PSH May Adopt Smoke-Free Policy By Michelle Sutton By the first of the year, smoking must be done outside of campus buildings or in residences, according to the "smoke-free" policy Penn State Harrisburg mayadopt. The no-smoking policy prohibits the smoking of cigarettes, pipes, and cigars by any Penn State Harrisburg faculty member, student, and staff member, in any university building, excluding the dormitories and Meade Heights. Brad Hemstreet, director of Community Relations, said the university must adopt the policy quickly, "instead of long-phasing because it tends to be better received and more successful." On Oct. 4, the Student Government Association voted to support the administration's recommendation of the policy. S.G.A. consists mainly of non smoking members with the exception of two smokers. Of the two smokers, one voted againist the policy while the other abstained. John Nagengast, S.G.A. President, gave each senator and S.G.A. member a copy of the proposed draft in order to get Smoking Pol By Teresa Shultz The proposed smoking policy has sparked a variety of reactions from smokers and non-smokers alike. Smokers are generally pleased with the policy, which would eliminate smoking in all University buildings except private residences, while non-smokers have mixed feelings. Sean Kirkendall, a senior public policy major is a smoker. He said, however, that he understands the policy. "That's the trend. I think it's rather extreme, but that's the trend," said Kirkendall of the elimination of smoking privileges. "I live with two non-smokers and I go outside even at home. It won't be that much of a change for me." He also said he does not think smokers should "put other people out -- and they often do," as he politely exhaled in another direction. Another smoker, Marita Kelly, a graduate student in adult education, mostly agrees with the policy. "It's going to be inconvenient, but I see the value in it. I'm not against it," Kelly said. "Cold weather may be a problem though," she said with a smile. Not all smokers are so receptive to the restrictive policy. Barbara Smith is strongly against it. Smith is a secondary education major and a senior senator-at-large of the Student Government Association. She voted against implementing the policy. "I'm a smoker, and I believe everyone should have the freedom to smoke or not to smoke," Smith said. "We live in the shadow of TMI. With all that pollution, why can't we smoke?" student reaction. One senior senator summed up the reactions she received from students: "Non-smokers think it is great but smokers. ..well, don't." Smoking cessation classes will be offered to smokers wishing to kick the habit. The Fresh Start program has already begun this • month but more opportunities will be offered, said Hemstreet. "We wish to make it as easy. . . as comfortable," he added. The implementation committee, consisting of Jean Kresge, R.N., Health Services coordinator, Hemstreet, and Bob Hammill, manager of Personnel and Business Services, support the policy on the grounds of health. The proposed draft of the smoking policy includes the following as its rationale for implementation: * The university recognizes the need to create and maintain a i'althy enviroment for the general well-being; * Smoking is recognized as a health hazard; * Passive smoke inhalation is harmful to non-smokers. Punishment? icy Receives Mixed Reactions Another smoker agrees with Smith. A senior humanities-business student claims the policy is unfair. "We are in a community [the University] where they are trying to teach us to become an individual, and now we won't be allowed to do so," she said. Although she disagrees with the policy, she said she will try to quit smoking before the proposed January 1 implementation. Like with everything else in college, she feels she is on a deadline. 's Barbara ,( ,) _lnetta strongly against the proposed no-smoking policy. On the flip side, among the non- She said she believes a place should smokers who are rejoicing in the be provided for smokers. Although she possibility of eliminating smoke from is more sensitive to the smell of smoke, the halls, are the non-smokers who feel she said "it really doesn't bother me." sympathetic to smokers' rights. Another non-smoker has the expected "No disciplinary action will be enforced," said Nagengast "It will be accepted as a norm. Once it's implemented, it is up to the other students to stop smoking 11, the building." "The ultimate punishment will be peer pressure," said Scot Levy, S.G.A. committee secretary. Levy added, "Thtre will be more harm than good when ashtrays are taken out because everyone will use the bathrooms to smoke. It will be up to the non-smokers to enforce the policy." "We don't want to close the door to feedback," said Hemstreet. Hem street pointed out that the implementation committee is open to hear concerns and ideas on how to implement the policy. All student concerns should be in letter form and addressed to the Community Relations Office, W-106 Olmsted. The "smoke-free" environment has been adapted at the Penn State Dubois and York campuses, as well as Hershey Medical Center. By April 1, the policy will be in effect at all Penn State Campuses. A junior humanities and American studies major said that she is pleased she will no longer have to breathe in smoke, but by the same token she said she wonders what the smokers will do. Maryalice Stewart, a records clerk in the registrar's office, is a non-smoker -- for exactly eight months. "I smoked about a pack a day," she said. "I believe everyone has rights. As a non-smoker, I believe non-smokers have the right to not breathe in smoke, but I also believe smokers have the right to smoke." Den. Smith is Photo by Joe Kupec Area Band Sails into Success By John Yagecic The Ocean Blue, a band from the Hershey area which has gained local popularity, is on the threshold of national success. The band, consisting of keyboardist Steve Lau, drummer Rob Minnig, bassist Bobby Mittan, and Penn State Harrisburg student and singer/guitarist Dave Scheizel, has just signed a recording contract with Sire Records, a division of Warner Brothers. The Ocean Blue spent most of the past summer auditioning for record companies and examining contract offers. "We wanted a company that would be really artist-oriented," said Lau, "we wanted creative control over everything we were doing." For The Ocean Blue to consider a record company's proposal, "they really had to be into it -- they had to like and understand what we're about and respect our artistic integrity," Schelzel said. The band's work obviously paid off. The Ocean Blue was awarded a guaranteed three-album contract. "That's pretty much a first for a new artist," Schelzel said. 0 The band plans to go to England to record their first album at the end of this year or January,l9B9. Fans can expect to see The Ocean Blue's debut album in stores by April, 1989. A tour, consisting of colleges and clubs in the United States and Europe, is also in the works. Despite their popularity in the Harrisburg area, without a record, the band has found it difficult to gain a widespread following. "That's why a record is so important to us. We wanted to get our music to people everywhere," Schelzel "I think we've almost gone is far as we can in this area," said Lau. Even though this newfound success may bring with it a host of challenges in the future, members of The Ocean Blue are confident about the band's stability. "Our friendship is a big part of our band," Schelzel said. "We've been friends since junior high school," Schelzel said, "that's what makes The Ocean Blue strong." reaction. Bob Putt, a senior mechanical engineering technology major, said he thinks the policy is great. "I like it -- if only to avoid smoke in the halls," Putt said. Louise Hoffman, a professor of humanities, describes herself as an intermittent smoker. She said generally she does not smoke, but will smoke occasionally during times of stress. "In general I like not to have cigarette smoke around me. I concur with the policy. I don't think it's right for smokers to pollute everyone's air," Hoffman said. She said she feels the policy is appropriate -- as long as it is accompanied by some assistance for smokers. "I think the issue is one of individual versus collective good," Hoffman said.
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