill themselves - it is their choice - But the non-smokers cannot be their collaterals.

C142: Retiree: There was a time when non-smokers had to work in offices, perhaps sharing cubicles or sitting at desks, mere feet away people who smoked all day. Today such a work environment is unimaginable. Now people forfeit productive time on the job to take smoke breaks outdoors, usually close enough to their buildings that non-smoking employees cannot breath clean air on their own breaks. Someday we will not remember 2009's situation in which designated smoking areas were porches or picnic tables right outside our buildings, thus giving non-smokers no area to relax outdoors. Thank you, all who have taken positive steps toward UNM being a campus with clean air!  Is Policy 2250 a UNM rule or an editorial? Policy 2250 takes up space with self-justification, which is not necessary in statements of policy.  The NM Legislature could have made it law that there be no smoking on property owned by a state academic institution, government property, or civic areas anywhere in the state. Then UNM would not have been forced to take the initiative to protect our campus. The Smoke Free Committee has taken the controversial step of proposing that UNM join other institutions that promise to accommodate the comfort and health needs of non-smokers. But it seems that the authors of Policy 2250 are afraid to put a policy out there unless it has some preaching and appeal for buy-in.  With support at the state level, a policy that bans smoking anywhere in the proximity of UNM faculty, staff, and students is law. Period.   No preaching and no rationale, just a policy that guarantees a clean campus.  more ...

C141: Staff: One aspect of the proposed smoking ban that I don't quite understand is enforcement. If the proposed ban becomes university policy then I believe it is the responsibility of administration to enforce it. The idea that faculty, staff, and students enforce a smoking ban suggests a civilian police force, a condition that I think the university can do without.

C140: I recommend one such designated smoking area be near the Parish Library, since there are many smokers using the 24 hour/5 days a week service and it would not be safe to ask students to walk a long distance when they take a break from studying. Thank you.

C139: Staff:  Cigarettes are legal in the US and an individual right of those who choose to smoke. Most smoker's know of the risk to their health and don't need nor want other individuals preaching to them that they should quit. Having the "FREEDOM" to chose to do so is one of the rights we have as a US citizen. Having smoking areas is reasonable but to say that all employees, students and visitors cant smoke in open air areas on campus is discriminatory and one step away from "controlling" people. Who will report the problems. Will we have staff "ratting" on each other? Because as soon as one staff (that doesn't smoke) see's another staff smoking, (especially if they don't like the staff person) then they will turn that person in. Having a policy that must rely on staff ratting out other staff is not a good idea. Why not hire more people to be tobacco police? because that is a ridiculous idea as well.  I think as long as tobacco is legal then there should be areas to smoke, not a policy that depends on staff, students or faculty "ratting" on each other. I can't wait for that type of environment on UNM campus. Let the animosity and in-fighting begin.

C138: No Affiliation: The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network considers the U.S. Surgeon General's 2006 report The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke (http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/secondhandsmoke/ ) to be the definitive scientific analysis of the health risks associated with secondhand smoke and also the best-available guidance regarding acceptable and effective interventions to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. According to the Surgeon General's 2006 report, there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. The same report concludes even brief exposures to secondhand smoke can cause immediate adverse health effects. Constructing and designating smoking areas on the University of New Mexico Campus will likely (however unintentionally) further institutionalize smoking on campus. Such designated areas serve no public health purpose and, in an undergraduate college campus setting, are essentially free advertising for the tobacco industry. Construction of designated smoking areas undermines the public health objectives of smoke-free and tobacco-free policies by constantly reminding young persons, the tobacco industry's target audience, to smoke here&.  A more scientifically-acceptable alternative to designated smoking areas is to provide no-cost telephone counseling and pharmacotherapy (such as nicotine replacement therapy) to student, faculty, and staff populations on campus. Such interventions are now available at no cost by calling the New Mexico Department of Health's tobacco cessation helpline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW.  more ...

C137:  A complete ban on smoking is going too far and is discriminatory and is an attempt to legislate how a person lives their own life. Designated smoking areas outside are a reasonable protection for people who don't smoke. I am also a non-smoker.

C136:  As a non-smoker I believe designated smoking areas are reasonable but a ban on smoking is discriminatory to a class of people and discrimination should not be tolerated at a public institution.

C135: Tobacco free should be tobacco-free (hyphenated).

C134:  It would be advisable to have anyone that needs to smoke to just go outside of the building.

C133:  i agree. we need a smokefree campus

C132:  I truly believe as an asthmatic that a smoke /tobacco free campus is the best for everyone.  Thank you

C131:  Can you address signage to delineate where University property starts and where it ends? Without such I will expect to smoke where ever there is a question as to where the line is as it would be up to the University to clearly deliniate where it has authority and where the authority ends. I guess I would assume the University owned or was leasing the buildings themselves but the sidewalks, streets, alleys, utility easements and such might or might not be areas the University has authority over. The legal property lines of the University might have some suprising technical details if you can even get a map showing legal detailed boundries. So far we have done a pretty poor job of signage for finding our way around the campuses so it would supprise me to find we could do a good job of signing the campuses for this matter. Smoking in open areas or your own vehicle where there is minisucle danger to others from second hand smoke should be allowed in a free country. Your efforts to help save me from myself over reaches and is not appreciated.

C130:  When it is not enforced? At the main entrance to the Pavilion, there are people standing around lined up next to the curb smoking cigarettes. Same scenario on the south side at the emergency entrance - everyone including underage kids, pregnant women, people on oxygen, etc. allowed by UNM to puff. No ashtrays mean butts everywhere. Many UNM patients and their visitors, drivers, whatever, cannot read English and to many of those, smoking is a status symbol and nothing is going to change that. Why waste your time and energy? All I have to do is look out the window of our building at any given time to witness clouds of smoke. The main question is this: What UNM department will enforce this and what is the penalty? Telling the smoker to throw the butt on the ground and step on it, thus littering more? This griping is coming from a smoker. I don’t smoke at work or in my car or anywhere but on my patio at home, and because of this I smoke a pack every two weeks. I don’t smoke around non smokers and I use an ashtray. Maybe that is why I resent the pollution on north campus. Thank you kindly.

C129:  I am in favor of the new policy.

C128:  Undergraduate Student: I can agree to your policy on the smoking. The part that I disagree with is the ban on smokeless tobacco. Smokeless Tobacco does not hurt anyone except for the user. It should be up to the person whether or not they use smokeless tobacco.

C127:  Faculty: It is misleading at best to conflate an outdoor smoking ban with health effects of second hand smoke. Has a connection been made in scientific studies? Second hand smoke outdoors is an unpleasant nuisance, but I doubt it is a health risk. My wife has asthma and we are very grateful for INDOOR smoking bans, especially at restaurants. Outdoors, however, one encounters secondhand smoke only momentarily. It is very localized. Wood burning fireplaces and diesel engines on the other hand put out a large volume of pollutants which are very harmful to my wife's breathing. The pollution from a single truck or fireplace spreads over a very large area and represents a much greater health risk than a few people smoking a few cigarettes. Are there studies which make the connection between outdoor smoking and "second hand smoke" health effects? If the University wants to pursue an outdoor smoking ban it should not try to make its case by connecting a ban with health effects from second hand smoke unless the connection can be backed up with specific studies.

C126:  Undergraduate Student: I dip copenhagen tobacco. i have never hurt anyone and i only do it on campus when i am in an area such as my rotc unit where i ensure no one is offended. i spit into colored cans so as not to gross anyone out. i dont push my habit on any one and i do not dip in my classes. i have no right to tell people what to and wht not to do in this free country. i can certainly voice my opinion and politely ask a smoker to move to another area if it offended me, but forcing my opinion on other people and then saying i'm doing it for the sake of thier health would be wrong. This is America. if people want to smoke and chew and whatever else let them. no one is trying to offend people that dont smoke, but for some reason it's ok to treat tobacco users in an offensive way. this may not be a direct offence to the individual tobacco user but by telling free people what to and what not to do we are crossing the border from freedom into, well, not freedom. I dont offend people, so dont offend me.

C125:  Faculty: I am a non-smoker and I strongly feel that implementing a smoking ban on campus would be a great waste of resources. Don't we have enough financial concerns already at this University? Even if the financial situation was better, I still don't think that banning smoking is a good idea. Yes, smoke can be a nuisance, but personally I'm more bothered by strong perfume smell and gas fumes from cars . Another dangerous activity that occurs frequently on campus is jay- walking, I see it numerous times a day whenever I'm outside - there's even a law against it already! Since it is potentially dangerous for a person's health to jay-walk - not to mention the shock of the bystanders seeing this illegal activity continue. I think we should have a completely jay-walking free campus - and make sure to put some police efforts to enforce this, especially along Central ave. After all aren't there designated cross-walk areas?

C124: Staff:   I understand and support the concept of prohibiting smoking in private vehicles on University property, but wonder about enforcement for this feature. I presume "all University property" etc. includes the University's vehicle fleet and machinery, but think it might be clearer to clarify that with a brief "including..." clause, since most of us think first of property as land and buildings. In addition, the opening sentence from section 4 is a bit awkward: In light of the numerous adverse health effects associated with active smoking and tobacco use, the University will provide educational services and assistance to faculty, staff, and students about the hazards of smoking and tobacco use and information and services on quitting. I would recommend this re-write of the last portion: ..., the University will provide information and educational services to faculty, staff, and students relating to the hazards of smoking and tobacco use and assistance in quitting for those members of the University community who wish to do so. Nice work on a challenging topic. For what it's worth, I was chair of the committee that developed the 1997 policy while I was program manager of COSAP. It's good to see the level of support for this current effort. Best wishes--

C123:  Staff:  I think it is important to specify in your language that smoking cigarettes is also prohibited at the all bus stops on UNM property. Although this would probably be difficult to enforce, it would, nonetheless, allow UNM to put up tasteful "No Smoking" signs at places like Yale and Central.  Even though enforcement of this policy at bus stops would be difficult (and probably a waste of valuable University resources) it would at least give us non-smokers a valuable tool when we insist that inconsiderate commuting smokers extinguish their cigarettes.  Non-smokers are definitely in the majority these days and bus stops are one of the worst places to get gassed. Thanks for listening.

C122:  Tobacco use is not illegal, and I am not sure why UNM feels that it has a right to impose on an individual's rights. Do not bring up "adverse health effects" as a reason to ban tobacco use--it is an individual's own decision whether or not to use tobacco. Furthermore, this policy is severely flawed in its attempts to bring up "adverse health effects" when, as I'm sure you've already heard countless times, there are other things allowed on campus that cause "adverse health effects" (e.g. fast food). With regard to the health of those that do not use tobacco, please tell me how chewing tobacco negatively effects a bystander's health. And please tell me why you think that the hydrocarbons & particulates emitted by automobile exhaust are deemed acceptable to the UNM faculty, staff, and students' health. If we want to be concerned with the general well-being of the UNM community, then it should not be selective with regards to possible health hazards.  The biggest problem I have with this policy is its intention to eliminate tobacco use altogether "as UNM phases into a totally tobacco free environment." Unless tobacco is illegal in this country, banning its use on campus altogether is asinine. UNM will be overstepping its boundaries should this policy be amended in the proposed fashion. I did not realize that I would be attending an institution that discriminates.

C121: Staff:  I think that the location of the designated smoking areas should be part of the policy. Then as the smoking areas are decreased the policy can be modified to remove the closed area(s).

C120: Faculty:  Yes, I enthusiastically support the changes to a tobacco free campus!

C119:  I am writing in OPPOSITION to the proposed "tobacco free campus" policy.  It can only have negative affects: Open air smoking leaves both parties (smokers and non smokers) a choice. to linger or not. It is prejudicial to favor one group over the other no matter what rational are being employed. It arbitrarily assigns a "normal" activity to "criminal" status. It further alienates the campus space from the contiguous community space of Albuquerque by having a different set of "laws". It further privatizes a public, common resource. Smoking is a social activity that creates opportunity for conversation "outside" the class room. It promotes the perception of a "police state" mentality on campus. Prohibition (even with the backing of the federal government) has only negative effects. Democracy is a dialectic process by All members of a community and is shut down by arbitrary policy. Individual choice, need, and consideration should be negotiated by individuals. It will make some workers less productive as they travel to and from "designated" areas. This policy will only generate resentment in one group without ever satisfying the other. It is un necessary and onerous to enforce.

C118:  I support, very strongly, a Smoke Free Campus!

C117: Faculty: Like many Faculty, staff and students, I like to escape to our beautiful Duck Pond area for lunch and break. Two times out of 3, I cannot escape the smoke of nearby smokers, which covers a large area due to the air currents in this area. Please ensure that the new policy protects the Duck Pond area to become a smoke-free area for all of us environmentalists to enjoy.

C116: Staff:  Thank you!!!

C115: Faculty:  I like this leaner version.  It gets to the point with fewer words and seems to focus on the smoke free part and to diminish the where to smoke.

C114:  Faculty:  Thank you for this new policy! My biggest grievance has been with the many smokers who walk down campus sidewalks with a lit cigarette in hand. They seem to have no idea that this could be a problem for anyone near them. I am sensitive to cigarette smoke, and most everyday that I am on campus I find myself walking behind or crossing paths with someone who is WWS--walking while smoking. (!) It is awful, not only because I'm forced to breathe their smoke, but often because the smell stays in my clothes if I am walking on a crowded sidewalk and I can't figure out right away where the cigarette smell is coming from.  I'd like to see this activity (of smoking while walking down sidewalks) spelled out more clearly in the policy somehow. I assume that the new "designated areas" of the policy takes care of this problem, but it may not be clear enough, given how widespread this practice currently is.  Also, I hope that you will have clear signs and advertising in MANY locations, specifically to let people know they should not be smoking while walking down sidewalks. Otherwise you will leave it up to those of us who are willing to speak up which is not so comfortable a position to be in.  Thank you for all the work you have done to limit smoking on campus!

C113: Faculty:  Thank you for the efforts currently in progress to assure that the entire UNM campus becomes smoke-free. A no-smoking policy has been, and continues to be, a pleasure and a benefit to the health and comfort of all on the Health Sciences campus.

C112:  Staff:  If Popejoy patrons are going to be asked to adhere to the campus' smoke-free policy, we will need a designated area immediately outside Popejoy's entrance. I recommend a space north of the main entrance to the Center for the Arts. That way, smokers are out of the main traffic patterns for patrons arriving for and leaving our events. Smokers would then also be removed from the air intake vents located south of the main entrance to the building.  If a smoking area is not designated immediately adjacent to Popejoy, you will not get compliance from our patrons. They will smoke as they choose in defiance of any campus policy.  Let me know if I can help further.

C111:  Thank you for creating this policy, as a non-smoker I am always dodging smoke/smokers whenever I can. It is great to know that soon I will not have to worry about this issue on campus.

C110:  I do not smoke. I am glad smoking is not allowed in my workplace and public places such as restaurants and grocery stores; I was raised in Kentucky, and recall well how heavy tobacco smoke could get in public places. I think the restriction of smoking to assigned areas is a good thing. To altogether ban smoking, however, is going too far. I believe we should continue to provide smoking areas for those who wish to smoke. The relentless push to absolutely banish all smoking off the planet has at least 3 problems:  1)I do not believe one will incur harmful effects by getting a scent of smoke on rare occasions when outdoors. Otherwise, we should ban matches, which release smoke, and fireworks (I often smell the smoke from these on 4th July), not to mention wood fireplaces! In New Mexico, there is almost always at least some local breeze when outdoors, which quickly disperses tobacco smoke. 2) While heavy smokers knowingly run increased risks to their health (it is good that they be made aware of that fact), I do not think the public should force them to not smoke "for their own good". THis smells strongly of taking away individual rights, and provides political ammunition for extremist conservative elements to ridicule and discredit "liberals" with, and gain support for their own right-wing positions. 3) The whole anti-smoking crusade has the feel of avoiding much larger problems--the crusaders can't, or won't (why?) spend the effort on bigger problems, such as alcohol--so they force even bars into being "tobacco free"--why don't they force bars into being alchohol-free? (which do you think causes the most harm after the bar closes?) more ... 

C109:  Faculty: The Non-Smoking Policy at UNM is a quantum leap forward to the improved health of our students, faculty, staff, patients, and visitors. It is important to put social, financial, and legal pressure on smokers to quit, to make them feel like pariahs and social outcasts as well as to encourage and facilitate their transition to a tobacco-less existence. I would suggest a $100 fine for on-campus smoking to further encourage a transition to smokeless environment, and once a violator, a mandatory referral to a smoking cessation treatment program. In addition, it would be reasonable to put a surcharge on smokers for their health insurance and automobile insurance since smokers are far more costly in terms of medical care for smoking associated illness and care for trauma from the well-documented increased automobile accidents caused by smokers

C108:  As far as I can tell, the changes proposed simply add smokeless tobacco to the already severe restrictions on smoking. But as a person who is highly allergic to cigarette smoke, I can tell you that the current restrictions don't work at all. I'm surrounded by a haze of smoke whenever I'm in a parking structure or outside a building. Hospital employees and security personnel are the major smokers I encounter. My entire life has been spent holding my breath as I attempt to get to my car, and this problem has only worsened since the "smoke-free campus" initiative began. I don't see how the new policies will change anything. I'd prefer to see an indoor area designated for smokers, with appropriate venting and exhaust fans, so that they'll get out of my outdoor air space!

C107: Staff :  Although many have brought up good points about car fumes and trans fats, etc. the issue at hand is smoking. I believe that smoking should be prohibited in areas where they are within 20 feet of a window, door or within 20 feet of any passage which only has one reasonable passage. That would mean that just because someone is 20 feet away from an entrance, they cannot smoke in an area if all of the pedestrians have to pass them in order to enter the building. Unfortunately, we cannot rely on common decency in order to protect ourselves from harm. Enforcement could include a fine (posted on signs) of maybe $20.00 or a choice to take a free smoking cessation course. Maybe it could be offered online for those with a busy schedule. Enforcement fines should also be given to those who litter smoking materials, cigarette butts, matches or chewing tobacco, etc. Appropriate containers should be provided and maintained by UNM/UNMH. My hope is that people will attend the course and that funding for the courses could come from public funds that are used for outreach to help people live healthier for the prevention of serious disease and illness, as well as money received from those who choose the option of the fine instead of the course. This, like the courses offered through EHPP should be offered to anyone who would like to attend. I believe this is only a problem for those who are prone to break these rules, since they are quite reasonable. If they show common decency there is no problem. Those who have an issue with smoke will only see it from afar, at least until it is ultimately outlawed campus wide in five years. I wish everyone could quit but as an ex smoker I know that it's easier said than done. 

C106: Staff:  I like the idea of a tobacco-free campus, but I seriously doubt that it will ever come about. Smokers currently ignore designated smoking areas, and a new policy will not change that attitude. The main comment I have on the proposed policy is that the way I read the current wording is that a smoker is not allowed to smoke in their own vehicle while that vehicle is on campus. I do believe that this should be re-worded to clarify the policy.

C105:  Staff:  Do you really think that not allowing people the ability to smoke during these trying times is a good idea? We are already being screwed by the administration. This will leave me no choice but to find another job. I am a very conscience smoker who does not do it in the front of the building, but rather in the back that no one but smokers even knows about. I just feel like once again UNM is not looking out for all of the employees here. I also will not quit because you or someone in the government says I have to. And also those UNM plans cost money and I do not know about you but I do not have any of that lately.

C104:  Staff: I applaud UNM for moving towards a smoke free campus. I wish that a greater sense of urgency was placed on this transition, however, without a 5-year transition period. According to the NM DOH, within that amount of time, more than 10,000 New Mexicans will die from smoking-related causes. An additional 1500 New Mexicans will die from second hand smoke in the same period. How many of those deaths will be UNM students, faculty, staff? If we have the opportunity to reduce our UNM family's risk that any one of these deaths will be one of our own, we must act more aggressively. Let us assume, for the sake of argument, that none of these deaths will be one of our own. What about the other costs of tobacco use, i.e., lost productivity, illness, etc.? For every smoking-related death in NM, there are 20 New Mexicans suffering from tobacco-related illnesses. Annually, the lost productivity alone amounts to $428 million every year for our state, or over $2.1 billion over the 5 year waiting period UNM proposes on its move toward a tobacco free campus. If any of these costs arise from within UNM, which they likely do, we cannot afford to move incrementally. I refer you to the NM DOH report "Health Impact of Tobacco" for more information. http://www.health.state.nm.us/pdf/Health-Economic_Impact_of_Tobacco_in_NM.pdf Additionally, as a university, we have an obligation to guide our young adults onto paths that are full of intelligent, thought-out, and productive decisions. Setting the tone that tobacco use is incompatible with these paths is done best by prohibiting tobacco use at our great institution. How many lives will we have missed guiding well during the five year transition period?   More ...

C103: Graduate Student:  had planned to attend your meetings but all the ones I knew about conflicted with classes.  Thank you for this policy. I have one concern about the policy as written: ". . .the number of designated areas will be reduced within a five-year period." Suggests that they will be reduced to none, but doesn't specifically state it. Let me recommend the following language:  ". . .the number of designated areas will be reduced within a five-year period and at the end of those five years smoking will be prohibited everywhere on UNM property." At this point I would like to know if I will be able to have input to the number and location of the initial smoking areas. I have been around this campus for nearly 25 years, know it well and would like to be in on the conversation.

C102:  Staff:  I am elated that UNM will be smoke free. It is time that UNM join the ranks of other health-aware institutions. It is good not only for those that work at UNM, but also for students. Many business campuses do not allow tobacco use and if we are preparing students for the workforce they should be prepared for that. But I am very concerned about designated tobacco use areas. Where will these areas be located? Undoubtedly near someone's door or window or air uptake. I currently have an office in the middle of a building, I have no window or door to the outside yet smoke smells make their way in- I assume through ventilation. Someone will be forced to work near a designated area and suffer the effects. I don't think it is a good idea. I also don't see the point of a transition period. If the University cares about the health and well-being of it's faculty, staff and students they should be committed to it right now. Not gradually in 5 years. I'll take what I can get, but the side-effects of a 5 year transition period sound terrible. Thank you for your time.

C101: Staff: Smoking areas on campus would be the best idea, just like how you can get a beer at the University Club on campus, even though the campus is dry and no alcohol is aloud on it. Give the people their space, and everyone will be happy.

C100: Staff:  I am definitely for a smoke free campus because unfortunately, many smokers feel that they can smoke where ever they want to. Many times I have been sitting downdraft from a smoker who arrived after me to light up his/her cigarette without any consideration as to whether I mind the intrusion. I end up having to leave although I arrived in the location first. For those who feel this is infringing on their rights, then you should blame the bad apple smokers who are extremely insensitive to non-smokers. However, if the University is going to enforce this, then they should definitely post the policy clearly as well as indication to the designated smoking areas. And all affected departments should follow through with enforcing the policy.

C99: Graduate Student: I'd like to see a smoke-free campus but it is unenforceable. However, if it proclaimed and there are signs posted, that could REDUCE the amount of smoking. People who are rude and don't care will continue as they are. At the same time as the ban, also offer proven ways to quit, with classes at convenient times, and support for those trying to quit.

C98: I am truly relieved that the University has finally made some real moves towards a smoke-free campus. I cannot tell you how many times a day I have to walk through a cancer-inducing cloud of smoke just to enter a building. Most smokers are not observing the 25 foot rule, as I am sure that you have noticed. Every morning, I must ride a smoky elevator to the 2nd floor. My father died of lung cancer and I will probably lose my mother to the same disease. I spent most of my childhood indoor life in a smoke-filled home, my clothing always smelling of smoke – even though I was not a smoker. It must have been odd to the parents of my friends to smell smoke on a young child. As a swimmer and a musician, I have been very adamant about limiting my own exposure in my home and in controlled environments. I do not frequent clubs and have never attended concerts. I am really hoping that UNM is able to enforce this policy. It would be such a relief not to have to worry at work. I know I sound slightly phobic, but I have seen first -hand the damage that smoking causes. I applaud your efforts and will be cheering all of you on as you pursue implementation of this new policy. 

C97: Graduate Student:  Organizers of the Smoke/Tobacco Free Campus, I am strongly in favor of a Tobacco-free Campus and encourage you to provide incentives for students that quit smoking.

C96: Staff:  I only smoke on weekends and occasionally but never at work but I feel that those you do smoke NEED to have their smoke breaks. I seriously believe that there should be a place outside the buildings to smoke – like at old Lovelace hospital and such. Do NOT take away the smoking for the smokers – they are grumpy enough already. I wouldn’t want to see so many people jones’ing for a smoke and getting their hair torn out!!

C95: Staff: APS is smoke-free. Presbyterian Hospital is smoke-free. Why can';t UNM and all of its branches be smoke-free as well? After all, UNM is a Flagship University!

C94: Until smoking becomes illegal under law, there should not be an enforced compliance clause in a policy (which is not a law) by which anyone is expected to report on alleged violators. I am not a smoker, but it used to be that an individual's right to disagree with the majority was vigorously defended in this country (it was called freedom). This can be seen in all the recent changes for alternative lifestyles as well as defense of abortion rights. The arguments related to "protecting" smokers from themselves and saving lives are the same as those used by the pro-life groups. I think it's safe to conclude the university won't create a policy to report requested abortions in order to save lives any time soon, as that is a personal choice and the university would not intrude in those decisions. Why is the personal choice to use tobacco different?

C93:  Staff: I find it very disturbing, as a once smoker of many years, that a policy can be passed to single out a group of people to dictate to. Isn't it enough that they are taxed to death and discriminated against. If this goes through what next? shall we pass a policy against people that use product harmful to the environment. Lets get the people using hair spray and body spray because some people don't like the smell. Lets get a policy to stop people that play loud music. I'm sure they can find plenty of things we do that others are going to find objection to so lets start passing policies to control everything.

C92: Staff: I am shocked about some of the comments people have been leaving here, the ignorance is abound. I am a smoker, and have been for 14 years. I always make sure to take my smoking away from building entrances and pedestrian walkways, and I always dispose of my cigarette butts in an ashtray if available or a trash can if available. I understand that the people who chose not to smoke don't want to be around smoke, i respect that and do what I can to keep it out of their way. Smokers who do not show this kind of respect now, will not show it if there is a ban on campus, they will continue to smoke whenever and wherever they want. However, if they are shown some respect by being given designated smoking areas, they may show some respect by using them. I worked at the HSC when they were attempting to ban smoking there, we were given an ashtray on the street and told we could smoke there, so that is what i did, rain, shine, snow, wind, I would decide if a cigarette was worth the weather, and if it was I would go to the designated area. If UNM insists on treating smokers like children, then they will act like children. more ...  You tell them that they can only smoke if they are willing to hike all the way off campus, and you will find lots of people sneaking cigs everywhere, you tell them that they have options on where they can smoke, and they will do the adult thing, and chose the closest smoking area. The smoking ban on north campus is not a success, and it is a disgrace to see all the smokers lined up on lomas because they have no other options. Im glad it's better for non smokers to put smokers right in the way of traffic and right in the middle of all the car fumes, instead of putting them somewhere they are safe. It's easy to tell people they are wrong about something you do not do.   More ...

C91: It is one thing to take away our rights and prohibit smoking on the campus or the hospital grounds. But to ban what I do in my own private vehicle is really too far. Is this Germany or New Mexico? I would propose that since the University is all about health and wellness, they should immediately discontinue the use or sale of any fried foods, shakes, or desserts. Obesity is just as serious a health concern as smoking. I think it should be addressed immediately. Let us not discriminate against only some distasteful habits.

C90: Staff: Five year phase out? Why bother dragging it out so long? How about phase out to be complete no later than January 1, 2010? Any longer than that is suggestive of a lack of will.

C89: Staff: As a non-smoker, I oppose the going to a completely and totally smoking free campus. It's discrimination. Any form of discrimination limits all of us.

C88: Faculty: C6. You are misinformed if you think smoking outside a building does not harm. It does kill, and people die every year of second-hand smoke related illnesses.

C87:  Faculty: to Smokers: STAY OUT OF MY LIFE! Smoke only in your own tightly sealed home and/or car. I do not want cancer because of you.

C86: Staff: I'm happy to see all tobacco products included and the areas of use limited (nothing like walking thru' a cloud to get to a door, ugh).

C85: Staff: We should not have to pay for smoking shelters. Smoke still goes everywhere. UNM should be completely smoke-free. All campuses should be smoke-free. Those of us who choose not to smoke, should have the right to breathe smoke-free air when going about our business on campus. We should not have smokers rights and smoke forced upon us!

C84: Staff:  I am both sickened and stunned that UNM would infringe on the rights of it's students, faculty or staff by attempting to enforce a smoke-free campus.  What is next? Where does it end? You cannot decide what is good for someone, and then make them do it. If we want to eat ourselves to death, we will. If we want to smoke ourselves to death, we will. There is no medical connection between second-hand smoke and any sort of illness; but with a definite connection between high cholesterol and poor heart health, will all snack/soda machines be removed from campus? Will we still be able to decide what we can eat for a little longer?  Freedom of choice does not end with the choice to kill your children: I can choose to smoke, drink, and eat what I want.  Freedom will prevail, despite your best efforts.  One voice of many,

C83: Faculty: We should not have to breathe smoke. We should ALSO have a choice and freedom to do what we want - which is to breathe air, not contaminated with smoke!

C82: Staff: Please make ALL UNM campuses COMPLETELY smoke-free!

C81:  In favor of making all UNM campuses completely smoke-free.

C80: Staff:  I am a non-smoking staff member and in theory I greatly support the concept of a smoke-free campus. However in practice I am recommending a few designated smoking areas. Currently my work duties take me back and forth frequently along the sidewalk just north of the Mental Health Center. Since it is a boundary between University property and the public street, it attracts numerous smokers. They congregate on the street corners, often wearing scrubs or badges, and present an unattractive appearance to those passing the campus. I actually breathe MORE of their smoke, and its objectionable odor, than if they were given a bench somewhat removed from the sidewalk in a grassy area. Please give them a smoking area somewhere, so that I can use the sidewalk again. As it is, I take long detours across the grass, harming vegetation and muddying my shoes, to avoid the fumes. Thanks for your consideration

30-day Policy Comment Period Began April 10, 2009

C79: Staff: I am in favor of this ban. And it is somewhat enforceable. Perhaps passersby will not be willing to report other passersby by going up to them, but there could be a phone or internet based reporting system where a person anonymously reports an individual by name resulting in a friendly e-mail asking them not to smoke on campus as it is infringing on the reporter's rights. Because there is no proof of this situation there will be no consequence and there doesn't have to be. The violator will soon know that people around him/her want them to stop and that will aide the process. Also, reporters of this violation can mention where the actual violation took place. The offices in that proximity can then be instructed to politely inform persons that that office is not allowed to have smokers and has been contacted to shore it up. They could also be instructed to post printed signs. An official UNM non-smoking print out pdf is possible. Eventually people will generally become embarrassed to be informed repeatedly and if violation is consistent their bosses or dean can be informed. As a society we just have to work together to state this is not healthy!

C78: No Affiliation: comments: GRRRRRRRRowl. I am willing to negotiate but i want to be able to smoke hookah on grassy fields while relaxing with a group of friends. If all tobacco use is quarantined to an uncomfortable concrete prison shaped receptacle you are anti smokers.

C77: Undergraduate Student: Just a thought... to eliminate smoking on campus.... well if you make this a smoke free campus then you in fact should make it a perfume/cologne free campus as well. Second hand smoke may be bothersome to some just as the obnoxious smell of someone wearing to much perfume/cologne. See the pattern what "right" will be removed next? And how can you punish the majority of the UNM population when smokers have done nothing wrong. Other campus's around the US may follow this smoking ban but other campus's have liquor sales on their grounds... Does that mean we ought to follow their policies as well...

C76:  Other:  Stop taking away my rights! Smoking should be allowed in ALL outdoor areas! It is not hurting anyone if the smoke is outdoors, in the open air. And stop feeding me statistics about cancer and how much school I'll miss because of my habit. Operative, MY Habit. I tell you, the more I am nagged and hounded about smoking, the more I want to do it! The government has absolutely NO RIGHT to dictate what I do in the great outdoors. You are not my nanny. I am a grownup and I will make my own decisions about my health. And two "smoking areas" on such a large campus is woefully inadequate. Students are rushing from building to building between classes. They don't have time to run across campus to Student Health (irony?) to enjoy their legal right. (Which is, however much you don't like it, STILL a LEGAL RIGHT!) In short, the University has no place dictating the behavior of its students to such a degree. I believe this is a plan by Schmidley and his cronies to draw attention away from what is truly a disastrous tenure. He figures if he panders to the loud, whiny nonsmokers, he will have one thing on his resume that people will laud and applaud. Well, Sir, this is not that one thing. I had planned to reenroll this fall after a long break to mother my children. Now that I've learned of your Nazi policy, intended to keep me IN LINE, forget it! I will find a school that respects my decisions, health-wise or otherwise. You cannot ban everything you don't like. And frankly, I'm tired of smoking being villainized. Are we going to force the fat people to diet next? Make them walk more to lose weight? Herd them into "fat people designated areas" to eat their twinkies and ho-hos? These people cause a strain on our health care system with their obesity-related illness. More ...

C75:  Staff: Thank you so much for all your efforts to make this a smoke-free campus! What is being done - or what can we do - to enforce this policy?  ANSWER: The success of maintaining a tobacco free campus requires thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation between smokers and nonsmokers. All student and visitor violations will be referred to the Dean of Students for review and action under the Student Code of Conduct and the Visitor Code of Conduct. All faculty and staff violations will be referred to the cognizant dean, director, or department head.

C74: Staff:  Our office is located off campus. How can we get the no smoking policy at our location? Employees use a courtyard area to smoke which then comes back into the building. We do not have any no smoking signs here. 1001 Medical Arts NE

C73: Staff:  I support a 100% smoke free campus and would like to point out the following: It is a fact that smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United Stated and this is not disputable. Why would "safe" areas need to protect individuals who are obviously killing themselves each time they smoke, whether they live on campus or not? Why spend any resources providing protection, protective areas, or any area whatsoever for people to continually attempt suicide on a daily-hourly basis? The interest of safety for individuals who are harming their health is absurd. This is not a question of potential harm to them this is a fact. The rights of those who have "chosen" NOT to smoke are not being considered when the so-called rights of the smokers are. It is the right of a NON-smoker to breathe clean air. Is that not why there are emissions testing, no-burn days, and other clean air laws? I ask the committee to NOT spend money on shelters or protection areas. Education and public announcements is the only thing that resources should be used for. The public became used to the buildings being smoke free, and it is now the norm. They can easily become accustomed to the university as a whole being smoke free. No spaces speckled throughout campus no shelters that are ADA compliant to help people commit suicide, absolutely 100% smoke free and people will learn that it is how it is at UNM. Much like alcohol use, while it is legal, there are rules and restrictions on where it may be consumed. I am not allowed to walk down the street drinking, even though I am legally allowed to drink. There are laws regulating the use of many things that are legal, and this can be no exception at UNM.

C72:  Undergraduate Student: How do you plan on enforcing this ban and what would be the consequences?

C71: Staff: The initial efforts are commendable. However, there is inadequate, to the point of being non-existent, signage outside the buildings at HSC concerning this being a non-smoking, smoke-free area. Outside people (non UNM) are pretty much unaware of our being smoke-free.

C70: Staff  We should have a smoke free campus. It will benefit the smokers as well as everyone around them. People still smoke right outside of building doors and I have to walk and breath the smoke and it makes me cough. I have asthma and get sick easily. I am not a smoker and have never been a smoker.  

C69: Staff: I commend the Smoke Free Committee and want to thank you for the Town Hall Meeting, as well as allowing input and ideas and listening to Both sides. I hope that OPTION 1 is implemented, if not by August 1, 2009, in the NEAR Future. Keep up the good work!!!!!   

C68: Faculty: Good work. Thanks for working to make UNM a smoke-free campus. I’d support car-free as well. Sorry I could not attend either town hall meeting.  

C67: Staff We should have a smoke free campus.   

C66: Staff: I saw a recent UNM Today article in which a spokesperson for the University asserted that the north campus smoking ban has been a raving success. I’ve sent feedback before with my own personal experience suggesting it’s not. She offered as evidence 1) the numbers of people who have submitted survey responses in favor of the ban. In the current climate, it’s likely that those opposed don’t bother trying to be heard. 2) the testimonial of a medical student who asserts that having a ban will encourage people to cut down and ultimately quit. Hardly compelling. I urge the committee to genuinely study the matter, bringing to bear some of the capacity for empirical thought and objective evaluation you would expect you might find in a research institution. I also urge you to consider designated smoking areas over the current, laughable, don’t ask/don’t tell model the HSC employs in which smokers designate their own areas and the HSC pretends not to know it.  

C65: Undergraduate Student:  I do not care if you disguise this initiative in supposed concern for the health and well-being of students and staff, it is very obviously an attempt to create a more comfortable environment for NON-SMOKERS. Just because you say (and maybe even think) you are helping to keep us safe from ourselves doesn't change the fact that this is authoritarian and fascist in nature. We are all adults and by this point in life should know the dangers of smoking as well as using other drugs, anyone who isn't aware doesn't matter. This is a matter of telling adults what is and is not acceptable and it is completely un-American to impose on the smokers' right to smoke if they so desire. This is already a dry campus so even if you are of legal age you cannot enjoy an alcoholic beverage and I have news for you, people need to get their buzz from somewhere! If you enact any sort of non-smoking ordinance i guarantee it will be met with much hostility and outrage along with very little complicity. Please take this into consideration before you decide you are know better than each individual what is best for them. 

C64: Staff: I do not smoke; but, it is my belief that the current policy is fair and just as it allows smokers to choose between the discomfort of going out into the cold to smoke or not. The produce from their smoking (aroma and carcinogenic smoke) is then wafted away and/or greatly diluted. While some people are more sensitive to the smell of smoke, and indeed some smokers carry that smell with them (clothes, hair & breath), imposing an unjust and unfair policy will do no good for morale or solve the problem. It will cause conflict and breaking of such a policy and the university does not have the resources or time to police such a proposed policy. And further, just what would the punishment be?  

C63: Staff: I am very much against the smoking ban. I am not a smoker. Smoking should be allowed outside just as cars are allowed to pollute the air. Also it is unenforceable. I do not want to work on a campus where there is enough security to monitor every person in the area. Nor do I want to work on a campus where people are asked to turn in each other. This is a public relations ploy.  

C62: Staff: I would like to submit some comments. As a light smoker, I make every attempt to not let smoking interfere with my work, or relationships. I am very careful not to smoke around others, and to not smoke very much. I do know that car and industry fallout pollutes our air more than 2nd-hand smoke does and that, if I smoke outdoors, it dissipates along with this other type of pollution. I work very hard and extra hours. If I will have to walk far away to go smoke on a city street, that will mean that I have to take time away from my work that I did not have to do previously, in addition to creating times when I will clearly be going through withdrawal. Smoking bans will not help us quit -- that is something we have to be ready to do on our own. Rather, bans just make our lives more difficult. I lived in Oregon and saw so many closet smokers puffing away in their cars because they were not allowed to smoke outdoors. I don’t agree with banning all public, outdoor areas from smoking. Smoking is a habit that won’t go away for some of us; we just need to be considerate and polite about it. Communication, education, and feedback can assist with this. These methods should also be used to address other issues, such as rude and dangerous driving, unhealthy eating habits, and lack of exercise. Thank you.  

C61: Staff: I am disappointed by the lack of enforcement of a “smoke-free environment”. When I walk to the parking structure, there are hospital employees (in scrubs) hiding between cars or congregating in groups smoking, piles of cigarette butts in certain areas. I get leering stares when I walk by a group of smokers, which is very intimidating. There are cameras in the structure so there could be follow-through. Also, everyone smokes at the base of the stairs on the north side of the catwalk. I understand this is very difficult for smokers, but the “smoke-free” claim of success is not completely true (yet). 

C60: Faculty: I fully support a smoke-free campus---the sooner, the better! Selfishly speaking, I’m tired of walking behind a smoker and past a small group of smokers and having to breathe in the 2nd-hand smoke or walk out of my way to avoid it. In addition, though, I think that having a smoke-free campus could deter the number of young smokers (traditional students), a population that nationally has seen an increase in numbers. Thanks for having these forums. Sorry I can’t make either one. (Also, nice website.)   

C59: Staff: I cannot think of a greater move that will have immediate as well as longstanding benefits to all of the University community than banning smoking on our campuses. Research has shown that other universities have made the move successfully and that smoking rates among those universities; faculty, staff, and students have decreased as a result. This, in turn, reduces sick time and improves health and productivity. I applaud UNM for moving towards a smoke free environment.   

C58: Staffs: I am not a smoker nor have never been a smoker but have known enough smokers to know that a considerable portion of their waking time may revolve around getting their next smoke. Forcing them to walk completely off campus will not really improve my health but will surely negatively impact their productivity and their good-will toward UNM. I think legislating healthy habits in this manner is counter productive. I would like to think that a push for higher tobacco taxes with profits going to education and withdrawal programs would be wiser.   

C57: Staff: I do not feel that smoking in front of or around doors is appropriate. I am a smoker and am always concerned about others around me that do not smoke. Designated smoking areas would be a preference. Not near entrances to buildings. A smoke free campus would mean we have smokers hanging out on corners, that wouldn’t look good to the public as they drive by.  

C56: Staff: I think the south west corner of each building should be the “smoking area” at the start. This would allow time to see where smoking areas would be beneficial. Hopefully this would also prevent the deplorable conditions such as found on the North side of campus of smokers given an ashtray and a curb. I also propose that the area of the Dominquez Memorial Garden (Smith Fountain) be designated a smoking area as it is under used, not a main walkway, walled, and has several layers of vegetation to help clean the air. A perfect area needing no alterations.   

C55: Staff: The sensible and fair thing is to establish smoking areas. People who don’t like smoke can avoid them. If no smoking is allowed anywhere on campus it is obviously hostile to smokers, Why should that be necessary? The purpose is plainly social engineering, and I see no sign that university officials are qualified to make decisions on behalf of others or to decide how they should think and behave. 

C54: Staff; I am not able to attend the town hall meetings either today or tomorrow, but I appreciate and support the public process to garner community input on the issues related to tobacco use on campus. I hope my email will suffice as a means of weighing in on the issues. I would prefer NO TOBACCO USE (i.e. chewing) & NO SMOKING on campus. As a former smoker who managed to quit for 25 years (from 25 yrs old to 50 yrs) and who fell off the wagon two years ago (ugh!) and is starting all over trying to quit, I can’t emphasize enough how vulnerable we users/former users are to visual cues. Whether it be advertisements, movies or exposure to users/smokers in our work environment...it is a slippery slop trying to avoid physical & psychological temptations. And, smoking is equal parts physical and psychological addiction. When I don’t see it or smell it, I don’t even think about it. But the moment I do, well...I’m weak. I may not represent the majority, but I’m sure there are a few of us who are visually stimulated by the pleasurable act of smoking who would appreciate no reminders. Respectfully,   

C53: Staff: As an institution of higher education, I think the University has a moral obligation to model high standards of healthy living. Thus, like Sandia National Laboratory, Presbyterian Hospital, and UNM’s HSC, I support a smoke-free campus.   

C52: Staff: This debate is similar to a debate over making this a gun-free campus, not that it was ever debated that we should or should not ban all weapons from campus. However, there are very few, although sometimes very vocal opponents of banning guns from campus, and I think the same applies to smoking. Despite opposition from nicotine addicts and a few who oppose all government regulation for any reason, I don’t think most of us care to have something as deadly and disgusting on campus. The smell of piles of stale tobacco, and the littering of the entire campus with butts, match packs and lighters is reason enough to ban such utter crap. Smokers want their fix, and care nothing for anyone else. Offer them help, but don’t abet their drug habits anymore.  

C51: Staff: Tobacco free Completely off campus   

C50: Staff: Your quit smoking programs on the campus are a joke and I don’t think you’re prepare for the violence that is sure to ensue when self appointed smoke nazis try to enforce this policy themselves. What’s next? Transfats? Who will save us from those who would save us? 

C49: Staff: In the interest of health and safety, I would definitely be interested in having a smoke free campus, but I also think that people who choose to smoke should have specified areas where they can do so.   

C48 Staff: This is typical of our times. Socialist/Fascist liberals wasting our time dictating behavior. This whole thing is ridiculous at best and unconstitutional at worst which means illegal. It is unenforceable and I would hope many would just ignore it. Maybe we should ask more about why top admin is skimming money off the top when the rest of us get nil. You people take the cake.   

C47: Staff: I hate smoking but, although I have quit for some lengths of time, I have not succeeded in giving up the bad habit completely. Please consider strongly that many smokers are in this position and we don’t want to sneak around to tend to our habit. Designate smoking areas.   

C46: Staff: I am very firmly opposed to this initiative. I cannot stress strongly enough my opposition to it.   

C45: Faculty: I am opposed to imposing this notion of a “smoke-free” campus. This is not helping those addicted to tobacco at all. It is an ignorant and cruel sham, a big show to pretend that “we care” and actually is more for those who already have quit smoking than those who still do. Disgraceful! And by the way, I quit smoking cigarettes 37 years ago.   

C44: Staff: While I agree with the smoke free campus, I find it very disturbing to drive by campus, especially the Health Science Center and UNMH and see doctors, nurse’s, faculty and staff standing on the street corners smoking. This is a very bad public image for the University of New Mexico. There should be designated smoking area’s on the edges of campus that are not so visible to the public and still allow employees who smoke to do so. As it is now every street corner seems to be a smoking area. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.  

C43:  Staff: I don’t agree that the HSC has become smoke-free. It has become a place of hidden smoking and public congregations of smokers. There are so many employees who have found special places to smoke during the day, behind buildings, loading docks, parking lots, street corners “off campus”; that it is a farce. UH night shift employees still smoke behind the hospital and leave the butts all over the sidewalk by the doors. Patients don’t seem to know, students and visitors don’t seem to know. It’s obvious there is still smoking at HSC - I am surprised this endeavor is being called a success and is now supposed to be implemented on main campus? Good luck. There are advantages to a smoke free campus but it seems without enforcement and visible posting of notices that this has not been truly been a success. We need to do a better job of informing and enforcing or change the stance and create designated smoking areas and accommodate smokers instead of ridiculing them.  

C42:  Staff: Please keep smoking areas on campus. Smoking is an addiction and is not something that people can always quit no matter how hard they try. What your doing is starting discriminations against people who smoke and limiting their right to equal education. Any form of discrimination is still discrimination and the beginning of the loss of individual freedoms. I am a non-smoker and I would like nothing better than to have everyone quit. But, I know that won’t happen.

C41:  Staff: I work at the Law School and they have a designated smoking area in the back of the building. This does not interfere with any one who does not want to be there. I am a smoker and I would have to agree that smoking in front of the doors does seem a little inconsiderate. I do feel if we were to make UNM a non smoking campus we will just stand out in the street just like they do at the hospital.

C40:  Graduate Student: I would like to say that I disagree with legislating morality and this seems to be what you are doing. I do not smoke and generally dislike the habit, but smoking outside of buildings hardly qualifies as a major health risk. Why not get rid of soda and fried foods in the sub first? They do way more damage to the health of students and faculty. This seems like a non-issue compared to the myriad of real problems facing the community.

C39: Graduate Student: I am a non-smoker by choice. I choose not to be around smokers and I do not allow smoking in my house or in my vicinity when I have a choice. Especially since I have asthma and allergies, I am careful of my choices of where I go and what I will be exposed to. I am only around cigarette smoking at the bus stops when coming to the university and when on campus. I often find that I have to hold my breath when entering and leaving buildings. Other times while I am carefully choosing the path that I will take on campus only to be surprised by someone who is walking and smoking leaving me no way to escape. I support limitations and changes to the current policy which would allow me to walk from the bus stop to my classes without encountering cigarette smoke.

C38: Undergraduate Student:  I personally feel that this attempt to make UNM a smoke-free campus is a waste of time and resources that should be put towards solving other issues, such as securing UNM's future amidst this economic crisis, and lowering the overall costs of attending UNM. Making UNM a smoke-free campus is another attempt to vilify smokers, similar to the multiple bans already in place involving smoking indoors and in restaurants. I personally feel that the idea of limiting smoking outdoors on campus should be discarded. Designated smoking areas, enclosed or otherwise, would just concentrate the amount of secondary smoke to confined areas and make any possible problems worse. An overall ban would be another waste of University resources. A look at the World Health Organizations study on second hand smoke, and the over throw of the EPA's findings on second hand smoke, will make it clear that the controversy over second hand smoke is irrelevant. I will be attending the forums in February to express my concerns further.

C37:  Staff:  Where can one report a reoccurring violation of the current smoking policy and remain anonymous? There is a person who frequently smokes just outside the back door. She smokes 6 inches from the door and the second hand smoke drifts right back in the door. Those of us who use this door have to breathe in the smoke and be careful not to trip over a large bucket full of cigarette butts. Thank-you!!!  Answer:  Although the identifying details have been removed from this posting.  The policy violation will be reported.  The University policy can be found at http://www.unm.edu/~ubppm/ubppmanual/2250.htm.

C36: Staff:  I am in favor of a smoke-free campus. People have been smoking outside the Surge and RIB buildings, so these areas are not smoke-free We can sometimes smell the cigarette smoke through the vents in the building.

C35:  Staff: I think that'a great idea. I was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2006, and my oncologist thinks that it's due to secondary smoke. I have never smoked a day in my life, but yet I have cancer from someone else's smoke. So please STOP the smokers.

C34:  Staff: I do not think that either campus (north or main) should be completely smoke-free. There should be designated outdoor smoking areas for students and employees to use. I am not a smoker and I don't think it's a good thing to do, but there are people who do smoke - who are either unable or unwilling to quit. Having a totally non-smoking campus requires them to either hike off-campus for a smoke break - quite time-consuming, a waste of work/study time - or to disregard the policy and smoke on campus.

C33: Faculty: I am strongly in favor of a Tobacco-free Campus. I am strongly against smoking areas. This should be/must be for all UNM campuses.

C32:  Staff: I just wanted to voice my opinion on this matter. I'm strongly in favor of a smoke and tobacco-free campus. As an institution of higher learning, and a medical research facility, we should set the standards for public health. I think smoking areas may be a necessity for those who are unable to quit smoking, but I would like to see them in areas not heavily populated with pedestrian traffic. I believe that the smoking/tobacco ban should be campus wide, not limited to main campus. Thank you!

C31:  Faculty:  I am in favor of a Tobacco/smoke-free campus!!!! I'm NOT in favor of smoking area and NO this shouldn't only be for main campus. I work on North campus at the Cancer Research Building and I still see people smoking right outside the building or in the parking lot where the patients park. It's not being enforced on North campus.

C30:  Faculty: Yes, I support a Tobacco-free, Smoke-free Campus on main and north campus.

C29: Staff:  I too support a tobacco-free campus but its extremely hard to enforce. There are employees who smoke behind the CRF building. Lately I've seen people smoking in many places around North Campus (employee and patients. Right in front of no smoking signs. How do we enforce this is my question when people refuse to stop? Thank you for listening.

C28:  Staff:  I hate being exposed to smoking. At 21 I was doing well in an entertainment career but soon gave it up because I hated exposure to the smoke filled venues which were already causing me health problems. Public smoking changed my career choice and hence my life evermore. That said, banning smoking does not eliminate it and banning it can be harmful to the health of smokers. At HSC I still walk past the smokers at the south (garage) side of the UH bridge to the parking structure, and some time patients (dragging IV hangers in tow) and staff 30 feet or so from the hospital entrance on the bridge. I see them at the loading docks and behind the cancer center under the stairs to the UH roof. The benches on the sidewalk between CRF and CRTC are also common places to find smokers today. In addition to the common places, you find here and there anywhere, varying degrees of passive aggressive to outright overtly hostile response to the HSC smoking ban now in place. There will soon be a smoker in the White House. You can ban smoking or you can designate smoking areas but none of that will stop smoking on campus just like the war on drugs has not eliminated drug use. People will still smoke at the most convenient place they find to sneak to do it and some will still do it in-your-face in protest. And with that also being said, the smoking ban at HSC has had the positive benefit of moving most of the smoking away from the main entrances to the buildings (even if it is still a few feet away along the sidewalk). So in summary, BAN SMOKING ON CAMPUS, liberally advertise cessation programs and have security and police hassle people found smoking.   More ... 

C27:  Staff:  Are you in favor of a Tobacco-free or Smoke-free Campus? yes! The HSC is already smoke free.  Are you in favor of smoking areas? No! Second hand smoke does not stay in smoking areas.

C26:  Staff:  I am all for a smoke-free campus. However from what I have seen this can never be achieved. Especially here on North Campus. You have Patients, Family and Friends and if they want a smoke they just light up whenever, wherever around the buildings of course when they are done they just drop the still lit cigarette butts wherever they are . One thing I have noticed is that now that we are a smoke-free campus and with that all cigarette ashtrays are gone you will see more cigarette butts blowing around the ground in the breeze. Smoking is a nasty habit and don't think there is anyway to get a handle on it. Sorry to be a pessimist. The UNM-CRTC has it's own group of employees that go out to smoke in the designated area on Marble Street. That is quite a unpleasant sight when you drive by and see up to 5 employees all smoking away doesn't matter wind, cold, rain. Those smoking cessation classes are for people who want to quit. They are not for people who don't think there is a problem other than the inconvenience of having to walk out to Marble street or Lomas Blvd. right in front of the hospital. Sorry this is just one person's opinion.

C25:  Undergraduate Student: comments: I believe that we shouldn't restrict people's rights or choices. It is ridiculous to tell people what they must and must not do. No one is forced to breathe in second hand smoke. What about the carcinogens in the air not due to cigarettes? Are you going to ban motor vehicles from campus. What about other pollution, like noise pollution, are you going to prohibit people from talking or listening to there music? Are you going to prohibit light pollution by turning off all the lights? Smoking is prohibited inside of buildings. Outside, there is plenty of ventilation, plenty of room to get away from smokers if you choose. Plenty of room to breathe. I am against the smoking ban on campus.

C24: Graduate Student: I was studying north of Robert O. Anderson before class. Then 6 men gathered around and started smoking. I attempted to study, however the odor was overwhelming and I and others rushed inside. The area reeked of cigarettes.

C23:  Staff PLEASE MAKE ALL OF UNM CAMPUSES SMOKE-FREE!!!! My Mom died, she is DEAD, at the age 66 from lung cancer. She NEVER EVER smoked a cigarette in her whole life. The cause---? Years of breathing in second-hand smoke! Please make UNM COMPLETELY SMOKE-FREE! My Mom and many others have been innocent victims of smokers smoker-rights....

C22: Graduate Student:  I have several point about a potential smoking ban:1) The health of smokers as well as non-smokers should be a concern. Right now I am not seeing much concern for this. Non-smokers believe that if they care about smokers' health, obviously they should force them to quit smoking. There are other issues at stake here: --being forced to quit smoking at an arbitrary deadline (presumably when a campus-wide ban takes place) is dangerous. Quitting should be done with support and possibly even medical supervision. Quitting smoking can have adverse short term consequences including increased risk of infections of the lung (e.g. viral or bacterial bronchial problems). It may also cause stress, anxiety, and other mood appetite and sleep disturbances. Forcing students to quit smoking by some deadline could harm the academic performance of smokers--imagine being forced to quit during midterms or finals! This is not fair--the point of this initiative is supposedly to increase health on campus, not to punish smokers.2) Smokers are obviously being villainized here. Given the lack of evidence that OUTDOOR as opposed indoor second-hand smoke is even remotely dangerous, the only reason for a complete ban rather than designated smoking areas is to appease the self-righteousness of anti-smokers. I make a distinction between anti-smokers and non-smokers. I am a non-smoker. I do not however believe that smokers are somehow morally depraved or intellectually inferior. Just because someone does something which is dangerous to their health does not mean he or she is ignorant, or incapable of making decisions, or socially irresponsible. Many people on this campus eat fattening food which makes them overweight and at risk for a variety of diseases. In the future they will be a drain on society by wracking up medical bills. This could also be socially irresponsible--but we are not considering banning fatty foods or forcing students who want to eat it off campus.3) The idea of a tobacco-free vs. smoke-free campus simply proves my point that this initiative is not being taken to promote the health of those who choose not to smoke--it is a persecutory measure against all people who use tobacco. Simply because of a political difference (and it is, a political difference), those who use tobacco are assumed to be so ignorant and inept that they are incapable of making decisions for themselves and must be forced into line "for their own good". How disgusting. i don't think that very many students chew or use any other forms of tobacco--but these certainly never had an averse effect on the community at large.3) I am sure that the administration will pass a campus wide tobacco-free ban without any concern at all for the rights, intelligence, or health and well-being of smokers. The only reason the administration is soliciting comments is to soothe the conscience of those who will finally make this decision unilaterally in order to accrue positive public relations. i will be proud to be on record as having opposed this ridiculous measure, however, although I know, in the end, no dissenting voices will truly be heard.

C21:  Graduate Student: I am a smoker and have been for many years. I have no intention of quitting right now. Maybe some day in the future I will. In my opinion if you have to do something you should at LEAST try designated smoking areas. That should have been done years ago!! At least then people will know where these areas are and the people who don't want to be around the smoke can not be around it.

C20: Undergraduate Student:  I think the issue of banning smoking in outside areas has two driving factors. The first factor rests on the research done on second hand smoke. Students and faculty have a right to not be exposed to second hand smoke in indoor areas per city regulation, maybe even state law. Since second hand smoke is a health risk inside buildings, possibly there may be a similar risk outside. Though, this notion is hardly the case. The relatively small amount of smoke released by a cigarette is infinitesimally small compared to the amount of car exhaust that is currently being poured out along Central, Lomas, University, and Girard. If we are to be worried about our outdoor air quality, banning smoking would be the least effective way. So since this issue is not inherently health related it may have to do with pure annoyance. Some find the smell of tobacco smoke unsavory and annoying. Though, banning smoking on this premise would be selectively targeting smoking out of an endless list of various things that annoy people. For example, there are those who choose not to bathe and therefore emit unsavory odors. Yet, we don't ban these people because they are annoying. We accept their choice not to bathe and deal with the odor. Smoking is a similar choice. Finally, I believe the true basis of this ban rests on the fact that Schmidly wants to make people limit their smoking (at least while on campus). Maybe Mr. Schmidly believes that everybody who smokes secretly wants to quit, but they just do not have the mental fortitude. This ban comes from a deep down hatred of tobacco, a belief that it is harming society and that society's individual members are not capable of making their own decisions. I think that people should have this right of choice, that it is this right of choice that makes America great. On risk of committing the slippery slope fallacy, I believe if things like smoking are banned, I don't think it's far fetched to anticipate bans on alcohol, fatty foods, etc. This is a turning point. Shall we retain our freedom of choice in these matters or shall we hand our freedom over to Schmidly to do with as he sees fit?

C19:  Faculty:  The right to breathe, to have a safe work and study environment precedes the right to smoke. UNM has in effect a policy regarding smoking. On main campus smoking is permitted. On north campus smoking is prohibited. Federal guidelines were promulgated to designate smoking areas. Non-smoking workers would be working inside all day separated from smokers and the known harmful effects of second-hand smoke. Teachers and students, on main campus, because they must go from class to class, are submitted to smoke day in and day out. The University has positioned ashtrays at the entrances to buildings where smokers congregate creating a confrontational, unhealthy situation. My workplace is a hostile, harassing, and unhealthy place where I am constantly subjected to second-hand smoke and people blowing smoke at me. In the morning, when I arrive at the Humanities Building I have to run a gauntlet of smokers. Because of the construction of the causeway leading to the building, the smoke blows into the building whenever the door is opened. When I get to my second floor office, the hallway is filled with smoke and so is my office. People leave their office doors open. Smoke from the designated smoking area, just beneath our porches, blows into the building. When I leave for my first class until my last class, I have to go through smokers positioned at the SUB, in front of Dane Smith, in front of Popejoy, in the Education Building courtyard, in front of the Student Services Center. If people must smoke, let them do so in areas of campus that are far isolated from the general traffic patterns that both students and faculty must traverse to get to and from class. Frankly, since North campus has already established a more stringent policy, it would seem prudent to resolve this disparity between our campuses and just ban it outright.

C18:  No Affiliation:  tobacco free campus for UNM. I am very glad to see that it will become a reality. You deserve so much credit for all the work and effort you have put into a tobacco free or smoke free campus. I sincerely hope that the President of UNM, the Regents, Faculty and staff realize how important it is to turning UNM into a smoke free campus to protect the health of everyone who is attending college and working there. Take care.

C17:  Undergraduate Student:  It is almost impossible to avoid inhaling copious amounts of smoke from time to time while walking around campus between classes. It is a health hazard for people with respiratory issues and disgusting surprise for non-smokers.

C16:  Undergraduate Student: I am not a smoker, however I thoroughly disagree with making UNM a smoke free campus. I opposed the proposition when it was put forth several years ago, and I still oppose it. I have never experienced on campus smoking to be a problem, nor have I ever heard of it being a problem for anyone I know in the UNM Community in my 6 years on campus. I believe that UNM has much more important issues to spend resources on that should have higher priority than this issue. I will not be able to attend the meeting on Wednesday because I have a very important class at that time, however I hope that my perspective will be considered.

C15:  Graduate Student: I whole heartedly support a smoke-free campus! Thank you for considering this policy.

C14:  Undergraduate Student: I think that going smoke free here on main campus is the way to go. I can not be around people who smoke because of my health problems, and when I have to walk by someone that is smoking, even going through the doors to get into a building and you have people smoking right in front of the doors, I can not breathe. Having HSC smoke free was the best idea and now we need main campus to be smoke free for those who can not handle the smoke or can not breathe because of the smoke, like myself.

C13 Staff:  I read David Schmidly's recent Monday address where he discussed how HSC is smoke free. Does he really think so? I guess he doesn't know they added a "smoking area" under the stairs of the walkway and people smoke everywhere on our "smoke free campus. Employees smoke in the parking garage and in many other areas. I was really happy we were going smoke free and it is better than when smoking was allowed, but far from smoke free. It doesn't really seem to be enforced.

C12:  Faculty: Albuquerque has horrible air pollution; just look at our national EPA rankings or the number of times per year ozone alerts are issued by the EPA for our city. Look at the pollen counts or particulate matter counts conducted by various government agencies in the air in this city on a yearly average. Then ask yourself if banning smoking on campus will affect city's air quality or the state's air quality. Banning smoking on campus simply means that you will not have the pleasing scent of burning tobacco masking the foul vapors that industry and automobiles force you to breath anyway. Banning smoking will not improve air quality, not to mention it is a petty and small-minded oppression of indivuality. If you have a desire to prove your commitment to our health please take iniatives to improve our overall air quality like banning automobiles or coal-burning power plants. I think that the conflict between vehicular and pedestrian traffic on this campus is exceedingly dangerous and would love to see all vehicular traffic on campus BANNED. This would also improve the air quality on campus more than a smoking ban would. Thank You.

C11:  Staff: This is an excellent idea to make main campus smoke free. It is long overdue! There is nothing worse than to be walking along and become over-whelmed with the cigarette smoke. For some asthmatics, this is a trigger. I know as I am asthmatic!

C10:  Undergraduate Student:  Smoking is not illegal. Let's not overreact and treat it as if it were. There are not even that many smokers around campus. When you take into account the size of the campus, the impact is negligible. I am a nonsmoker. I believe quitting would have health benefits for those who do. But this is still America and people have free will. Let it be. Post educational signs where people smoke if you'd like to reach out to them.

C9: Graduate Student:  I support this initiative fully and thank you for finally attempting to close this issue.

C8:  Staff: I just wanted to post a message of support for the smoke-free campus initiative. I understand this is a sensitive issue for many, but I feel the health of the community should come before a smoker's right to fill the air we all breathe with toxins. Many smokers do not abide by the current policy of not smoking within a reasonable distance from doorways, windows, etc. Walking around campus I frequently get blasted in the face with a cloud of smoke, and there have been times I have sat down at a picnic table to eat my lunch and have had to move more than once while eating because someone inconsiderately starts smoking in close proximity. Sometimes it is difficult to even find a picnic table that doesn't already have someone smoking nearby. As a person with environmental sensitivities, this affects me in a very negative way. I do understand that smoking is not illegal and to ban smoking across the board on campus would make it very difficult for smokers. Perhaps as a compromise there could be designated areas for smokers on campus. If we all knew where those were, those of us who do not wish to inhale smoke could simply avoid those areas. Overall, I strongly feel that the campus should be as smoke-free as possible for the health of the entire community, and am very glad President Schmidly is tasking a university committee to explore this issue.

C7:  Staff:  President, Thank you so much for making UNM Smoke free. too many times I try to walk into or out a building and have to take in harmful smoke that has passed thru a persons body. The quality of air is so much better in places that have gone smoke free or tobacco-free! at the lobo football game I saw that athletes and young kids had to to go thru smoke to get to the playing field. We need to protect the lungs of the kids and students and visitors on campus. too often I see people go to popejoy or the UNM bookstore and have to walk thru second hand smoke. On saturday's young APS and private school kids come to campus in droves to attend classes at the Popejoy music school, and the acting school. We need to do a better job to protect their young lungs and the lungs of their families. I hate it when I want to eat at the SUB, and not 2 feet from the door someone is smoking. How many times have we tried to exercise around johnson field and had to inhale second hand smoke. Too often students take a classroom break at Anderson school of management or any other building and are suffocated with smoke coming in and out of the building, or taking a restroom break. Same is true for our libraries. Can you believe staff still smoke in UNM vehicles? Please help improve our air. Demand clean air. Then the next step can be to get vehicle carbon off the campus. Oh, also, we've seen families take their kids to the duck pond and have to deal with deadly second hand smoke, and people spitting tobacco. UNM has held welcome back days there as well and non smokers, regular people, have to take in deadly toxins. Recently I visited the new architecture school building and found people smoking in the basement area of the open building. The smoke just sticks to the new building. Thank you.

C6: Staff:  I have to wonder what you think gives you the right to get into my life and tell me what to do. Smoking is not illegal. Smoking out side the building does not harm anyone. If you really want to do something to improve air quality you should ban the use of internal combustion engines on campus. STAY OUT OF MY LIFE

C5:  Staff:  The smoking ban on north campus has not been a complete success as our President seems to believe and has brought new challenges. In the absence of designated smoking areas, smokers have designated their own in a sort of "don't ask, don't tell" model. Many of them are on public sidewalks on the periphery of the campus. The unforeseen result is that non-smokers, rather than encountering an occasional smoker who could be easily avoided, now have to navigate through a crowd of 5 or 6, concentrated in one area. It would be better to simply designate smoking areas that are away from pedestrian traffic. Another complication has been in the area of communication and enforcement. Students seem not to have gotten the message and smoke while walking from the "M" lot. They don't take feedback from passersby very well. There was a day I actually feared my car would be vandalized for having spoken out in a very polite way. Contractors working on UH property also appear to have not been told and smoke in front of RIB and in areas just south of the old CRTC that are under construction. UH security when called, has put the responsibility on me to enforce the ban with theses visitors to our campus. Thinking through what may go wrong and coming up with possible solutions, and allowing some flexibility, will go further in reducing the impacts of smoking on our campuses than a lot of dogma and prematurely patting ourselves on the back.

C4: Staff:  I am not, nor have I ever been a smoker. However, I wonder why we must keep forcing our values on hundreds of people on campus. I think it's great that smoking is not allowed in buildings but smoking outside should be allowed. It's not realistic to keep pushing something that is legal on such a huge campus. Please, just let people be!

C3:  Staff: Not sure who to complain to but a co-worker is constantly propping the door open when he goes to smoke and the second hand smoke comes into the building. He does not follow the 25 feet rule either. I have complained to our Dept. Administrator but nothing seems to be done, this is an ongoing situation.

C2:  Staff:  It is nice to get notice of this Oct.22 meeting on Nov. 3. Will there be areas on campus designated for people to smoke like there are on the medical campus? And what is the punishment if one is "caught" smoking?

C1:  Staff: We need to have a Smoke Free environment, because secondhand smoke can kill us.

C142 Comment continued here -- In that much leaner format, a policy for a campus with clean air needs no language regarding statistics that support the statement that "tobacco isn't good for you." Expanding the initiative to protect the campus from tobacco products that are spat in the presence of others would take care of the "smokeless tobacco" inclusion in the ban. If the stuff isn't spat, it's legal. Likewise, if tobacco products are not lit, they are legal. Litter that includes any tobacco product is illegal. Keep it simple! It's going to happen anyway. Why try to sell the policy? I attach my suggestion for an edit to the current revision.

C138 Comment continued here--Additionally, until a clear enforcement mechanism and procedure on campus is identified and made known to students, faculty, staff and student visitors, we believe the proposed policy is at risk for not achieving the same public health benefits it purports to achieve. The U.S. Surgeon General sums up his discussion of college campus smoke-free policies with the following statement: "many hospitals and schools, as well as a number of colleges and other workplaces, have implemented campus-wide policies that prohibit smoking on outdoor grounds in addition to indoor facilities in recent years. In addition to protecting nonsmokers from secondhand smoke, these policies are also intended to project a positive institutional image, convey a consistent pro-health message, undercut the perception that smoking is socially acceptable, discourage tobacco use initiation among students, and encourage and support tobacco use cessation among students, patients, and employees." (http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/secondhandsmoke/report/chapter10.pdf )It is the opinion of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network that institutionalizing designated smoking areas as part of a long-term strategy to eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke is an ill-advised means of improving overall public health on campus. The benefits of your proposed tobacco control policy will be neutralized, if not outweighed, by the negative consequences of advertising "smoking areas" throughout campus. Contrary to the Surgeon General's stated motivations for campus-wide no-smoking policies, the proposed UNM policy fails to project a positive institutional image, convey a consistent pro-health message, undercut the perception that smoking is socially acceptable, discourage tobacco use initiation among students, and encourage and support tobacco use cessation among students, patients, and employees. We strongly urge the University of New Mexico to further review and revise this policy before it becomes final. We recommend that the University eliminate policy language providing for long-term, indefinite, and unlimited institutionalization of designated smoking areas, and adopt an acknowledgement form for matriculating students to sign stating that UNM plans to become completely smoke-free throughout campus by the year 2013. Traci CadiganNM Government Relations DirectorAmerican Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)Great West Division10501 Montgomery Blvd.NE Ste. 300Albuquerque, NM 87111Ph. 505. 559. 9426 fax 505. 266. 9513Cell 505. 401. 5974Email: tcadigan@cancer. orgGET CONNECTED, GET INVOLVEDhttp://www. acscan. org

C110 Comment continued here--Again, the crusade conveys the impression of whiney, shrieking "liberals" who have pressed the issue to the point of silliness--and again, that appearance makes great political hay for those who would prevent much more serious policy, such as reducing dependence on fossil fuels, or reducing the huge gap between wealthy and middle class.

C104  Comment continued here--Moreover, as the state's only schools of medicine and pharmacy, we have a duty to act in ways that reflect our academic pursuits and knowledge. We must walk the walk, not just talk the talk. By doing so, we communicate to not only our students but to our staff, faculty, visitors, vendors, patients, and community that we recognize the terrible cost of tobacco use and are doing everything in our power to minimize those costs. This is not to say, of course, that prohibiting smoking campus-wide will force every UNM student, faculty, or staff member currently using tobacco to suddenly stop. We do know, however, that smoke free workplaces reduce cigarette consumption. Please refer to http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/325/7357/188 or http://www.tobaccofreeca.com/ca_success.html for more detail. Lastly, in addition to our wonderful CARS program, the NM DOH also offers support to those wishing to stop using tobacco through its 1.800.QUIT.NOW line. I would encourage mention of this resource in the policy, as the line has had great success in assisting those who are ready to quit using tobacco. For more information related to tobacco use and ways to effectively go tobacco free, I encourage you to contact State of NM Epidemiologist James Padilla, MA, at 841.5839.

C92 Comment continued here--Unless you are Don Shrader, I don't think anyone on campus has the right to ban smoking, because they all live unhealthy lives. Look at the food on campus, do we have any super healthy super green options? No, we don't, we have fried food, we have preservative filled plastic covered snacks, and we have vending machines full of candy and soda around every corner, I would like to propose a ban on all unhealthy foods, because I don't eat them and I can't believe so many of you kill yourselves more everyday by eating them, but that is unrealistic, unfair, and unAmerican. You make your own choices. Is your argument that my smoke is going to give you cancer? Everything gives you cancer, the sun, the dyes in your food, the stress in your life, the medications that people pump themselves up with to be "ok". Cancer comes from lots of things and lots of places, pointing a finger at cigarettes is an easy way out and a dangerous one, pretending like other things in our environment aren't killing us is just plain foolish. My biggest concern about what can kill my on campus is all the medical research animals we have around campus. Did you know you have sick monkeys on the roof of a building on main campus? Did you know you have cages from research animals sitting on the golf course instead of being properly disposed of? Where's the concern there? I may chose to smoke, but until recently, I didn't know that my choice to work at UNM was also a choice to be around sick infected animals that could kill me. The smoking ban is not a clear cut and dry situation, there is no easy answer, but I can tell you that discrimination is never the answer. Give the smokers their areas, if Mayor Martin Chavez lets his boys smoke all over golf courses, UNM could at least let it's people smoke in small designated areas.

C76 Comment continued here--They have heart and lung problems. If a person wants help quitting, fine. However, I do not want to quit. I have NO INTENTION. Let me reiterate: It just makes me want to smoke more and more! And I will too, now that I've been forced to take a stand. I will fight for my rights and don't think for a minute that I will just go away! We smokers are AMERICAN CITIZENS and taxpayers. If you don't like the freedoms enjoyed by Americans, go elsewhere!

C28 Comment continued here--Hopefully it will force the health destroying pollution further away from building entrances and innocent non-smokers, off into further obscure corners of campus. In doing so, understand however, the increased stress from the enhanced stigmatization of smokers, will likely have deleterious health effects on the smokers in addition to the negative consequences of the smoking process itself on the human body. There is research to suggest such stigmatization itself can, on average, have consequences related to reducing the human life-span by years.