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2008 Smoking Survey

 

Student Non-Smoker Comments

  • "Natural Northern" is not conducive to cigarette butts all over campus
  • "Naturally Northern" will not be completely true until the campus is free of a disgusting addiction to nicotine and tar. How can anyone enjoy the beauty of the North when you're breathing in the smoke of someone in front of you?
  • "Smoke shelters" would be a waste of money. Smokers should be allowed to smoke in their cars or off campus.
  • #4 - I Don't support the graduated approach to going smoke free. There is no valid reason to wait. Those of us who have to walk through it on a daily basis as we leave the buildings shouldn't have to be subjected to it on a regular basis or wait any longer to just be able to breath clean air. I end up inhaling or holding my breath every day as I walk between buildings and there's no reason I should have to do that outside. Few if any smokers are currently abiding by the 30 feet from the building rule. And I am appalled at the placement of the huge, cement block eyesores in front of Jamrich that we have already spent thousands of dollars on to keep smoke from entering the building. That money could have been used to purchase TEN quality pre-built, aesthetically pleasing buildings from a local supplier that could have served as smoke shelters with chimneys that would direct the smoke up and away from people walking between buildings. Where is the common sense and frugal money management? No wonder this University is always in a budget crisis.
  • #4-I would be graduated by then and it wouldn't effect me I would still have to walk through smoke to get into the buildings every day.
  • #5 Something NEEDS to be done to keep the smokers away from the doors (why cant someone write tickets for this?) Spending money on some shelters they may or may not use seems to be a waist. Appleton is smoke free and it is so nice you can go out to eat and you don't stink when you get home.
  • 'Smoking shelters' will not work, as it stands now smokers disregard the 'no smoking within 30 feet of building' signs and smoke right outside the doors. If given an inch to smoke, I believe they'll take a foot.
  • **Great idea, as smoking policy is not enforced AT ALL
  • -Instead of a graduated plan, consider a cold-turkey date 1 or 2 years out -Instead of a non-smoking policy, institute a $50 fine for litering, including cigarette butts. If someone tosses their cigarette butt onto the ground- nail them -Would the vehicle ban be enforced on just parked vehicles, or moving vehicles as well? If so, can an officer pull someone over for smoking? This must be considered. Don't make a rule you can't enforce -Although smoking shelters are a fair compromise, I'm not sure smokers would use them. I think people would smoke wherever until they saw an officer approaching. IF they did use the shelters, the shelters would most likely be filthy and would smell bad, even from a distance. -OVERALL- it is always better to lead, so go cold turkey. -IF you implement this- advertise and publisize. When NMU announced the ThinkPad program, I was EXTREMELY disappointed in the lack of publicity NMU generated for itself. The 1991 hockey championship and NMU's appearance on the CNN sports-ticker may be the most recognition NMU has ever received. Recognition leads to curiosity, curiosity leads to investigation, and investigation can both increase enrollment and increase the "value" of a degree from NMU. So do it, invest some resources into publisizing it (hire a PR or media firm to help generate placement...and I'm not talking about Tavernini & Assoc. A couple of posters at the airport won't help, and a story on WLUC news will simply tell everyone what they already know. -A non-smoking campus plays well into the "Northern Naturally" slogan.
  • 1) We live in Marquette. Marquette = Wind. Wind = No Smell 2) If you think smoke is bad, I'd send this survey to the industrialists here in Marquette. Have you seen the exhaust pouring out of that plant? 3) Smoking outside doesn't pose any threat to any human being. 4) Why is the school so eager to remove smoking "outside"? 5) I smoke, but not often. When I do, I'm usually 30 feet from the door. You think that would be good enough. Do we really still have people bitching about the smell? 6) You're going to waste funding from the school on equipment people are still going to boycott? 90% in the U.S. begin smoking when they begin college anyway. It's inevitable even if this ends up happening. My opinion, save the money for something we REALLY need, not some anti-smoking junk people are going to end up vandalizing.
  • 1) Where I work on campus, people smoking near the building's air intakes make me sick. This increases my health costs and sick days. Just enforcing the current rules would save NMU money. 2a) Helping NMU employees cure their addiction to cigarettes would save NMU money, too. I think some of that savings should be available to help employees quit if they want to. I think a lot of them want to quit even though they might scream about this proposed policy. Talk to former smokers if you want an honest view about the value of this policy. 2b) Thinking outside the box (or carton) for a moment, how much is it worth to NMU for every staff person who quits smoking? What is the decrease in lifetime health care costs? Please think seriously about this. Is it worth $1000 in reduced health care costs when a full-time staff person quits for good? Obviously. It's easily worth ten times more than that. And hundred times more in a lot of cases. What does one triple bypass operation cost? So why don't we have a bright group of people sit down and figure out what we could do with $1000 per smoking employee to help them quit smoking? It's not extravagant--it's just common sense. 2c) Smoking's not a civil right. Look up addiction in the dictionary: It's a disease. People are trying to quit and failing all the time. Anything we can do to help them successfully quit and stay tobacco free is worthwhile economically when we are paying their health-care costs. 3) I think NMU being a smoke-free campus would be an attractive and comforting factor to PARENTS of prospective students, much as the TLC program is. It fits in with "Northern Naturally." "Your kids will breath fresh UP air all the time, not just when they go hiking." 4) When I was an undergraduate at NMU, Northern Vending sold cigarettes from vending machines in dorms and classroom buildings. That seems unthinkably ignorant today. Letting smokers pollute our buildings by crowding the entrances and smoking near the air-intakes will seem just as ignorant in the future. 5) Smokers are addicts. The protests against this policy from smokers might be vehement, but will mainly be a rationalization of their addiction. Ask FORMER SMOKERS how they feel about this policy. You'll get a more honest perspective. 6) I don't mean to single out one department, but just for instance, how many LPN candidates do we certify every year who smoke? The answer is, "A lot." Don't you think that's scandalous? I do. Why isn't smoking cessation part of our health-care degrees and certificates? Is there a 200 level HPER course in smoking cessation? What would it hurt? Non-smokers might protest they aren't eligible. I'm sure we could figure out a way to deal with unhappy non-smokers. Let them CLEP out of it if they're really put out. It's more important to provide serious resources to help smokers kick the habit. Most of them really want to, even if they don't admit it.
  • A college is thought to be a place where freedom and openmindedness is taught. Every college student is an adult and should be of smoking age and to ban a totally legal act such as smoking on campus even if its outdoors is an attack on personal rights or american citizen. Nmu is a public institution and should not take such action unless the voters of the state of michigan approve this action and the legislation enacts such a law banning smoking outdoors.
  • A crack down on smoking might be a good idea - but I'm not so sure that taking it away entirely would be a wise move. There are a lot of smokers who live on-campus, and taking away their rights to smoke completely would probably drive them to other universities, and therefore lose the school even more money.
  • A lot of people smoke here. So I think it might be a bad idea to make campus completely smoke free. You would probably loose a lot of students. But I think that the smoking stations are a good idea because people would still be able to smoke and the people who don't like the smell of smoke wouldn't have to deal with it.
  • A smoke free campus is a good idea, but it has to be done gradually. However, I would like to see the 30 ft rule enforced more. The other day I was leaving Jamrich and as I opened the double doors to go down the stairs I began to smell cigarette smoke and I was still in the building.
  • A smoke free campus is a wonderful idea, however, students unable to smoke in one's own private vehicle is absurd.
  • A smoke free campus is the best idea ever. I wish all public places were smoke free.
  • A smoke free campus would be a great change at northern!
  • A smoke free campus would be a great thing, it annoys me to no end when i'm walking behind a smoker. Go smoke free in one way or another. Thank you!
  • A smoke free campus would be a huge upgrade to NMU! Better for nonsmokers and smokers!
  • A smoke free campus would do is force the smokers to walk a little farther to have one. The only problem this would solve is the decision of whether or not we want to make some people feel outcast.
  • A smoke-free campus is smart. There is no question regarding the health implications of smoking and second hand smoke, and given such information a public university has the responsibility to maintain the best environment possible for all. With several states going entirely smoke-free in public, and others following suit, it is of the utmost importance for NMU to continue to been seen as progressive (similar to the all laptop university, etc.). I do, however, question the details of the proposed smoke-free campus. Prohibiting smoking in private cars with windows closed (as asked) would seem a violation to the individual smoker and I do not believe enforcement of such is called for. Also, smoke stations are terrible. I have seen such attempts and the results are dirty, awful looking areas, and public concentration of such toxins does not resolve the issue of public smoking anyway. As for a graduated fashion, the concept may be effective but 2010 seems too far away. The benefits far outweight the drawbacks in this proposal and I sincerely hope the outcome will support a smoke-free campus.
  • A smoke-free campus would be very nice to have. It is very annoying to me even when I have to sit next to someone in class that smokes and they smell. I think this is a very positive effort by NMU to make people live healthier!
  • A smoker sat next to me during one of my fall finals, and the smell was horrendous. I felt sick to my stomach, got a headache, and am positive that had I not been surrounded by the stench, would have had a higher grade on the exam. I am in total support of the campus going smoke-free.
  • A university is a place that should showcase tolerance and acceptance of peoples personal choices. I feel that it is unreasonable to put a restriction like this into effect. Social control in this country is already overbearing, and a policy such as this would only take us a step further in the wrong direction. Restricting smoking in private vehicles is obsurd.
  • All I care about in regards to this is that I don't want to walk out of a building into a cloud of smoke, and that doesn't happen very often to me, maybe once or twice a semester. So if people want to continue with their bad habits, let them.
  • All long as people are not smoking by enterances they should be allowed to do what they want outdoors. This is a "free" country!
  • All this is not really fair...smoking outside doesn't farm anyone. and this shit about the cars...thats violating a privacy...I'm not a smoker and never have been but think this is retarded.
  • Allowing smoking anywhere is allowing for endangerment. It's a selfish, needless to say disgusting, habit. If you plan on going smoke-free, just do it. Completely. No shying away or stepping lightly. The so-called policy of maintaining a 30 ft distance from entryways isn't even regulated (has it ever been?). And Jamrich often smells like an old townie bar with the way the air-intake brings in the smoke from the smokers smoking RIGHT OUTSIDE. If you allow for smoking in cars, smokers will break that rule. They'll smoke in parking lots. They'll smoke outside buildings. They will smoke on campus. Fine them. Do this now. When the many smokers (and there are a lot of them) smoke right outside a building, fine them $200. Or more. And keep doing it. Use the money to fund health services for all students. Building a shelter is laughable. What does this say about NMU? It says, "Hey, don't smoke near our buildings or on our walkways, but come into this tiny cubicle and for 10 minutes or so, 3 times a day or more, work on killing yourself. Go Big Tobacco! You-rah-rah, cancer and early aging!" Go smoke-free, and don't do it gradually. Why bother with baby steps? We (NMU) are already so far behind. The fact that we allow smoking right outside doorways is downright barbaric. Go smoke-free, do it now, and stop with these silly surveys asking 19 year olds their smoking preference. Have some regulations and enforce them. Be confident in them. Let me be proud of NMU. Let me tell others about our school.
  • Allowing students to smoke outside on campus generally means that they will stand in groups just outside of buildings, and this forces all students entering the buildings to walk through a cloud of smoke. This shouldn't happen.
  • Almost everyone who has smoked for a long time is trying to quit and regretting their decision to start when they did. It is now common knowledge that smoking is unhealthy, expensive, and frankly unattractive. If people want to smoke then that's their mistake to make, but the rest of us don't want to be stuck behind them on the way to class or walk through a cloud when entering a building.
  • Although generally smoking bothers me, I haven't found it to be a 'problem' on the NMU campus. There seem to be places where people do smoke and don't, and I've come to accept that.
  • Although I am a non-smoker and I find smoking disgusting, I believe that people have the right to smoke. As long as they smoke outside and at least 30 feet from building entrances, I don't see any problem with it.
  • Although I am a non-smoker I do not believe that a public institution has the right to ban a legal substance. Maybe if the university actually implemented the 30 foot policy this would not be an issue. But as far as banning smoking outside on public property I think that that is absolutely ridiculous. Smoking is a highly addictive habit and turning smokers into criminals seems somewhat unfair. And if the university does ban smoking what are we going to do to students who continue to smoke? Fine them, kick them out of school, imprison them, for what, for having a bad legal habit. What’s next? I think the university should focus more on underage drinking, marijuana usage, cocaine, and speeding drivers. These things are all illegal and the university never talks about these issues. I’m just waiting for the SS to show up and haul away all the smokers, maybe even taser them, that will show taxpayers not to do legal things on public property. And as far as health issues, there is asbestos in most of the dorms, there are cars pumping out exhaust all over campus. A cigarette is just a plant, carbon natural, and harmless to non smokers. I think that the college should teach tolerance, not teach students to ban thing they don’t like.
  • Although I am a non-smoker, I believe smoking is an individual choice. We have already banned smoking inside, which is a hassle for smokers to have to go outside now. Smoking is an addiction just like anything else, and the people who believe a smoke-free campus will decrease the amount of smokers clearly don't know how bad of an addiction this is. Also, everyday we breath in fumes from cars, factories and even airplanes. When going through a drive through like McDonald's, the person working the window is inhaling the fumes from the cars. Honestly, how is that good for you either? It's no different than inhaling cigarette smoke. Whether we ban smoking or not, we are still getting those fumes and smoke from else where.
  • Although I am a non-smoker, I strongly believe that the smokers have a right to smoke on campus. I think it will negatively affect admissions because people will look at that and think NMU tries to control our everyday lives. I believe that if you choose to you can avoid smokers. People who complain are the ones who choose to walk behind them going to class, or they choose to walk right through a group of smokers going into buildings.
  • although I am all for a smoke free environment, this is not especially fair to those who do smoke. They can't just quit like that. I have no problems with the smoking population here at school. There aren't many smokers and they all abide by the smoking outside rule and everything. I am fine with the current situation and would not advise against going stricter, ESPECIALLY not using any of the school's budget on "smoking shelters". That would be a very unwise investment, and people will most likely never use them.
  • Although I am not a smoker, I do respect the fact that smokers are 18 and older. As adults who are trusted to make our own decisions with other aspects of our lives, I feel that the University should not attempt to babysit/threaten us when we make otherwise legal decisions.
  • Although I completely support the idea of NMU becoming a completely smoke-free campus, I really am wondering how this policy would be enforced.
  • Although I do have a few friends who are smokers and I don't judge them for their choice, smoking effects nonsmokers as well, and this is where the problem lies. Those of us that are choosing not to smoke are still reaping the negative impact of second hand smoke to our lungs. Whether we are walking through campus following someone with a cigarette, or when I lived in the dorms and had cigarette smoke radiating up into my window from people standing outside, it is difficult to get away from it on a campus.
  • Although I do not smoke and I think smoke free environments are truly beneficial, I think it may be a good decision to create a small, enclosed location where smokers may smoke. Penalties should be enforced if these rules are broken. Becoming a smoke-free campus can do no harm - it is truly a great idea! Maybe a smoke-free campus will encourage others to stop smoking?
  • Although I like the idea of a smoke-free campus, I do not think it would be well-enforced, as the current regulations are often broken with little consequence. Furthermore, the institution of a smoke-free campus would likely create many unhappy students.
  • Although I personally do not smoke, I feel that the choice to smoke is a matter of personal freedom. Though it is harmful to the smokers and those who regularly share their smoke, I think that it is plenty to have those who choose to do so stand outside, where their smoke will dissipate quickly. Asking them to stand in shelters or find someone else's car to sit in and suffocate is absolutely ridiculous--the smoke would completely fill the shelters. The real issue here is personal freedom. I would not be proud to attend a university that restricts the personal life choices of its' students and residents.
  • Although I support the campus going smoke-free, if it were not to something needs to be done to prevent/stop people from smoking right at the doorways. I for one do not smke and don't appreciate having to walk through a cloud of smoke just to enter or exit a building.
  • Although I think smoking is a disgusting and dangerous habit, I also believe that people should have the right to smoke outdoors if they please.
  • Although I would prefer everyone quit smoking, I know it is not going to happen soon. I believe some accommodation should be made for those who smoke. Either allow smoking in private vehicles or build smoking shelters.
  • Although I'm a non-smoker and neutral on all these issues, making campus smoke-free is discriminating against smokers. Although I feel it's a gross habit and I don't like smoke being blown in my face, what right do we have to tell people they can smoke or not?
  • Although it would be good for the campus to go smoke-free I do not feel it will be able to happen in the immediate future. I feel that the smokers in the campus community will be very upset and have a hard time adjusting the new smoke-free campus. If they decide to keep smoking then there will be an increase in students that are in trouble.
  • Although it would be wonderful to have a smoke free campus, i think it would be very difficult to do and that it would alienate a specific population of students at NMU. That being said i think the best alternative to having a smoke free campus would be having shelters as well as stricter punishments for not following the policy. Having great upkeep of the shelters and the grounds that are littered with cigarette butts would also be a must.
  • Although some people argue that this would be almost impossible to implement, entire cities go smoke-free and it IS possible. It is an important but difficult decision, and I, as a educated citizen, greatly support it. I am a recovering smoker, and still feel strongly that this can be done. I don't believe that it will affect enrollment negatively. Nothing irks me more than when I'm sitting in a lecture and ten people come back in from a smoke break and I'm forced to rub elbows with that stench for the remainder of the class period. It's disturbing. Also, most people don't acknowledge the 25 feet rule when smoking away from the building. They huddle around the doorway and it becomes necessary to push through the smoke just to get out into some fresh air. Therefore, it'd be best to just eliminate the issue entirely. Thanks for allowing me to give feedback!
  • Although tobacco use should remain an individual decision, I am strongly against it affecting those who choose not to smoke. As the policy stands currently, I am the subject to second hand smoke every day as I walk to class, especially near building entrances. Also, I believe that a policy that eliminates smoking on our campus might urge individuals to quit smoking completely- perhaps you could offer educational seminars on the harmful effects of smoking, and offer quitting support.
  • America is a free country. How can people regulate where you smoke, for example, in your car or on the side walk. That is just stupid to make NMU a smoke free place. Maybe if you enforced smoking in the dorm rooms or smoking so close to the door ways it would be better. But to eliminate smoking all together is a ridiculous idea and I don't even smoke. Just enforce the non-smoking zones and smoking by door ways.
  • another college that I had attended was a smoke free university and the campus just look cleaner, within a few weeks smokers didn't seem to mind either.
  • Any action will be a well made decision because as of now smokers do not follow the designated smoking areas.
  • Any progress towards becoming smokefree is a step up and in the correct direction for an up to date campus. I however do not agree with tuition raises to non-smokers, just to build new areas for them to smoke. If any fee is needed for smokers, then only they should have to pay for their own convenience.
  • any steps towards becoming a smoke free institution is a plus, no matter how you look at it. Its only a matter of time entire states are going to be smoke free, including Michigan
  • Any thing to improve the situation would be great. The worst thing is when the snow melts and you see all of the buds all over campus, had I seen that when making my choice to come here I seriously might not have come. It is also horrible to HAVE to walk through a cloud of smoke to get to the building your class is held in.
  • Anything done about smoking on campus would be an improvement, whether it entails building shelters or going completely smoke-free (ideal). Nobody enjoys walking through a cloud of harmful pollutants while trying to go to class. I cannot think of any downsides to a smoke-free campus, beside the obvious inconvenience to those who smoke. However, allowing smoking on campus provides a much bigger inconvenience to those who don't smoke and who don't care to be around it.
  • Are these new policies going to be enforced? Right now there are still smokers standing right next to the doorways, and there is no one telling them that they have to move.
  • Areas for smokers might be a good idea, if they were actually used, instead of people crammed around the doorways smoking. Also to enforce the smoking ban initially give warnings then fines if the same person continues to smoke on campus.
  • As a former smoker i do have some sympathy for smokers. I don't believe it to be fair to take away the right to smoke outside. There are many smokers that live in the dorms and would have to walk an unfair distance to smoke. i agree with many people that smokers smoking right outside the doorways of buildings is a problem. That however, is not a good enough reason to punish all smokers especially those that follow the rules and stay a good distance away from the doors. Smoking is an addiction and it is not fair to punish someone for being legally addicted. If NMU is concerned about people smoking and smoke bothering other non-smokers they should not cut off smokers but should provide support and programs to quit smoking. Rarely will you find someone at this level of education that smokes for the enjoyment only.
  • As a former smoker, I feel that if NMU had been smoke free I would have quit faster. After successfully quitting the one thing that I hated and still hate is walking around people who are smoking because I never want to get into that bad habit again. I see this as a positive to either help people quit smoking or help those who used to smoke or have been trying to quit to be free of the smoke that may be taunting them. It's a horrible habit and the university grounds would certainly look better if there weren't as many cigarrette butts lying around.
  • As a former smoker, I find it hard to not want to smoke while walking through campus. I'd like to see less people smoking, first off to make it easier on myself in my attempts to quit smoking, but also for the health benefits of others. However, I see the issue as more of a general lack of respect, than a smoking vs. nonsmoking issue.
  • As a former smoker, I know how the smokers think. But honestly, this is going to be the trend for most public places. So whether you do it all at once or step by step as long as your ultimate goal is a smoke free campus, you're on the right track. Smoking poses health hazards and as a we're supposed to be a higher learning facility, we should reflect that.
  • As a non smoker it is very frustrating to exit a building to be engulfed in someones chimney coming from their mouth. I know there are signs that state no smoking beyond this point but they are rarely considered when a smoker steps outside of the building and lites up the door opens up and the smoke filters in the building. I believe that if a person smokes they have the right to smoke but let me a non smoker have the right to take a deep breath without burning my lungs out with the toxic smoke. I feel if they want to smoke in their cars or if there were the buildings put up so they could smoke there it would be great, just consider the path of most of the traffic when placing these smoke areas as not to close to buildings and direct walking traffic.
  • As a non-smoker with asthma I HATE walking through clouds of smoke and literally gagging on them. I gag on smoke even when there are no smokers currently present because the smoke lingers. I wish the smoking away from entrances was enforced and actually MOVE the butt-trays/buckets away from them (leaving butt-trays/buckets near entrances only signifies that it's okay to smoke there). Enforcing this rule will significantly positive step in the resolution of the problems related to smoking on campus. However wonderful having a smoke-free campus would be, I consider the rights of smokers- their vehicles are their property, and the out-of-doors is free to everyone. Becoming smoke-free infringes on the rights of smokers and will only create rules, such as the "smoking away from entrances" rule, that will be broken and unenforced. therefore, changes need to be made, but abolishments are not the answer.
  • As a non-smoker, I believe that this is taking away from the rights of students. You can't segregate smokers from non-smokers, it is their choice. I don't care if people smoke, and I don't care if people ride bikes or skateboards. I think that NMU is asking for a lawsuit because of segregation, we don't tell obese people not to eat so much because it is ruining there health and we don't tell them when they can eat and where they can eat.
  • As a non-smoker, I don't mind the smell or the amount of smokers on campus. It's their choice to do as they please. The 50feet from a building rule is a good rule; if enforced. And regarding the smoking shelters, waste of money on the part of the university.
  • As a non-smoker, I must admit I don't enjoy walking through a cloud of smoke at the entrance to buildings. At the same time, however, I believe the smokers have rights too. Smoking has not been criminalized in the U.S. and therefore they should be allowed to smoke outside. If building shelters is cost-prohibitive, perhaps having public safety officers issue citations for littering would be more effective. Regardless, I don't think anyone really cares what someone does in or around their cars. The parking lots are all wide open and there is plenty of fresh air for nonsmokers to breathe there.
  • As a non-smoker, I respect a smoker's right to harm their own body. I do not see smoking as an inconvenience to my lifestyle.
  • As a non-smoker, I would like to put my support with those friends of mine who choose to smoke. The crime rate would increase if such a thing were to happen. I do not support a smoke-free NMU campus.
  • As a non-smoker, walking behind or by a smoker is not pleasant.
  • As a non-smoking student with asthma, I end up holding my breath everything I walk in and out the doors to avoid the smoke.
  • As a nonsmoker, I often run the gauntlet into classroom buildings through a cloud of smoke. These people stand right outside the doors, even on a nice day. Since they are in direct violation of obvious signs near the building, I would like to see enforcement of the rules that people are not to smoke close to entrances. It can even be dangerous to go into the buildings. Last fall I was walking into West Science when a smoker near the door suddenly thrust her arms out while talking to a friend to emphasize a point. The cigarette in one of her hands was smashed into the back of my hand, causing a burn. The young woman glared at me as if I'd done something wrong and didn't even apologize. I don't necessarily think we need an entirely smoke-free campus, at least not right away. What we do need is more enforcement of the rules we already have, and acknowledgment that if smokers want to smoke, they have to do it well away from the doors.
  • As a prior smoker, it is very difficult to quit a habit like smoking when you're placed into a stressful situation such as finals coming up. Having smokers at every entrance to every building just put smoking on one's mind and made it more difficult. It would have been much easier to quit, had the campus been smoke-free.
  • As a student, I strongly support the decision of NMU going completely smoke-free. I am frustrated when walking to class and end up behind a smoker, only to have smoke blown in my face and finding myself trying to hold my breath. It is annoying as well when there are many smokers outside of a building all within ten feet and I have to walk through a cloud of smoke to get in because the smokers refuse to stay thirty feet away like the signs say. It is pointless to ask them to move because most don't care enough about others to listen and instead would choose to ridicule someone for even asking. I have asked many students around my dorm to please step the thirty feet away and they move maybe another five and then once I am out of sight, will move in again. Later when I see them smoking another cigarette, they are no further from the building by choice and I have to constantly ask each time I see them. This tells me that most (not necessarily all) smokers from my experience don't care about the "rights" of nonsmokers for it to be our choice to not have to breathe in the secondhand smoke. I would like to see just one time where a smoker was actually thirty feet from the building, or where I ask someone to step away more and then they conscientiously follow suite in the future. I am sorry but when a poor choice they are making begins to infringe on the lives of others and their well-being, I don't believe smokers deserve to keep such an unneeded desire.
  • as a university town in Marquette, MI proceeds of alcohol and cigarette sales go directly to help the community be able to stay open and function. If it wasn't for smokers and drinkers, the towns economy would fall drastically and NMU needs to keep things how they are because it is legal to smoke if you are 18 or older and NMU will not be able to stop that law as making it a campus rule because they will be overidden by the real law.
  • As an asthmatic student, I can say that I am a fine example of how second hand smoke from other students can effect the others around them. Having to walk to class in such cold weather during the winter can already make me short of breath, much less having to inhale nauseating clouds of secondhand smoke from the people walking in front of me. There have been times I have had to take my inhaler before entering class so I wouldn't disturb other classmates with my coughing. It is absolutely absurd that I should have to deal with the unhealthy side effects of someone else's unhealthy habit. I didn't choose to have asthma, but they make the choice to smoke. If it is so important to smokers to be able to destroy their lungs, then they can find a place where they will not be destroying others lungs as well.
  • As an asthmatic, more than anything I'd like to see the policies enforced, whatever they may be. If you do nothing else, please make sure there is a way for people who want to avoid smoking to get around campus realistically without having to dodge smokers.
  • As it is there is no smoking allowed in any of the buildings on campus, I believe that that is enough of a measure against smoking. If people who do smoke want to stand outside and smoke they should be able to. How far are people going to try and impose their will on other people. Is this still a free country or not? I think that this is a ridiculous measure that radical people want. I only answered this questionnaire to express my very heartfelt, adamant and resounding no to this ludicrous idea.
  • As long as I am surrounded in the smoke I am not bothered by someone else's smoking. It is their choice to smoke and it is mine not to. But if they had their own place smoke I am sure non smokers would not go in there. So I am in favor of designated smokers area for them.
  • As long as people are not smoking in the buildings it should not be an issue. If someone does not like it then they should just stay away from it.
  • As long as people smoke outside it's not a problem. It's not like a building where the smoke is confined to one space and just hangs there. You may catch the scent of smoke, but it is usually gone in seconds. I'm not a smoker but going smoke free is to extreme and it is just going to cause an uproar on campus that is not needed. Spend your time on more important matters.
  • As long as smokers smoke outdoors -- away from building entrances, especially -- I don't care what or how much they smoke. But certainly not in buildings in any way.
  • As more and more people quit smoking or undertake steps to quit smoking, I think it would be beneficial for smokers, former smokers and non-smokers for NMU to become smoke free.
  • As most restaurants are going smoke-free as NMU should. Even a country like Scotland went all smoke free in public places. If a whole country went smoke free, we most definitely could go smoke free campus wide. It would re-enforce Northerns Natural embodiment.
  • As much as I can't stand walking around campus behind a smoker, I really don't think it will be possible to get a campus to be completly smoke free. I also like the idea of having the smoke huts, but I really don't want to have an increased tuition to let students and faculty smokers smoke in. It's simply not fair to us. If they want a "warm" place to smoke, then they should have to pay for it. I just feel that this whole debate is a run-around, and nothing productive will get done from it.
  • As much as i find smoking to be disgusting and unhealthy, i do find it hypocritical to be trying to ban something that is perfectly legal for those who are 18 and older. Tobacco was something that helped build our country from the beginning and although I'm not a smoker myself, it is a right for those who are of legal age. Just because people complain about the way it smells isnt a reason to ban it. If things got banned based on people disagreeing with it, there would be no religion, politics, or just about any other organization that people look to for comfort and direction. So despite the fact that i find smoking to be utterly disgusting, if people want to continue harming their body, I say let them.
  • As much as I'd like the populace to be smoke free, I question whether the attractiveness of non-smoking with regards to recruitment for Northern would offset the loss of students who would not come here due to an atmosphere that is unsupportive of their lifestyle.
  • As society today is increasingly making more and more efforts to go smoke-free, I believe it's the next step in our future to eliminate cigarette smoking in public places. Thanks
  • As some one who is very allergic to cigarette smoke, I understand the campus's interest in creating a smoke free environment. However, I do not feel banning all smoking will solve any problems, deter smoking or even prevent it. Smokers will find a way to smoke whether legal or illegal according to University policy. I believe smokers need to be more respectful how and where they smoke but banning smoking all together seems counter-productive in my opinion. I do however agree with creating smoking shelters and even allowing students to smoke in their cars.
  • As someone who does not smoke, the current smoking policies do no bother me in the slightest. I see no reason to change the rules. In my opinion, putting up shelters and designating smoking areas would only be a waste of time and money that could be spent elsewhere.
  • As someone who has just recently quit smoking for the second time, I know what a powerful drug it is. I don't know what they are supposed to do if they can't smoke on campus - it's a legal drug and they are addicted, and frankly, they have enough stress with classes and whatnot that they shouldn't have to worry about their one release. I'm absolutely certain that students will continue to smoke on campus, regardless, and it will snowball into a major issue as students feel they are more and more harassed if public safety is going to stand around handing out tickets. It is a legal drug and they are addicted. The people that complain don't understand that, they aren't empathetic. As a previous smoker, I will happily make my way through a cluster of students because I know what it is like. And forcing students to sit in their cars with their windows closed is completely ridiculous. For one thing they are practically asphyxiating, but in the winter, their collective cars would be belching out exhaust at passers-by, an equal if not more toxic exposure. Please, in these days of nationally decreasing freedoms, let these people be.
  • As someone who has quit smoking but struggles with staying quit, It would be so helpful if I didn't have to walk through a cloud of smoke in order to get into my building. Also, I think the evidence is clear that any second-hand smoke exposure is detrimental to anyone's health.
  • As stated above, I am not a smoker. However, I do not see that it is my right to tell someone they can't smoke if they would like. We already have a 30 ft rule in place. I feel that if there were a few smoking shelters put up with adequate ash trays and trash receptacles for smokers to dispose of their cigarette butts and empty packs our campus would be cleaner and there would be less people complaining about smokers. Also, those who are spending their time pushing the smoking ban must have little going on in their lives to focus their attention on something so trivial. I do not want to disregard those with Asthma or allergies of which second-hand smoke cause reactions, but just as it is each person's choice to smoke, it is each anti-smoker's choice to walk either near or far from someone who is smoking to avoid contact. I don't enjoy the smell of cigarette smoke, but I also don't encounter the smell of it more than once... maybe twice per day. It's possible that I have conditioned myself to unconsciously avoid such encounters, or it could be that smoking on campus isn't as prevalent as some believe.
  • At first I was thinking about all of the people that I know who are smokers and was agianst the proposed idea. However, when I think about what it is that all of those people are doing, it just washes away any fragment of sympathy for them. And this is not easy for me to say, many of my best friends (at NMU and from my home town) are smokers.
  • At least try and enforce the 30ft policy from doorways right now.
  • At my previous school, we got the school to put up "smoking huts" (like previous mentioned in survey). It took a little while for people to use them- but they ended up being a hit. NMU would just need someone to re-enforce the rule of not smoking else where- Great Idea!
  • At the age of 18 we are told that we are adults. That means that we are able to make our own decisions about what we do with our life. If someone chooses to smoke, as an adult, they should have the right to do so. Treating students as though they are still children only weakens the student body. I am an adult, I don't need someone to tell me how to live my life. I used to be a smoker, now I am not. I made that decision myself. And in my opinion every should be able to make that choice themselves. Smokers aren't bad people that need to be punished, and everyone knows the risks of smoking by now. Treat students like adults, not criminals, and not children.
  • Athough I believe making NMU a smoke-free campus is with good intentions, I also strongly question the legality behind this. What are the chances of legal repercussions from civil liberties organizations?
  • bad idea
  • Ban smoking all together. It is a dirty and nasty habit that poeple need to break and this just may help them do so.
  • BAN SMOKING ON CAMPUS NOW!
  • Banning smoking at NMU would benefit both the smokers and the nonsmokers. However, I hope NMU does not take it too far and place a band on something as private as smoking inside your own vehicle. It's a difficult issue. On one hand I am not a smoker, and hate having to break and smell smoke. Yet, I am also a large supporter of an individuals rights, when it comes to their choice of smoking or not. Overall, I thing it would be in the best interest of the students on NMU's campus, to learn and live in a smoke free environment.
  • banning smoking on campus i think would make it feel like nmu is trying to control the students more. Alot of people may be discourgae to come hereand/or stay here if they have to drive or walk all the way of campus or be trapped in there cars where they would have to talk to get to. I feel it would put more strain on the Resident advisors down in the residence hall. it will become a thing in which we would have to enforce by documenting any person somking and will start to make some residents not all begin to hate us. because i feel that no matter what were going to get students not following this rule and just trying to hide it more.
  • Banning smoking on campus is a ridiculous idea. I do not smoke, and I do not think the 1/2 second of breathing cigarette smoke from smokers on my way to class is a problem at all. This is being made a big deal by people who feel the need to force their opinions on others and have no other policies to put their efforts behind. The idea of banning smoking on campus is a huge joke, and I think the resources and time that administrators would put into this project would be wisely spent on something else. And this is all coming from a non-smoker.
  • Banning smoking on campus would be a horrible decision. Many students and teachers would be lost, some of whom I have talked to myself. Also it would be almost impossible to enforce as those smokers who don't chose to leave the school would probably pay no attention to such an unjust rule. It would also more than likely provoke students to find ways to smoke in their dorm rooms. If some non-smokers can't live with smokers then I don't see how those people will possibly be able to make it in the real world. The idea of taking away the right to smoke on a college campus is simply ludicrous.
  • banning smoking will lead to will lead to anger from some facualty and students who may leave or find other ways to smoke. student enrollment may go down due to the lessend freedoms. This will be a discriminatory policy that may lead to departures of the most qualified facualty and may decrese student enrolment. Costs for enforcement will be required and it is likely that people will disobey the policy. On the other hand the university may find a new student base by attracting student looking for a smoke free campus. You have to weigh the costs and benifits but in this case the costs may be higher than the benifits. Brian Meehan(non-smoker)
  • Before anything new is implemented the old rules need to be enforced.
  • Before creating new policies the fact that current policies are not being enforced should be considered. For example, not allowing smokers by the doorways has not been enforced well at all. I pass smokers that are right next to doorways on my way into jamrich, west science, new science and the LRC every day. If these rules are enforced first then maybe complaints will go down alot more. This may cause an even more difficult rule to enforce to be avoided.
  • Being a non-smoker I think it would be great to be able to walk to class without smoke in my face from the person smoking in front of me. It would be even better if smokers would obey the rule that they are supposed to be 30 ft away from the building when smoking because I do not enjoy walking through a puff of smoke to get in the doors to go to class. As much as I do not like smoking, I see that if NMU were to be completely smoke-free it would be very hard for many students to go to class all day long. I feel that if students who choose to smoke need to do it between classes to make it through the day then it is their choice to do so. I don't know what withdrawl feels like, but from what I hear it is very hard to deal with. If students are thinking about their need to smoke during class it is not beneficial for them to be their. To me it would be like someone telling me I can't eat or drink water on campus, I would not be able to focus on my studies if my body is telling me constantly that I need something. I think it would be a good compromise to use the smoking shelters because it would give students a place to get their nicotene fix and allow non-smokers to keep their lungs clean.
  • Being a non-smoker I think that this idea is rediculous, who cares if people smoke outside buildings or while walking to class, it's probably a great stress reliever. What would smokers do if they couldn't smoke on campus? Im sure they wouldnt just quit. I don't see what the big deal is.
  • Being a non-smoker it is very unpleasant walking around campus because at every turn there is somebody blowing smoke in your face. Either just walking around or coming out of a doorway it is a terrible feeling inhaling so much smoke when previuously i was in a smoke free environment. The smokers on campus show absoltely no consideration for the non-smokers.
  • Being a non-smoker, I do not feel threatened by this, but I would not actively support a program that would suppress student choice, no matter how self-destructive, when it is legal on a state level. The argument can be boiled down to this: Are we going to completely suppress one group's choices and show outright favoritism to another group, when alternative practices are available (smoker huts). I agree that the present system is not working, but that does not mean smokers are a blight to be wiped off the face of campus, despite what the zealous say.
  • Being a non-smoker, I would appreciate having a smoke-free campus. I know that many students, though, would be quite unhappy with it; it is possible that students and/or potential students may be lost because of it. If the current smoking policies were actually enforced (30 feet away from doorways, etc.), I think that it would be less of a problem. However, since that is not the case, I think that something more drastic may be in order.
  • Being a nonsmoker i see it as a great idea, the only problem is the large number of people that smoke. If the campus is smoke free, there could potentially be a decrease in enrollment. I'm not entirely sure though since you would attract more nonsmokers, in theory.
  • Being smoke free would be good for some people but what percent of people on this campus smoke? I just feel that it is their choice to smoke where ever they want to but in accordance with the law. But if this campus goes smoke free, the people that smoke would smoke on city property which would make the citizens aka supporters of the school unhappy with this matter which could make the city of marquette go smoke free. it's just a thought that i had about this topic. but with packs going up in cost significantly, i see the number of smokers reduced by 2010.
  • Being someone who can see both sides (once a smoker, quit second semester I was here) I think it is unfair to ban smoking in private vehicles. That is the property of the student and there is no right to say what goes on inside of private vehicles. Banning smoking outside of buildings would be more understandable, however inconvenient and ridiculous. You would be segregating those who smoke due to an addiction, something that they cannot control. Taking away a the right to a personal decision, however harmful it may be, is demeaning to anyone and will, in turn, create hostility and possibly a drop in attendance.
  • Building smoking shelters will take away from the "Northern Naturally" motto that the university uses to sell itself. We can't continue to put up structures on campus that take away from the beauty of our natural environment. Just keep the smokers away from the buildings where classes are being held. If people want to smoke by hedgecock, cohodas, or the UC then let them. Prohibit it by dorms, or class halls.
  • By making the campus a non-smoking campus, there will most likely be a drop in the number of students attending. I would love to see the campus become smoke-free, but the costs are greater than the benefits. The best bet, in my opinion, would be to make the campus smoke-free by 2010 in a graduated fashion.
  • Campuses that have gone smoke free in the past have been wildly unsuccessful. Implementing programms that encourage students to make healthy choices such as not smoking show greater success rates.
  • Cigarette smoke affects my allergies, and I would absolutely love not to have to deal with smoke. Not only does it bother me walking into buildings, but smoke is also a problem after breaks when several students go outside to smoke. Thank you for considering this!
  • Cigarette smoke greatly effects my asthma and if Northern does not go smoke free, I would appreciate the enforcement of smoking rules already in affect. It would be nice if smokers would actually stand 30 feet from the doors so I don't have to walk through a smoke cloud.
  • completely banning smoking is a bit too extreme. Having measures such as not at certain hours and in certain areas would be best. The time I am most bothered is when walking through campus in the morning to class and having to smell the smoke of someone in front of me is most bothersom.
  • Considering the fact that you do not enforce the 30 foot rule that is already in place, I doubt that you will have much success enforcing an entire campus ban on smoking. Personally, I believe this university has better things to address such as campus renovations and budget strains, rather than an unsupportable smoking ban.
  • Current smoking rules don't work. Smokers don't stay 30 feet from entrances.
  • Currently, smokers do not keep a safe distance from buildings so we walk through the "smoking" areas to enter buildings.
  • Despite the fact that smoking is disgusting and extremely unhealthy it is crazy to try to take away the option to smoke in an open-air environment. It seems the student body is always having freedoms taken away, this is crossing the line.
  • Discriminating against people who smoke is just that: discrimination. It starts small, and then more and more liberties begin to be taken. It's fine the way it is right now, as making campus smoke free would alienate students who smoked, and building "smoking shelters" (which is a very stupid idea) would be costly and pointless. No smoking in the buildings, but to ban smoking outside is ridiculous and unfair, and I'm not even a smoker.
  • Disregard #6. I am not a student, but it wouldn't let me toggle out my initial response.
  • Do it.....!!!!!
  • Do not raise tuition because smokers want the convenience of shelters. It's not my responsibility to pay for their addiction.
  • Do not wait until 2010, effective immediately next year.
  • Do not waste university funding on something as trival as smoking huts. Just enforce the current rules of smoking thirty feet from the building. If this rule was enforced the problem probably would not be as bad. I understand non-smokers not wanting to deal with smoke but to waste money that could be to other programs on building huts to appease the smokers is unwarrented and unneeded.
  • Doesn't matter to me either way
  • don't be a dictatorship. This is ridiculous. I am not a smoker, but I don't see a need to tell people that they can't even smoke outside! People need to loosen up, don't let a few uptight people make every smoker on campus look over there shoulder, paranoid a cop is going to give them a ticket for smoking OUTSIDE!!! I don't like smoking and I especially don't like 2nd hand smoke, but that does not mean I think a campus law should be enacted. DON'T BE A DICTATORSHIP.
  • Don't do it. There are already 30 ft smoking bans away from the door and no one is enforcing that. To enforce a smoke free campus would prove too costly. The university has other problems that are much worse and for some reason this difference in opinion is consuming too much time. The best policy is no policy. The best way to put smokers where they will not bother others is to put smoker’s outposts (ashtrays) where you want them. If you put the ashtray next to the door, that’s where people will smoke. If you don’t put out ashtrays people will leave their butts on the ground. As an ex-smoker I can tell you that smokers are looking primarily for shelter from bad weather and wind. Maybe a roofless wind shelter would help. But this would be costly and the unintended consequence of sheltering smokers would be people smoking pot in the shelters. Then you would have to patrol the shelters and maintain them. Not to mention that many people would continue to smoke by the doors. The easiest way to solve this problem is to enforce the rules already in place.
  • Don't spend our money on shelters so people can smoke in them. It's there choice to smoke, and if it's to cold outside that's there problem. They can buy themselves a better jacket.
  • Don't take away all rights. I feel alchol is the biggest problem on campus. not right at the doors or in the manner of drinking in the dorms. But we have functions that support drinking and i feel drinking is worse than anything else happening on this campus. faculty, staff, administration, students, everyone, if we were really concerned about the health and welfare of the student body there would be NO drinking Anywhere or at anytime. the problem of alcohol is the worse than any use of tobacco.
  • Don't we have more important issues to address than smoking. It's still s free country leave the people alone.
  • dont infringe on peoples rights. we already give you enough of them as it is.
  • Dont make NMU smoke free.
  • dont think its that big of a deal, but i know it would make a lot of people pretty mad.
  • During the winter, it can be hard to stay away from cigarette smoke outside. Many students, like myself, have health needs that are made worse by smoke.
  • End Smoking
  • Enforcement would become difficult seeing as many faculty smoke also, sees a mute point in this day and age to worry about it.
  • Even as a non-smoker, I feel that smoking is an individual choice and right. NMU should not be granted the power to take that right away.
  • Even being a non smoker, i don't believe that NMU should ban smoking anyway, that is a person's own choice and as long as smokers don't come within the limits, i don't know what the issue is
  • Even if NMU does not go completely smoke free then students should not be able to smoke outside of the dorms room because it is disgusting to walk through the smoke jut to get into my own building & smoking right next to the door is unexceptable and leaving the door open while they are smoking is letting smoke into the building and that is NOT acceptable!
  • Even if the campus couldn't be smoke free, smoking shelters would be a good idea because smoking by the doorway is irritating and very rude.
  • Even if the campus does not go completely smoke free, there needs to be a way to keep smokers away from buildings and doorways. No one follows the 30ft rule.
  • Even if we don't end up going smoke free something needs to be done. I can't get into a class building without pushing my way through the smoking crowd. For some reason they missed the memo that they are not suppose to smoke right next to the door.
  • Even second hand smoke kills, so yeah I'm for NMU being all smoke free.
  • Even though I am a non smoker, I would have found the smoke-free aspect negative because I feel this is a violation of our rights. We have to live in the dorms for two years, unless you commute. Making us pay to live here and then taking away something that people like to do I feel is just plain wrong. I would feel differently if you did not have to live on campus for your first 2 years. As a non smoker, I understand why people want the campus to be smoke free. Many smokers hang close by the door ways. I think that if there are certain "smoking areas" that would be fair for everyone. Smoking is not illegal and I don't think it should be on campus, we are all adults here. If smokers had a designated place to go to smoke, the majority of them would go there. I feel at this point in time it is hard for smokers not to be breaking the "30 foot" rule. No one wants to stand 30 feet from a doorway when it is below zero.
  • Even though I am not a smoker I believe that smokers have the right to smoke outdoors on campus. I'm not bothered by people smoking outside. There is enough outdoor space on campus for all of us to peacfully coexist.
  • Even though i am not a smoker, i think it would be bad to go completely smoke free. Just keep them away from the buildings.
  • Even though I do not smoke anymore I still feel that it is the right of people to smoke if they want to and they will continue to smoke on campus even if it does go smoke free. The majority of people I have talked to have said that they will continue to smoke no matter what.
  • Even though I don't care too much about the matter of this being a smoke-free campus, I'm just more concerned that when I am in class and the room smells of cigarette smoke and the smell comes through the heating vents. That just makes it harder to breathe and concentrate.
  • Even though I have always been a non-smoker I feel making NMU a smoke free campus says a lot about the restrictions (current and future) that are or can be placed on the students. I agree with having a distance from doorway requirement to prevent smoke from entering the buildings and prevent non-smokers from walking though smoke upon entering and exiting. However, shelters would be costly and unattractive, just as bus shelters are. Things are fine as is.
  • Even though I'm a former smoker, I feel that smoking is a privilage, not a right, and you can light up off campus without having to do it on university property. If that is too hard for some smokers...time to quit and save your life!
  • Even though there are signs that tell smokers to stay 30 feet away from buildings, the smoke still goes into the air uptake systems. I have been in numerous classrooms where I was basically second hand smoking for an hour. It's disgusting and a health risk.
  • Even though there is rules about being away from the doors to smoke, know one follows them. I hate walking through a cloud of cancerous smoke to get into the building. Something needs to be done!
  • Even when I was a smoker, I did not appreciate, nor did I partake in, smoking in public. I lived a good deal of my smoking life in Duluth, MN, and they are a non-smoking city, can't smoke in restaurants, some bars, or any workplace, so I am all for a smoking ban at NMU. There's nothing more unappealing than walking through a cloud of smoke before you enter the building to go to class.
  • Eventually all public places will be smoke-free, I see it as an inevitability that NMU follows suit.
  • Every day walking to and from class cigarette smoke reaches my nose from a student passing me. It imposes on my health and enjoyment of campus. Campus is also less beautiful with cigarette butts all over it. Restricting where people smoked or banning cigarette smoking on campus all together would only benefit the campus and the students.
  • Everyday I walk through a cloud of harmful chemicals because for years smokers cannot obey a simple rule of being thirty feet from the building. This daily undue contact with secondhand smoke is jeopardizing my health. I should not have my health threatened when entering an educational facility. I would be irate if NMU provided smoking shelters - I see that as a complete waste of funding. As far as a graduated fashion in going smoke-free, half the student who have had to put up with the effects of secondhand smoke will reap no benefit. It should not take two years to put up no smoking signs.
  • Everyday walking to class I constantly have smoke blown in my face and there is no way to avoid it. I feel this is a TERRIBLE habbit and not having it on campus would eventually stop a lot of kids from even starting to smoke. I went MQT high school and now i see some kids who smoke who i never thought in a million years would, just because its avalible they do it.
  • Everyone has the right to learn, and everyone should have the right to clean air.
  • Everyone understands the risks and dangers involved with smoking. However, to completely ban smoking outside seems not only discriminatory, but anti-American, anti-tolerant, and just a horribly bad, bad, bad idea. Forcing people to smoke in their cars with the windows up should be considered criminal. It's an overwhelming absurdity. I would hate to see NMU go down this hateful and harmful road.
  • Finally!
  • Find better ways to stop students from smoking in front of doors and such, but dont take away their freedom to smoke. That is coming from someone who hates smoking completley
  • First-hand smokers are making the choice to harm their bodies, but second-hand smokers are not given that same choice. It is unfair that non-smokers are forced to breathe in potentially harmful (and often unavoidable) toxic fumes. I should not have to go out of my way to get a breath of fresh air; smokers should be the ones to make a sacrifice if they wish to continue their bad habit. Perhaps the "inconvenience" will make it easier for them to quit! I smoked for several years, and when restaurants began to go smoke-free, I was not angry. Instead, I had more respect for the establishment and realized that I was endangering the lives of others by smoking near them. I'm really happy I quit!
  • For me, I think the buildings of NMU should be smoke free. For example, in the apartments, you can still smoke in the building and I believe that is a problem and contradicts the fact that there are no candles allowed. (question 2) Then, with question 3, I don't see the importance of the car windows being closed. If anything, I see it as a potentially dangerous resort for students. The closed window option is a harmful option.
  • For my sake, I totally want the campus to be smoke free. But as for smokers, I'm guessing they would be very offended and angry about it. So in many cases, my answers are neutral for that reason only.
  • For now, there should be certain areas to smoke in or not to smoke in. Definately not right by building's doors. That is really annoying. People do not follow the "how many feet away" Sure....smoke...go ahead, I just don't like smelling like your smoke:)
  • FOr Q# 5 I was in japan where they do this and it worked but I feel that this would not work here at nmu because people are not very respectfull as is. (they smoke right next to the doors nto 30ft away). I feel that there would be alot of problems trying to enforse this. Students can go off campus to smoke. for Q#4, I would like it to happen now because its not nice to be walking to class behind a smoker and have their smoke blowing all over me and breathing in his smoke. I am from chicago where thye recently passed a law where you are not allowed to smoke in restaurants. Its going well down there why couldnt we bring that to our campus. I dont feel as if anyone is having their rights taken away I just feel as if I deserve fresh air when I walk around campus. I hope this passes! thanks for allowing student input!
  • For the health of your students, staff and faculty members, please don't drop the ball on this one.
  • former smoker, i think the parameters of how close you can be while smoking should be re-enforced. parking lots should be free game.
  • From what I have seen, Smoking on campus is not an inconvienence to anyone. Banning smoking outdoors infringes upon the basic freedoms of smokers. Extra money SHOULD NOT be spent on smoking shelters. Thankyou.
  • General comments would require to time and space here to give a reasonable analysis of your question; would I support some form of a smoke free campus. Thanks, concerned about any form of limiting our rights.
  • get rid of it!!! it not only is a detriment to themselves but it causes pollution both air and ground. I strongly support non smoking campus !!! GET IT OUT OF HEAR!!!
  • GET RID OF SMOKING ON CAMPUS ITS ANNOYING AND GROSS TO NON-SMOKERS!!!!!
  • Get rid of smoking...it's horrible...it kills people, and in the long wrong it could help people quit possibly, it would be a very good idea to ban smoking and I'd also advise getting some pictures and more information on what smoking does even though people already "know" about them if they see it everywhere they go they could eventually start thinking.
  • Get rid of the smoke!
  • Get rid of those filthy butts.
  • Get smoking off campus please!
  • Getting caught behind smokers walking to class is disgusting and annoying!!
  • Given what research shows about the effects of smoking and second-hand smoke, making NMU smoke-free seems to be an easy choice.
  • go for it
  • Go smoke free for the health of the University, and its students and faculty. This is a great idea. I hope this survey helps.
  • Go Smoke free!
  • Go Smoke Free!
  • Go Smoke Free!
  • GO SMOKE FREE.
  • GO SMOKE-FREE!
  • Going smoke free is a fabulous idea!!!
  • Going smoke free is a great idea. I realize that it is a smokers choice if he/she wants to smoke, but it is not my choice to inhale their second hand smoke when walking to and from classes.
  • Going smoke free is an excellent idea, but trying to take away the right of a student to smoke in their own vehicle with the windows closed is absurd. It would do no harm to others if one was inside their vehicle with windows closed, as long as the cigarette bud was disposed of inside the vehicle as well. Also, the rate of younger aged people smoking has increased a significant amount in the past few years, making northern a smoke free campus would ultimately decrease the population of students because many who smoke will not attend a smoke free university there for making tuition jump because of less attendance on campus which will not just affect the smokers but the non smokers as well.
  • Going smoke free is not a unreasonable request.
  • Going Smoke Free on Campus infringes the rights of smokers. It is already, as far as I know, a campus policy that smokers have to stand 30 feet away from door ways. To further punish them for a choice that some Americans disagree, with is wrong. Smokers have a right to smoke the University should not infringe on that right.
  • going smoke free won't stop smokers from smoking on campus, i know from working at the hospital because when they went smoke free i didn't stop any smokers from smoking on its campus.
  • Going smoke free would be the most retarded thing a campus could do! May as well ban caffeine too.
  • Going smoke-free helps everyone, including smokers. Maybe they'll realize they're not only hurting themselves but everyone around them with their smoke. That way, they MIGHT try quitting.
  • Going smoke-free is taking from our freedom to be smokers and it show NMU as being some sort of controlling. If you go smoke free students may few it as "What are they going to take away next" or that is how I view it. Giving NMU a bad name. Thanks Will
  • Going Smoke-Free will promote a healthier lifestyle on the NMU campus.
  • Gradually, more and more public places are going smoke-free. I think this would be a very positive move for NMU's campus. No longer would we have to deal with smoke blowing in our faces when we are walking from class to class. I think that becoming a smoke-free campus would be a huge push in the right direction (in improving the campus.)
  • Great idea. A smoke free campus would be AWESOME!!!
  • Hate walking past student's who blow smoke in my face or surrounding area's. I think it's rude of people to throw butt's all over the campus. Make's the university look very trashy. It's something that should be done in their own car, on their own time. Let them put the butt's in their car ashtray, not on the ground. If a smoking area is made, please enforce it.
  • Having a smoke free campus is the only way to go. I am sick of cigarette buts and smoke in my face as i enter buildings on campus.
  • Having been a smoker I find it unfair to those who still are to make the campus smoke free. I think the students would have an easier time adjusting than the faculty or staff. Also if the smoking shelters were implemented then they would have to be numerous and in accessible locations, not in remote places that would make it difficult to reach. If the smoke free policy is not implemented in the correct way then I would expect that people will continue to smoke in the same places that they currently do in defiance of the regulation.
  • Honestly, as a non-smoker, the smoking doesn't really bother me all that much, but I do believe that if we became a smoke-free campus, it would be very appealing to perspective students. It would also just be a nice thing to not have to worry about.
  • Honestly, if people want to smoke they will, and it really isn't a problem for others 95% of the time.
  • horrid and unjust idea. think of the opposite, what if instead of no smoking anywhere, it was smoking everywhere. it is unfair either way
  • How can it be legal to stop people from smoking in their vehicles? I know it has been passed in other places, but I find that it crosses a line of personal freedom.
  • How do you plan on enforcing a policy such as this? I mean what would the response be, and how would you necessarily find out if someone was smaoking in their car, but the window was down, someone walking in the parking lots smoking, and the surrounding community that passes, both on foot and in vehicles, through campus?
  • How far dows intolerance go before it become a dictatorship? As an incoming student, I would wonder...if NMU is that restrictive in one area, how much would it restrict other activities which I enjoy? If NMU is worried about enrollemnts in this time of budget constraints, why on earth would the admin. adopt a policy that surely will decrease the number of potential students? Please use some sense and compassion. We don't need smoke police on campus.
  • How many more ways can NMU figure out to fine students.
  • I 100% agree with the campus going smoke-free. Although I do not have a problem with the choices of my fellow students to smoke, I do not think that it's fair that i have to walk through a cloud of smoke just to get into a building and go to class. I feel as though i might as well just light up a cigarette myself with the amount of second hand smoke that i get when walking from building to building.
  • I 42 years old and eaned my first degree at NMU. I am currently enrolled in a graduate program. I no longer smoke. I do not support NMU telling me what I can or can not do when sitting in my car or walking down a sidewalk. I am shocked that such is even being considered.
  • I absolutely HATE that the on-campus apartments are not smoke free, I also hate walking behind a smoker. Seeing that studies have proven that second hand smoke is worse then smoking itself I see no reason why the campus should not be smoke free. I think it would be a huge positive if the campus was smoke free and if not the entire campus I think that the on-campus especially should be smoke free. By having the apartments not be smoke-free the university is losing money!
  • I actually quit 3mo. ago and even before then I was insulted by rude smokers who don't seem to care that other people have to breathe also. They litter the ground because they are too lazy to walk 3 steps out of their way to put it in the garbage they are standing next to and they are rude to everyone by standing directly in-front of building entrances so that to get in or out of a building a person must walk thru this disgusting cloud. I believe that a non-smoking policy on campus with the exception of the person's vehicle would be a great step forward. Also any person seen throwing butts out the window or onto the ground should be ticketed. After a heavy enforcement period I believe that NMU would be a fresher place to attend school.
  • I agree that it is not good that people smoke everywhere but that is because there is nowhere specific for them to go! If it were declared that NMU was smoke free it would not stop people if they smoke they are going to smoke especially if they live in campus housing. The only way to prevent students and faculty from smoking anywhere is to give them locations to smoke. Either have smoker enterences to each building so they can go out that door, sit on a bench, and smoke and non-smokers will know that and use a different enterence. Also fine people for throwing there butts. I think the best solution is some kind of a shelter so that they have somewhere that they can go. Not to mention that a shelter is capital added to the structures of this university where just saying no smoking will result in a need for more officers and in ture more money invested into nothing!
  • I agree that it is offensive to have to walk past people smoking to enter a building, but I feel that smokers should be able to smoke outside while on campus. One of the problems with the 30 foot smoking rule--is that it has never been enforced. What would happen if the rule were enforced? I would imagine that smokers would move away from buildings.
  • I agree that there should be more restrictions to the smoking policy on campus, however, I do not see enforcement of the current 30 foot rule in place. For a policy to be effective, it must be enforced. I would caution putting the smoke-free policy in place until there is significant enforcement and clear-cut penalties for smoking within 30 feet of any entrance.
  • I agree with a smoke-free campus, but it does seem that smokers should have the ability to smoke somewhere on campus. I don't think that it is right to say that there is absolutely no place on campus that they are allowed to smoke.
  • I am a ex-smoker 7 1/2 years now
  • I am a former smoker, quitting long before I came to NMU. Although I don't want to walk through cigarette smoke walking through campus or though a doorway, I don't want to encourage people to smoke in an enclosed vehicle because that is just a terrible idea. The shelters are a compromise, but those are going be really dirty, possibly very ugly, and will still emit smoke. I lean toward a nonsmoking campus. It is for the greater good. Smokers can smoke at home, cut down or better yet, quit.
  • I am a non smoker, personally it makes no difference to me if the ENTIRE campus becomes non-smoking, but I would like to see a larger radius around the entry doors to the buildings that are non-smoking. I do not enjoy walking through a cloud of smoke to get to my class. I would also like to see that radius enforced further, the current distance might be far enough, but it is rarely enforced.
  • I am a non-smoker and have been all my life. Smokers should be allowed to smoke outside. Each building has multiple entrances and maybe half of them could be smoking and half non-smoking. This would give non-smokers who wish not to walk through smokers the opportunity to enter the building at another area while giving smokers areas to smoke in.
  • I am a non-smoker and have never found the students smoking on campus to be bothersome and have always felt I could easily distance myself to a smoker if I was bothered by it. Many students living on campus smoke would lose thier choice to smoke in thier "yard" if NMU went smoke free. I think it would be unfair to mandate for them to leave campus in order to smoke....I would be very difficult to enforce this especially in the winter.
  • I am a non-smoker and would prefer a campus that is non-smoking, I do not see why my body should suffer from someone else's decision.
  • I am a non-smoker but I do have a few friends who do smoke and I respect their decision I just don't agree with smoking on campus. One of the reasons I do not like smoking on this campus is because no one follows the smoking rules, such as the "stand 30-ft from the door" rule. When you walk out of a building and people are smoking, all you get is smoke in your face instead of fresh air. It also bothers me when I am walking to class and there is a smoker in front of me. With the wind the smoke blows right into your face. To me, second-hand smoke is worse than actually smoking and I think it should be banned on the main parts of campus.
  • I am a non-smoker who is generally bothered by smoke. However, I don't think it would be in the University's best interests to ban smoking because that would force a lot of people to choose between NMU and smoking and I am betting that some of them would choose smoking over attending NMU. Also, people who smoke contribute just as much diversity to this campus as non-smokers. I fully support the decision to make smoking shelters for smokers at a distance from buildings. I think that they would appreciate and use them on a regular basis. Thank you for your time.
  • I am a non-smoker who thinks this BAN on smoking on campus and, going so far as to baning it in private vehicals parked on campus. Who are you people, to take these kind of rights away from people, espically people in their own vechials. This proposed BAN on smoking will be unproductive to the goal you plan on achieving(spelling?).
  • I am a non-smoker, but I can see how making the campus completely smoke free is really unfair to smokers. That being said, I really support the idea of several smoking shelters on campus as the only areas to smoke.
  • I am a non-smoker, but I do not think the campus should become a non-smoking campus. My stance is that it is against the Constitution to tell a person that they cannot smoke. It goes along with the Pursuit of Happiness. Who am I to say that I don't want someone smoking because it bothers me.
  • I am a non-smoker. I hate everything about smoking, but for me the issue of a smoke free campus has more to do with personal rights. I do not support the move to a smoke free campus. I think that to alienate such a large group of the population is unjust, and would put more divisions between non-smokers and smokers and students and the administration of this university. I also don't believe that smoke shelters are economical. Smoke would still escape, and I think it would just be a waste of money. Furthermore, the shelters would be no better in terms of alienation of smoker students. They would be like locked in a clear box for all the world to gauk at. It just would not be the right thing to do. I don't think NMU should pursue a smoke free campus. I realize that the health benefits of smoke free air are a positive, but I believe that each person should be allowed to make a conscious choice to smoke or not, but nevertheless it should be up to the individul, not the administration to make that choice for students.
  • I am a non-traditional student and I finally was able to stop smoking 2 years ago after 20 years of trying. I welcome the movement by Northern to make smoking more difficult to do on campus. Had it been more difficult for for me in the past I probably would have quit sooner. Nearly all high schools have zero tolerance tobacco rules on campus now anyway, so why not a university.
  • I am a none smoker, and dislike smoke smell, however to make the entire campus a smoke free environment is too extreme/unfair of a task. I firmly agree with the thirty feet away from the buildings rule, but until smoking itself is at least illegal this should not be happening.
  • I am a student and it is not fun walking to class having to breath in cigarette smoke! Please it is not healthy for anyone get smoke free so we can breath free!
  • I am a student who has asthma. Sometimes cigarette smoke does affect it, but not normally. If NMU becomes a smoke-free campus, the number of people that enroll here will suffer. I have a number of friends who smoke and I am not sure if they would be going here if they could not smoke on campus for many of them life far enough away that they could easily go somewhere else, but they chose here.
  • I am against smoking in general in any setting, it is a harmful to the smoker and all around them. I would love to have a smoke free campus.
  • I am against smoking indoors, but when it comes to the outside I don't see why it should be a problem if people wish to smoke. If someone chooses to smoke then that is their right.
  • I am against smoking shelters, I believe they would be a waste of time, money, would be an eye sore and believe they would not be utilized properly if built.
  • I am all for NMU going COMPLETELY smoke free. I am not a smoker and I cant stand when Im walking to class and 14 people are smoking. I have to walk behind someone who is smoking, people in back of me are smoking, and the people walking along side me are smoking. I want to enjoy Northern naturally but the smokers are destroying my fresh air...I mean If I wanted to breathe in harmful oxygen I would have stayed in Detroit...PLEASE make NMU a COMPLETELY smoke free campus...Thank you for the chance to express my opinion
  • I am all in favor of insituting a smoking ban on the Northern campus. I hate getting caught behind someone smoking a cigarette because I have to walk through it the whole way up the hill, and it seems everyday I have to walk through a cloud of smoke to enter one of the campus buildings since many smokers do not abide by the 30 feet rule and stand right next to the doors. Smoking hurts everyone and it should be banned on campus.
  • I am allergic to smoke so having to walk behind someone whos smoking on the way to class darn near kills me literally. The rule that they have to smoke so far from the building isnt working, smokers smoke right next to the doors so for someone like me its really upseting having to walk through their cloud of smoke holding my breath. If the campus became smoke free I would be so much healthier and happier!
  • I am allergic to smoke, and it also triggers severe migraines for me. For the past four years at NMU, my walks to class have been constantly plagued by smokers standing outside the doorways of buildings and walking down the middle of the sidewalk with a cigarette lit so everyone else has to walk through it. I have never seen anyone enforce the building doorway policy, and I very rarely see anyone follow it. For me it is not a matter of annoyance, but a matter of health. However, people's cars are not campus property, windows down or not, and you have no right to tell people what to do in their own vehicle. I would also not care if the parking lots were not part of this policy (I can't imagine anyone here enforcing that anyway). Also, if this university has money to waste on shelters for smokers, they should not be charging us so much for tuition. It's getting ridiculous around here, and very frustrating. I would like to see this university spend less on unnecessary things, not more, if you are going to continue hiking our school expenses in such large amounts. Don't build a smoker's shelter, give someone a scholarship instead! Finally, please don't wait until 2010 to make the rest of campus smoke-free. I believe a one or two semester transition would be fully sufficient. Do it for the benefit of your current students!
  • I am allergic to smoke, and just by passing people who are smoking outside, it makes it hard for me to breath. I realize we are in America and everyone has their own rights, but when it comes to smoking they are taking away other people's rights to have a healthy smoke free working/living environment. Also no matter where you go on campus you are able to smell the stench of smoke, which makes not only me, but others feel sick.
  • I am allergic to smoke, so when i have to walk into a building, I know before I get to close to take a breath and hold it until I'm all the way in the building or i will smell the cigarettes. So I think this is a great idea.
  • I am also bothered by walking behind people going to class with the wind blowing it in my face; they are 30 feet away from the building but its on the same path everyone has to take to classes and its not fair to have to walk through that going to class.
  • i am by no means a smoker but i would like to add this. my mother smokes and has tried to stop and its hard, and now u wanna make all these people would sometimes need a smoke to calm them down before a test for example. i just find this very discrimitory, where are smokers suppose to go if this gets past? i like the idea and the care u have for us non smokers wellbeing but i think this is taking it a step to far. if you had smokers in your family you would understand wat im talking about. so take this from a non smoker and proud of it. thanks
  • I am completely against smoking on campus. Any policy that is put into place will be a positive issue. I like the air I breathe to be as Northern advertises.....Northern Naturally!
  • I am completely supportive of NMU going completely smoke-free. I think it is a fabulous idea and should have happened already. Do you have any idea how annoying it is to walk out of class into a cloud of smoke? Those "no smoking within 30 feet of door" signs are completely useless. Especially in winter, there are so many smokers outside of them. it's frustrating walking to class behind a smoker. I find myself stopping to let them get ahead, and often, this makes me late to class. It's a privilege to smoke and it's a right to decent air to breathe. I think it's a wonderful idea and needs to be implemented sooner than 2010. I also think smoking has a negative influence on the campus, especially as Northern students representing their school. Making a campus smoke-free may even inspire some students to quit. Please please please please please make NMU smoke-free.
  • I am completely supportive of NMU going smoke free. Look at the success Marquette General Hospital has had from becoming a smoke free campus. Eliminating today's health risks has to do a lot with prevention. It is disappointing that people on campus do not understand the 30 feet from the door rule when smoking. Smoking shelters may fix this; but I am in support of anything that would eliminate have to breath in second hand smoke while on campus and walking into buildings on campus.
  • I am discusted by the smell and sight of a cigarette. We are here to get a good education, and not have to walk past a cloud of cancer while getting there. Also I think things like making NMU a smoke-free environment would make smokers rethink about thier choices. It will make them aware that society doesn't support thier nasty habit.
  • I am entirely in favor of the concept of a smoke free campus, however I do think private vehicles would need to be exempted at least for the sake of visitors. I live on campus and I know that when my mom visits and wants to smoke now she goes out to her vehicle because I have asthma.
  • I am extremely sensitive to cigarette smoke and not once has it ever bothered me on campus. Leave things as they are. :)
  • I am extremely supportive of NMU becoming smoke-free in any way possible. I truly abhor the need to hold my breath whenever I'm walking through clouds of smoke in order to get into almost any door on campus. This is especially problematic as the 30-foot rule is not usually enforced very well. Even walking between buildings is difficult, as the slightest wind blows smoke into my face, causing me to cough extensively. With my allergies, smoke in any concentration makes me uncomfortable at best, and throws me into a fit of coughing that requires me to sit in fresh air for several minutes at worst. As a resident of the on-campus apartments, I also suffer at home. One or more persons in a neighboring apartment smoke, and the fumes drift into my apartment, forcing me to spend much of my time with sinus problems and a headache. My time in the smoke-free dorms was also plagued with tobacco; though I asked for a non-smoking roommate, she picked up the habit during the year, and I spent several months trying to rid my room of the fumes she brought in after smoking. If these detriments could be solved, I would be eternally grateful, and so would my lungs. I do not appreciate detriments to my health that I can have little control over. I think that the private vehicle option is the best idea for allowing smokers to smoke "on campus" with as little impact on others as possible; though we might have to look out for which cars contain smoke when they get out, overall it would make the best compromise in my eyes. In the event that smoking shelters are constructed, I would hope that they would be inexpensive enough that non-smokers would not feel that they are paying for something they will never use. If the graduated smoke-free process is used, I am still supportive of that, but a little disappointed, as I will likely not get to experience a smoke-free campus. THANK YOU FOR THIS SURVEY! I was unable to make it to either of the smoking forums due to class conflicts, and have wanted to express my opinion on this for some time.
  • I am fairly neutral on having a smoke-free campus. The smokers do not effect me, so I have no reason to support the movement. I do not understand how it would be enforced and what the punishment might be. I imagine that it would be a wasted effort of time and money to have officers ticketing a smoker when there are other things that could be taken care of. Thanks for making this issue open to all of campus to have a voice.
  • I am for a smoke-free campus, however I do think that individuals who choose to smoke should be a llowed to do so in the comfort of their private vehicles, windows down or up.
  • I am happy to see that NMU has taken measures to eliminate the smell of smoke in buildings (Jamarich) by blocking off the air intake areas. I am not satisfied with the way people smoke near entrances to buildings. The "no smoking within 30 feet" rule is being completely ignored and the rule is also not being enforced. I would like to see the rule enforced.
  • I am HIGHLY supportive of Northern Michigan going smoke-free. Smoke-free is the way of the future . . . keep NMU ahead of the times!
  • I am in TOTAL support of a smoke-free campus, but I am interested in how/if this will be enforced. We already have a no smoking regulation within 30 feet of all buildings which is not enforced. I am so sick of walking out of the buildings through a wall of smoke. It is disgusting and rude (not to mention illegal) for these smokers to congregate outside of the buildings blocking the doors. Those of us who are allergic, or just plain disgusted by the smell, get into our cars reeking of smoke. This smell sticks on our clothes and in our hair. It is almost impossible to get rid of the smell and it is extremely embarrassing and unprofessional if we happen to be rushing to an appointment. I would like to see NMU go ahead with the smoking ban, but I would like to see it done in reality, not just on paper.
  • I am interested in what I can do to make NMU smoke free post some opportunities to help maybe?
  • I am just letting people know when you leave near the door entrances the smoke comes right into your window and into your room.
  • I am not a full on smoker but i smoke every now and then but i probably would end up not doing it at all if i couldnt just go right outside and do it
  • I am not a smoker and do not wish to force other people to make that same decision in their lives. However, I do not want to have to put up with the byproducts of their habits either. So I support a smoke free campus, and would have no problem with people smoking in their own cars. Using a graduated fashion would probably be most effective. Stopping people completely right away only leads to people "breaking rules" by sneaking smoke breaks in bathrooms and trying to hide it, which just makes the problem worse. (Just ask the employees at MGH) I am not opposed to smoker shelters, but would question their effectiveness. It seems that many smokers on campus choose to ignore the signs and regulations already in place and smoke wherever they please. I am very thankful however that NMU is taking a serious and hard look at the issue and have great faith that a fair decision will be made.
  • I am not a smoker and don't normally care what others choose to do with their lifestyle. However, it is unfair to those of us that don't smoke to be subjected to the smell and the cigarette butts that people throw on the ground. I fully support a smoke-free campus!
  • i am not a smoker and have never been personally bothered by anyone smoking on campus, i think people should stop being sissies and looking for stuff to complain about.d
  • i am not a smoker and i dont like the smell of smoke but i feel that it would not be fair or just to smoker to turn nmu to a smoke free campus. as long as students continue to smoke out side i feel that there is no harm and if some one dosnt want to be around the smoke it is very easy to avoid.
  • I am not a smoker and I hate walking behind people to class who are smoking and all you can breathe is smoke. I think the shelter ideas are a good idea.
  • I am not a smoker and personally am tired of having to breathe behind people who are smoking right in front of me. Also walking into the buildings holding my breath for a minute so I dont directly inhale the smoke that people are standing right next to the doors smoking!! So much for standing 100 feet away to smoke! And in my apartament I am tired of walking in and smelling smoke ALL the time. I have a baby who is 8 months old with eczema and smoke irratates it to no end! Please make campus smoke free!! Or at most only have a FEW like 4 of those little building things for smokers!
  • I am not a smoker but every one has the right to enjoy a cigaret outside.
  • I am not a smoker but honestly, smokers do not bother me. I know a lot of them and they are very considerate of others around them that do not smoke. I don't feel it is necessary to have a smoke free campus.
  • I am not a smoker but i believe that the smokers that we do have should keep that right. This is the U.P and it is just to be expected. I dont have any complaints about them and think this proposal is completely unnecessary.
  • I am not a smoker but I think people should be alowed to smoke outside. I totally agree with a smoke free environment inside buildings, but outside doesnt bother me it is their decision to smoke and banning all places around campus will only make peopl egrouchy or not respecting the rules. Smoking shelters are gross and terrible for health. Let the people smoke outside.
  • I am not a smoker myself so I can understand one's opposition to those who smoke on campus. I however do not think that it has influenced any ill opinion (for me) towards smoking on campus. I think that it would be nice if the people who do smoke were not in front of the building entrances, but I do not think it is necessary to forbid it entirely. Maybe NMU should think about restricting it more.
  • I am not a smoker myself, but considering making NMU completely smoke free would certainly be a difficult adjustment for many students. I am much more in favor of smoking shelters than of banning smoking completely. Also, students should be allowed to smoke in their parked cars WITH the windows down. No one will ever be in danger of health complications from walking past too many cars with smoke floating out of them, especially when you consider the wind at NMU.
  • I am not a smoker myself.. however I think that people who enjoy smoking should be able to.. It is their choice, and it shouldn't be taken away from them simply because they are attending college.. it also may hurt the amount of money that Northern makes, because some individuals may choose not to attend college here, because they smoke.
  • I am not a smoker per se, but a social smoker. I'll have a cigarette with my friends if they are smoking, but I don't smoke regularly.
  • I am not a smoker, and do not enjoy walking in the library or another building with a group of smokers I have to walk past to get in. I transferred here from Lansing Community College, and they had a designated tent area that was away from the door entrances. It was very nice, the smoke was away from those it bugged, and the smokers were able to have an area to themselves.
  • I am not a smoker, and in fact find smoking quite disgusting; however, I cannot support a policy that completely abolishes smoking from the campus, parking lots, at even private vehicles. The campus should keep buildings smoke-free and also begin to make much of the main campus smoke free, but parking lots and vehicles should be fine for smoking, and there should be places where smokers could go smoke throughout campus. Smoking is a dirty habit, but it is not illegal and people should not be ostracized for their personal addictions.
  • I am not a smoker, but I do have a fair amount of friends who are. I would rather not see them without their nicotine fixes because they can become intolerable. Letting them at least have their cars in the parking lots should be okay. I would get so annoyed in the winter time when all the smokers would huddle near the doors to the buildings. I don't mind if people smoke, but I'd rather not have to walk through a cloud to smoke to get into a building.
  • I am not a smoker, but I do not agree with the idea of raising our tuition to build "smoker huts". These would need to be maintained and constructed, which comes from our wallets. I think that as long as smoking does not occur in buildings (which is the case as of now), people are not going to throw a fit. Not allowing smokers on campus is a drastic measure.
  • I am not a smoker, but I feel that they have rights too. I agree 100% with no smoking in the buildings and within 30 feet of doors. I feel that a stronger enforcement of that should be the first step, and take appropriate actions later if that does not work. I disagree with smokers having to leave campus to smoke. If they are outside, at least 30 feet away from the building or in their car, that is completely fine with me.
  • I am not a smoker, but I have quite a few friends who are. I think that for the campus to be smoke free, it is not fair to those students who have a legal right to smoke cigarettes in an outdoor arena. Now I would support smoking shelters, but also I think that they would have to be numerous and located within a legit walk of classroom buildings, and that might take away from the aesthetic look of the campus. I just do not think it would be fair to ask someone who is a chain smoker, and has the legal right to be so, to go many hours without a place to smoke, I actually think that might keep people from coming to Northern or staying here. I think another route to go would be to have greater enforcement of the however many feet from a building rule someone needs to be, like give out a $10 ticket to students caught within that space? and put better markings on the ground for students to know how far the distance really is. I think just keeping smokers away from the doorways would make a big difference, but, this is not high school, anyone who is 18 or older has a right to smoke cigarettes, so making a campus wide smoking ban doesn't seem right. If someone is walking in front of me and is smoking, I simply move over so the smoke doesn't get in my face, I mean non-smokers have the ability to make choices in that instance. The only time it is difficult to make a choice is when someone is right outside the door. I think maybe instead of doing a total ban on smoking(and spending money on all those smoking shelters), that the university should consider starting a "respectful smoking" campaign. And put up ads around campus, put videos online, maybe do a program towards the goal of smoking not in front of doors or trying to be aware of other students around that the smoke might be bothering. I think that before going to the extreme of no smoking at all, I think the university needs to exhaust all of its options, and to see if the student body is happy after trying those programs and policies. If not, maybe THEN a campus wide smoking ban should be put into effect.
  • I am not a smoker, but I understand both points of view. I am supportive of buildings being smoke-free and enforcement of the 30' rule. However, I don't agree with going completely smoke-free, especially banning it even from private vehicles. The only way I see smoke-free working would be to also eliminate alcohol and make it a dry campus (if you outlaw one person's vice, you should make equal for everyone). Even being a non-smoker, I personally don't believe campus should be completely smoke-free until the city of Marquette or Marquette County makes moves to do so as well.
  • I am not a smoker, but my husband is. I would never have come to a place that is that staunch about smoking. Smoking is not an illegal act, and therefore it is a persons own choice. I would support smoking shelters though. This would keep smokers from being towards the building (trying to get out of the weather) to smoke, and issuing fines to students who do not use the smoking shelters. My biggest problem with banning it altogether is that it would include the university apartments, mine and other people's homes. I would never support any ban which would ban a person from smoking in their own home. I wish my loved one did not smoke, but it is not my right to take away his right, as it is not the universities right to take away. I think it unfair to people who are living on campus to suddenly start mandating what they can and can not do inside of their vehicles and homes.
  • I am not a smoker, I feel that people have a right to smoke, its their personal choice. When it comes to health issues later in life, second hand smoke is worse than actual smoking. Therefore I am protecting myself with having smoking taking place somewhere else rather than just ban it all together.
  • I am NOT a smoker, I never have been. I have been late to classes because I've sat in my car and waited for the smokers(the students going outside to smoke on their breaks)to get away from the doors to the buildings so I wouldn't have to walk through their second hand smoke. It is disgusting and I would completely support NMU having a smoke-free campus. NMU has a beautiful campus, in a beautiful location. But walking through clouds of smoke, and seeing cigarette butts scattered all over is very unappealing and detracts from the campus.
  • I am not a smoker. However, I know many people who are addicted to this habit. I strongly agree that by making NMU's campus smoke free, smokers, non-smokers, and the environment would benefit from it. However, I think that by making this change so quickly, many people would struggle with focusing in class if they were craving their daily (or hourly) dose of nicotine. I think that by establishing smoking shelters, smokers could have the opportunity to smoke (if they are willing to walk half-way across campus for it). This may encourage many smokers to quit. Also, with the smoking shelters, people can smoke if they choose to and they are not harming the health of those people on campus who opt not to.
  • I am not a smoker. I think that cigarettes are disgusting. However, that does not give anyone the right to tell others what they can and can not do out of doors. If this means that the 30 foot rule needs to be reiterated then fine(as an RA I do that all the time), but people have the right to smoke if they want.
  • I am not a smoker. I have never had any problems with students or faculty smoking on nmu campus, it is a decision that each individual makes and taking that away would just cause problems and protests that are unnecessary.
  • I am not a student and accidentally click #6. I have never been a smoker and never will. I have asthma and smoke makes my breathing difficult.
  • I am not bothered if people are smoking around me. I don't see it as that big of a deal. You can say its a "smoke-free school" but thats not going to stop people from smoking, its kind of a wast of energy to try and convert people to change.
  • I am not partial to people smoking around me, though i have dealt with it in the past. I know that it could cause some problems making it smoke free, but i am supportive all the way!!
  • I am not, nor have I ever been a smoker, and so while smoking on campus does sometimes negatively effect me, I think that it would be an unfair infringement upon smoker's rights for NMU to go completely smoke-free, unless it was gradual. I think that actively trying to employ other choices of where to smoke, eg the smoking shelters, would be a very good route to some sort of middle ground. I realize that many non smokers argue that it should not be fair for them to pay for such shelters, but to that I say that it is an amount worth paying for people's right to choose.
  • I am now a senior here at NMU. I will graduate this May. The administration needs to step up and start making people whom smoke either not smoke at all on campus or if they are going to smoke lets say outside the campus buildings, actually inforce the whole 20-30 ft from the doors beacause I have found it very upsetting that you have 5+ people at times huddled just outside the doors trying to get that last hit of thier cigerette. I mean come on. If your going to have a rule, actually make people comply. Charge a $50 ticket to those whom don't. We are in a age know where more and more resturants, buildings and even cities are not allowing smoking in some areas. Its time for the school to step up and make a stance. Another thing, I am tired of seeing cigerette butts on the campus sidewalks. I came up here for the natural beaulty of this town and campus and I am not thilled about seeing smokers jsut flicking butts on the sidewalks and grass. Thank you
  • I am really weary of walking past inconsiderate smokers at entry ways to buildings that I need to get into,,,, Thankyou for taking some action in this matter....
  • I am severely allergic to cigarette smoke and this is a major concern for me. For four years here I have dealt with this in the TFA. I am a music major and spend 12+ hours in the TFA practice rooms practicing my flute. The ventilation is soo poor that when smokers stand right outside it gets up into the vents and comes directly into the practice rooms, which are TINY. So while I'm playing my flute I am breathing in TONS of second hand smoke and there have been a few occasions when I have had an allergic reaction to the smoke ie: my throat closes up.
  • I am sick of having to hold my breath OUTSIDE because of all the smokers who stand by the doors and smoke. I would rather try to use all of the tunnels then go outside because of them!!
  • I am so tired of walking behind people smoking on my way to and from class, and I'm annoyed at seeing piles of cigarette butts lying around campus!
  • I am someone with asthma and a smoke-free or at least not in or around the buildings would be very helpful. When I am walking into a building and someone is smoking my lungs start to tighten up and my eyes can start to water. So i strongly support NMU becoming a smoke-free environment. I wouldn't be against people smoking in their own cars. I just don't agree that smoking should be allowed around any of the buildings.
  • I am supportive of any non smoking measures you can take.
  • I am tired of people complaining about smokers' rights. What about the rights of non-smokers? Shouldn't we as the majority and the people who are not adversely affecting the health of others, finally get the rights that we deserve. Even with the current standards at NMU I am afflicted with smoke constantly.
  • I am tired of walking out of a building and getting a lung full of smoke instead of fresh air. If smokers actually stayed away from buildings like they should I wouldn't have that much of a problem. Going smoke-free is only going to be good for the University.
  • I am tired of walking out of a building into a cloud of smoke especially since it is already hard for some people like me to breath because of Asthma and other respitory problems.
  • I am tired of walking through a cloud of smoke when I am entering a building to go to class!
  • I am totally for creating a smoke-free campus, but i'm not sure if it is realistic. As an RA i see multiple residents every year smoking outside my building. Although i hate walking through the smoke, by making a smoke-free campus you will lose a TON of residents and you wont get those numbers back.
  • I am very excited about the potential for Northern to be smoke free. I strongly dislike breathing second hand smoke while I am walking to class. It is an unnecessary health hazard to everyone. I hope this policy will discourage smokers from smoking in the first place. Maybe this policy would encourage some smokers to quit for their own health.
  • I am very glad to see the smoke-free campus discussion come about. I am tired of walking into class buildings holding my breath because a couple of people are smoking right by the doorway. As stated above, I would not be supportive of "smoking shelters". I know that many people would think of the "rule" to use the shelters in the same way as the "rule" to stand 30 feet away from the building when smoking now. That distance is laughable because most people smoke within 3-10 feet. I believe people would think the shelters to be laughable, as well.
  • I am very nuetral on this topic, however, I think having interior smoke free buildings is great, exterior next to the buidling I am supportive of, but if someone choses to smoke in thier car in the parking lot with windows down or open, that is their business. I really dont mind if people smoke outside, they are the ones freezing and if they are stupid enought to freeze and damage thier lungs, that is non of my business. Thanks for the survey!
  • I am very supportive of a policy which would eliminate smoking in and on all areas of NMU. Those who choose to smoke do have rights (and their rights ARE important to me), however when those rights infringe on anothers ability to breathe air without smoke it becomes an issue. When smokers rights are considered and alternatives are proposed for on campus smoking options, please take the location of those options into consideration (i.e. do the locations of the options offered still require those who do not smoke to walk by and and be affected by it). Thank you.
  • I as a non-smoker support NMU is this, but I know of many people that would be turned away from NMU because of this policy. I hope that we can at least come to a happy medium because it is a huge problem on campus with people disregarding rules that are already set. The litter that is caused by this issue is also a huge problem and very bad for the environment only person alone can't stop prevent this or clean it all up. Thank you for considering the smokers and non-smokers in this process.
  • I attended Lansing Community College a couple years ago. They are a smoke free campus and only permit smoking in a couple designated shelters. However, they are not used very often and the entire policy is very poorly enforced. I've seen smokers walk past campus police and not get into any trouble at all. I think enforcing this policy would require a zero tolerance policy with very strong penalties.
  • I believe going smoke free is taking away peoples rights. I quit smoking, but it does not bother me that other people are smoking.
  • I believe in free choice, so banning smoking outdoors starts to infringe on that. However, keeping smoking away from building entrances where smoke can enter the building seems like a good idea. Strict enforcement of that should be a priority. However, I do not agree with using University money to build specific shelters for that segment of the population. That money could be better used on features that benefit all.
  • i believe in freedom of choice
  • I believe making NMU a smoke free campus would be one of the smartest things this campus has done in a long time!!!
  • I believe making the campus entirely smoke free is not the best idea. I see so many smokers when i'm walking to and from class. They need a place to smoke or students may reconsider staying here.
  • I believe making the campus entirely smoke free would cause some enrollement decrease. A better idea would be to seriously impliment smoking rules, such as smoking in a designated area away from other non-smokers.
  • I believe NMU should go smoke-free but not to the extent of being in a private vehicle. Also, how this smoke-free policy is enforced and what is the punishment for violators should be part of this survey. For example, students should not be fined excessively (i.e $25.00) or be expulled from NMU because of smoking. So the question is how is this going to be enforced?
  • I believe no matter what our university does, it will cost money. After reading about last years enrollment levels being down, I don't think a smoke-free campus will help. Smoking is bad, but students should control eachother and where they smoke if the school isn't going to enforce where smokers are. I walk to campus and students looking for parking at jamrich and west science affect me by the exhuast, i think we should inform more transit people where to park.
  • I believe smokers have the right to do so however,those who don't deserve clean non-toxic air to breath. I think shelters are a good idea as long as they are away from the entries and the cost of doing so isn't past on to the students. I don't feel that I should have to pay higher tuition costs for those who choose to smoke. I am confindent that NMU will make whatever decision they feel is right.
  • I believe smoking is a persons choice. It is a hard to break habit and would cause more trouble than it is worth for NMU. If this being a smoke-free campus was by some miracle fully enforced and followed application rates would drop and the university would more than likely fail.
  • I believe that a smoke free around buildings and other public places would be a plus. I know that second hand smoke annoys and irritates some people, so any steps taken to remove that problem would be a positive move.
  • I believe that a smoke-free campus is a great idea in theory. I am not a smoke, never have been and never will be. Frankly, smoking just disgusts me. I hate the smell of it and having it around me. However, I feel that a smoke-free campus would have more of a negative impact on student recruitment because many non-smokers would be discouraged while it isn't a substantial issue to non-smokers. From talking to friends about this issue, and my own personal opinion, I feel that the campus should just enforce the 30 foot rule more aggressively.
  • I believe that a smoking ban will promote more health among people who are in the educational system. To be part of an educational system, means to be knowlegable about the fact that smoking and second-hand smoking is obviously lethal. To ban it on a campus-ground is a start to hopefully start getting rid of smoking cigarettes as a whole in the whole county, state and hopefully country. I do understand that this is a contreversial subject, and I know that smoking is a addiction to many people who shake at the very thought of a ban. But all in all it is beneficial for everyone.
  • I believe that all that needs to be done is to strictly enforce regulations to keep smokers away from doorways and other public places that people must pass through frequently. If that solution doesn't work, I would support a smoke-free campus, with the exception of private vehicles and smoking shelters. The right of people with asthma or simply sensitive people to avoid smoke should trump the right of people to smoke, but a 100% ban on campus is unreasonable.
  • I believe that as an American people do have the right to smoke. It is unlawful to take this freedom away from them. I am not a smoker and I do appreciate all interiors becoming smoke free. However, smokers should be given a place to smoke (such as outside or a smoking shelter). Maybe more support should be put into securing the 30 feet rule from any building.
  • I believe that banning smoking on campus would be a gross violation of students' rights. This is a public school. It's none of the school's business if its students smoke. Allowing smoking in cars only would actually be worse than an all out ban as it would make smoking a privilege exclusive to those who can afford a car. I don't have a car! I'm not even a smoker and it's obvious to me how unfair that would be. I imagine that a great number of people would be very angry if the school instituted this ban, including myself. I personally don't want to attend a school where students have such limited rights and freedoms. What's next? Banning students from listening to rap on campus?
  • I believe that everyone should be allowed to choose if they smoke or not. I am not a smoker and I absolutely can not stand it, but I have seen many great friendships form from people smoking outside and meeting new students.
  • I believe that I would rather have people who are smoking in their vehicles to have their windows open. Smoking in their own vehicles SHOULD be allowed, my significant other smokes in the car when I am in it (I do not smoke). The smoker will smoke no matter what so it would be awful for passengers to seal in the cigarette smoke inside the car. Even for smokers, sealing smoke in their vehicle causes them to have more health risks and continue to breathe in twice as much toxic smoke. I am a nonsmoker after 5 years of smoking. It is a very rough addiction. I am very torn between supporting this issue and on the other hand, understanding what it is like to be addicted to cigarettes. When you need one, you need it. I am predicting that if the campus goes smoke-free, then there will be far too many smokers tardy for class because they WILL be late as long as they can smoke. This policy will only target the weakly addicted smokers who can wait to have a cigarette. Many others will risk being late or even missing class so that they can drive or walk off campus to have their cigarette break. I am choosing to support a smoke-free campus with the exception of smoking shelters or maybe a less costly "designated smoking areas". This is because I believe that smoking is deathly unhealthy and if there is any iota of something I can do to get people to averse from smoking, then I will. (It had an effect in New York City)
  • I believe that if one chooses to smoke, they should also consider the effect of their choice on others, and understand that people should not have to deal with the effects of someone else's choice to smoke.
  • I believe that if our college became smoke-free, it will decrease the school's population and the i interest of the student's who do smoke.
  • i believe that if you make campus smoke free you will lose a lot of students. enforce the 30 feet rule. if not make the feet longer like 50 so they cannot be so close. if not make designated areas for them to smoke. make sure that they throw away their cigarette butts. give smokers a ticket if they do not follow the rule. we have enough public safety to enforce and give tickets. public safety gives enough parking tickets so why not give tickets to smokers. i believe that the smoke coming from the factory fills my lungs more than the smokers on campus.
  • I believe that if you were to build the smoking shelters or allow smoking to happen in cars, that people would abuse that previlage and not stay in those designated areas.
  • I believe that it is up to the individual if he or she is going to smoke. However, I have yet to see someone follow the "no smoking within 30 feet rule" around buildings, and I think it is ignorant that others are forced to walk through others' clouds of smoke in order to go to class. I also do not feel my tuition should increase in order to build other people "smoking areas," for it is something uneccessary. If one were to do that, then NMU should have to build "skateboard areas" for people who would like a place to do tricks and whatnot in between classes, etc. And those types of things are not what I pay tuition for!
  • I believe that it would be a good idea to have "designated smoking area" or shelters as mentioned abouve. This way those that have made the personal choice to smoke can, and limiting the effect on those that dont. I think that it would be a better option to compromise than to completely ban smoking on campus.
  • I believe that making campus smoke free takes away from the rights of individuals to choose to smoke.
  • I believe that NMU going smoke free would be considered a benefit for many. Many parents and students would push for this college being a first choice.
  • I believe that On-Campus Apartments should go smoke free. I believe the 30ft policy should be enforced, but I don't believe the campus should go completely smoke free. It may help people to quite smoking, which is obviously a positive, but it may also alienate smokers, causing them to possible leave the university.
  • I believe that people should have the opportunity to make their own choices. Smokers should be considerate to the fact that their are non-smokers who don't want cigarette butts everywhere. Yet it will not change the fact that their are students who spend entire days on campus who smoke regularly. If dorm living students cannot smoke outside they will be tempted further to get away with smoking inside and that is just where it begins. Thank You for letting us have a voice.
  • I believe that prohibiting smoking in buildings and doorways is sufficent to protect non-smokers from second hand smoke. Having designated smoking areas makes sense for those who have made the choice to smoke. As a former smoker, I am aware that quitting smoking is very difficult and I did not appreciate others inflicting their judgment on me.
  • I believe that smokers have a right to smoke but they do not have the right to kill me. I also think that the 30 feet rule is a good idea but is not enforced or encourage because the smokers stations are always right next to the building. This is why I would wholly support the smokers shelters as an answer to the current problem of smokers vs nonsmokers. As a nonsmoker I think that the shelters offer the best for both sides of the fence as long as they are far enough from the doors and windows (at least 30 feet) of the university buildings. They would provide a place for smokers to be out of the elements and it would keep the smoke away from the nonsmokers who do not want to be exposed to it as they walk in and out of the building. In conclusion, I do not care one way or the other if the campus goes smoke free, but I believe that there should be more enforcement of smoking rules or a better solution to the debate rather then banning something. I urge you to truly consider the smoking shelters as a solution. Thank you for your time and consideration.
  • I believe that smokers have the right to smoke where they want, as long as they abide by the current rules (30 feet from the doors, not inside, etc.). As for the shelters being proposed, I don't think that smokers will all huddle in the shelters while they smoke, just as not all people waiting for the shuttle actually wait inside the shelter. I believe smokers should have rights just as nonsmokers have rights. Thank you for conducting this survey.
  • I believe that smokers have the right to smoke, it's their bodies and they can do as they please. The level of second hand smoke that nonsmokers get while walking briefly past a smoker is miniscule. They probably get more toxins in their lungs by driving behind another car going down Washington street. I don't believe that banning smoking should even be considered. If anything, your proposed "smoking shelters" would be the best choice, although they should be located closer to the buildings. Who is really going to walk halfway across campus to smoke?
  • I believe that smoking is a choice people make, I don't smoke (minus the occasional cigar or pipe) to restrict them not too would not only greatly decrease enrollment, but would also make the enforcement a huge issue. Do Public safety and RA's really want to have that much more paperwork to keep someone from smoking outside? Smoke free buildings are fine. But outside of the building it is unconstitutional to Revoke the right to smoke.
  • I believe that smoking is a personal choice. Thus those who do not smoke should not be forced to breath in smoke. Also, I would be strongly against building shelters or spending money to accomodate smokers as funding is limited and again, it is their choice whether or not to smoke.
  • I believe that smoking is a right. It's also a great stress reducer for those who do smoke after a big exam or during stress, etc.
  • I believe that smoking on campus should be allowed only if the students abide by the rules in place. In the past I have seen students smoking inside the non-smoking zone of buildings, so I think that smoking shelters would be a good way to keep students away from buildings but still provide a place for them. Also, I think that students should get a fine if they violate these rules which would bring more money to the university and deter anyone from breaking the rules set in place. The university would also benefit from these "shelters" by keeping the litter that correlates with cigarette butts to a minimum if these zones were the only smoking areas.
  • I believe that smoking should be prohibited in the buildings on-campus, which I believe is the rule now. There are signs that say you're not supposed to smoke within a certain distance of the buildings, but I have never seen that rule enforced. It is ridiculous to try and prohibit people from smoking in their own vehicles, whether or not they are on campus. I do not believe smoking shelters are worth making. If people really want to smoke and they are not allowed standing by the buildings then they can go stand out on the grass in the academic mall. If the weather is bad, it is their problem if they have to go out and have a smoke. It is not NMU's responsibility to accomodate them.
  • I believe that smoking should not be banned from campus, but instead there should be some rules about the act that are actually inforced. I have seen the "No smoking within 30ft" signs, and these are almost always ignored. I think that the smoker shacks would definitely help with this issue some (seeing as though most of the time people smoke near the buildings due to the wind, rain, snow, and any other weather that Marquette is prone to), but I think that there would possibly still be some issues with people smoking near doorways and air intake vents. Maybe some sort of fine (along with the installment of the smoking shacks) needs to be installed in order to prevent this from happening. There needs to be a half way point, both parties have the right to be happy. Having people smoke in their own personal vehicles with the windows rolled up is absolutely absurd. Smokers should be allowed to continue on with their lifestyle choice, but at the same time they need to not effect the health of those around them. Give them a place to go so they can enjoy their (often stress relieving) pastime. Please, be considerate towards everyone, no matter what their choices may be.
  • I believe that students, staff, and faculty have a right to slowly poison their body at their own will. If someday they wind up with cancer it will be their problem... not mine. Who am I (or the administration of this campus for that matter) to regulate other peoples personal lives and their personal business. My exposure to their fumes is minimal; in fact I would bet that I inhale more pollution from NMU snowplows, grounds-keeping vehicles, axillary service vehicles, and the daily 7:00am visit from the garbage truck than I do from cigarettes. I AM A NON-SMOKER. I HAVE NEVER SMOKED... I PLAN ON NEVER SMOKING. I HAVE NOTHING TO LOOSE, I'M JUST BEING HONEST.
  • I believe that the enrollment will greatly decrease if smoking is banned on campus. Either that, or people will do it regardless of if it is illegal or not.
  • i believe that the nmu non smoking idea is in good heart and with good intentions. however even as a non-smoker i believe that having a non smoking campus would influence people's choice whether or not to come to nmu and i believe this would cause a downfall in enrollment.
  • I believe that the shelters and the smoking behind closed doors/windows is a very bad idea. i am a nonsmoker and i am against smoking in general, but forcing those who do smoke to be in a confined area is dangerous. This will increase their heath risks even if they do not care about them. NMU shouldn't force them to be over exposed to the smoke, there should simply be no smoking allowed on the entire campus.
  • I believe that the smoke shelters are a great idea but banning smoking entirely would drop enrollment here at nmu and my boss and half of my friends smoke i know that they would leave if a smoke free campus were enforced.
  • I believe that this would be a great asset to the university expecialy the workers on campious that take 5 min. smoke breakes every half hour.
  • I believe that, disgusting and harmful as smoking is to smokers, it is legal to smoke in our society and it is improper for NMU to consider negating the right to a legal activity. The harm we would be doing to smokers, by requiring them to leave campus to smoke, is greater than the temporary foulness I experience walking past a smoking area. It has been my experience that smokers are polite and stand off to the side of entrances, keeping second-hand smoke away from passers-by. I believe current policies are sensible and sufficient. Further, I would ask NMU administrators to consider the problems with enforcing a smoking ban. Smokers will continue to smoke-- as likely inside as outside buildings-- and Northern should devote its funds to causes and policies more relevant to its educational mission.
  • I can hardly breathe around the smoke-- banning it totally on campus would be wonderful.
  • I CAN NOT STAND ALL THE SMOKERS ON NMU'S CAMPUS!!!! I would like to walk to class just once without walking through a blue cloud of smoke. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE stop the smoking.
  • I can often smell smoke when inside the classrooms, I'm not sure if this is from the vents or just lingering on other classmates. I would love for campus to be smoke free.
  • I can understand why many non-smokers are really pushing for a smoke-free campus. Many smokers are not acknowledging the rule (law?) that they stay 30 feet away from the door, and many times a non-smoker can be enveloped in tobacco smoke as soon as they exit the building. One can argue that it is his/her right to smoke, bu another can argue that it is his/her right to be able to breathe clean air. They are both right; it is one of America's founding principles: ONe's rights extend as far as another's. To the non-smoker it is tiresome and even dangerous (for those who are allergic) to have to deal with a cloud of smoke outside their door. However, I also understand the smokers' predicament; it is REALLY cold outside. That is why I would strongly support constructing smoking shelters, especially if we could get some heat in there (I know it's possible; that's what they do for bus stations in Minneapolis). It would be expensive, surely, but I think it would be worth it. While it might be cheaper to merely declare NMU smoke-free, it would result in a load of paperwork (especially for violations) and thousands of unhappy students and staff--not only because they cannot smoke, but because they feel slighted by the system. Both non-smokers and smokers need to meet each other half-way, and I believe we can make this work out for everyone.
  • I can't say that I have never smoked before; however, on campus when sitting in class when smoke is coming through the vents isn't that fun. It smells and it's distracting to learning. I have no problem with people smoking in their cars or at least somewhat farther away from the buildings.
  • I can't stand smokers around me and overall non-smoking leads to a more healthier and productive group of Students.
  • I can't stand the smell of cigarette smoke. I don't mind it if people smoke, but not close to me. I don't want to infringe on their rights to smoke. However, when walking to class why should I have to inhale second hand smoke with someone walking to class.
  • I can't stand walking through clouds of smoke when I come out of any building, or walking behind a smoker. I shouldn't have to smell like smoke when I am just trying to get an education.
  • I can't stand walking to class behind smokers and getting the smoke in my face or when entering a building. I realize they have their rights, but I have a right to not breathe in their smoke, especially when it's bad for me, or for some they are allergic and have to take their medicine to class with them to prevent allergic reactions. They shouldn't have to go through that hassel just because some kid wants to whip out a cigarette to relax after an exam. Health shuld come before rights (or personal addictions in a smoker's case).
  • I cannot tell you how many times a day I am forced to endure the putrid stench of cigarette smoke as I walk to class. Walking to any class any time of the day I always either pass or am stuck walking behind at least two people smoking. I do not think its fair that I have no other choice, but to smell smoke on my way to and from every class. My girlfriend is allergic to smoke and is forced to smell it to and from every class. One time she even asked if the man walking in front of her could blow the smoke the other way so it wouldn't go in her face, his response was to blow smoke directly in her face. If a smoking ban is put in place it should not be gradual but should be put in place at the end of this semester. Furthermore having designated smoking areas like bus stop areas is a waste of money that could be spent else where and they would be disregarded by smokers just as the 30 foot rule is disregarded everyday by hundreds. I do not believe the University has the right though to say people cannot smoke in their own cars as those are private vehicles. Please do something about smoking on campus soon so that I am not forced to have to deal with these noxious fumes anymore. Thank you for your time.
  • I checked student, as I also take classes even though I am faculty.
  • I choose NMU, because I saw less smoking here then I did at any other campus I toured. If it were to go smoke free, I could see it being a huge selling point, not just to students, but to the parents as well!
  • I come from a campus that is Totally Smoke free. It can be done and shouldn't be hard to implement without progression. (no need to prolong til 2010). I also live in a smoke free province where smoking is prohibited in most public places and is not allowed anywhere that a has a ceiling. Therefore shelters built for smokers are not available. It was also done basically over night. they designated a date (within a year) and on that date the law came into effect.
  • I come from illinois where smoking was banned within 30 ft of all buildings and in all buildings, bars, clubs, resturants on January 1st, 2008. I also visited London this past summer where smoking was banned July 1st, 2007 and i was there on the day it went into effect. The change was amazing. I shouldnt have to walk through peoples smoke in order to get to class. that is what annoys me the most!!
  • i comments//
  • I completely support NMU going smoke free. Cigarette smoke is an extreme irritate for me so even when I walk outside and people are smoking by the doors is not good for my health. I think the idea of smoking shelters and/or private vehicles is fine.
  • I completely support Northern becoming a Smoke-free Campus. However I think students and faculty should be able to smoke in their private vehicles with the windows rolled up. If they weren't allowed to smoke in their private vehicles the smoke-free policy would be unfair to smokers.
  • I completley support the non smoking policy....why should people who don't smoke be forced to breath second hand smoke? It's not fair to us. Why should we suffer because smokers want to gradually kill themselves? Definitely not fair.
  • I dislike the students smoking by the doors and smelling it inside. Other than that its a persons personal choice and it's their lungs being harmed.
  • I do agree that smokers should not be hanging around doorways on campus. However I don't think that trying to completely ban smoking on all parts of campus is a good idea. If there were shelters constructed with butt-cans in them placed 30 feet away from the buildings, perhaps in central areas, it would alleviate all concerns non-smokers have. Also, I feel that Public Safety officials should give littering tickets to any smokers caught disposing of their butts improperly.
  • I do not agree with this policy of having a completely smoke-free campus. People have a choice if they want to smoke or not. I do however agree that smokers should be moved away from the doorways so that non-smokes such as myself are not bothred. Smoking shelters my not be needed, but insuring smokers stay the 30ft from public doors (as all signs say) would make campus more comfortable for non-smoker. Although all doors on campus have the No Smoking within 30ft signs, smokers seem to not be phased by such signs.
  • I do not appreciate having to walk through smoke to get into and out of the buildings. Smoke irritates my lungs and having just a few inconsiderate smokers makes life more difficult. (Not all smokers are inconsiderate, but enough of them are.)
  • I do not believe parking lots and private vehicles should be smoke free. Mainly just the interior of campus such as around the LRC, Jamrich, and West science. Overall smoking has never bothered me on campus except when people stand too close the the doors and I have to walk through it to get in and out.
  • I do not believe that additional smoking shelters should be built. Why encourage the habit? Having to walk to a freezing area to smoke a stick of cancer should be helping give them incentive to quit.
  • I do not believe that the NMU campus should be smoke free. If the smoke is bothering people on campus then have designated smoking areas AWAY from the doors and not have the ash trays right next to the doors. Smoking is not illegal and smokers have a right to do what they will with their bodies just as non smokers have a right to stay away from smokers if they so choose. In an ideal world declaring campus smoke free would prompt those who are smoking to quit and make NMUs campus overall a healthier environment, but in reality it will probably just make for alot of irritable people who smoke like feigns when they return to the privacy of their own homes. Katie VanderVeen
  • I do not believe the University has a right to legislate what students can and cannot do in the outside or epically in their own cars. The University has every right to ban smoking in their buildings if it wants to (and it has) but the school should not dictate what can and cannot go on outside or in peoples private cars, I feel it is a slippery slope. Also, smoking shelters are counter productive and not cost effective for a University so cash strapped it keeps raising my tuition every year. Smoking shelters would trap smoke in them and make it more hazardous for people to smoke (even more than it already is) part of the "benefit" to going outside to smoke is that the smoker is in the free air and their smoke can be naturally moved away by the wind, any kind of enclosed shelter would negate this "advantage" and just create an overly smoky room (assuming this shelter would be used at all) I am not a smoker but am concerned with the right of those who do smoke, smokers have rights too and the school does not have the right to ban smoking in the outside or in peoples private vehicles.
  • I do not consider my self a smocker though I have smoked from time to time. I obey all the rules about it on campus and in the dorms. I do hear that the dorms are tuff because the smoke gets sucked in the windows and the butts are flicked more often than put in the receptical placed out for them.
  • I do not enjoy smokers standing directly outside a doorway/entrance. But I don't think making NMU a smoke free campus will make any real improvement to campus life, or my education. Dorm rooms do need better enforcement of no smoking policies.
  • I do not know how this policy could be implemented. It would be ridiculous and depressing to have "smoke police" ticketing students in noncompliance. This is the main problem I would have with the policy.
  • I do not like the fact that if im walking to my class, and someone in front of me is smoking, they blow it in my face as they walk.
  • I do not like the idea about smoking shacks because it would be a hard policy to enforce and who would make the rounds enforcing this? If it was entirely smoke free it would be much easier to regulate.
  • I do not like the idea of smoking shelters. I do not believe that part of my tuition should be used to build something that only gives students a place to help kill themselves.
  • I do not like walking into a cloud of smoke, but i can't really blame smokers. I think they could be more courteous about it, but i understnad why they would not want it to be a smoke free campus
  • I do not like walking into buildings when there are smokers standing just outside the doors. I choose not to smoke and do not want to be around it. I would support NMU for going smoke free.
  • i do not like walking up the hill from the dorms and getting the back draft from the smokers!!
  • I do not like when you walk out of any door on campus, during class hours, that you have to walk right into a cloud of smoke to exit the building. I do not think that it is a good idea to completely bannish smoking from Campus,however. In fact, a smoke free campus would turn away many students which I believe is not the intention of this proposal. The "smoking shelters" I think are a good idea to put up around campus, however people will most likely still smoke outside them while they are walking. So, I think the best solution is just to make and enforce a rule that smoking may not be done within a certain amount of space from the buildings, specifically right in front of the doors.
  • I do not mind if people smoke outside of the buildings--smoking outside is fine--under the condition that smoker's do not throw their butts or filters on the ground. That is what I take issue with. I lived in Prescott, Arizona when a smoking ban was implemented at all public establishments, including bars. Proponents of smoking argued that making the businesses smoke-free will reduce patronage at their establishments. This was the case for approximately the first month of the ban, but the regular patrons returned eventually, without much grousing, and stepped outside to smoke.
  • I do not see it as a problem for students and staff to be allowed to smoke outside as long as the are away from the building. However, I think that better inforcement of the 30 feet rule is needed. If the smoking shelters would help with this, then we should get them.
  • I do not smoke but am not avidly against kicking it out, but if it does I wouldn't complain either
  • I do not smoke but I do not care if other people smoke. Sometimes it is annoying when people stand right next to the doors but other than that it does not bother me. I think its disgusting but it is there choice. I think it would be difficult to make NMU smoke free but I think it would improve campus if it worked.
  • I do not smoke however, I feel that for those that do it would be unfair to require them to not smoke at all while on campus. Many students are here all day long and don't have the luxury of leaving campus whenever they want to smoke. Smoking seems to be a habit (good or bad) that helps many individauls deal with the pressures of going to college. I would not be in favor of a policy that removes this freedom from those individuals. Thank you.
  • I do not smoke, but beleive smokers should be allowed to smoke anywhere outdoors on campus.
  • I do not smoke, but many students and faculty here at NMU do. I really don't think making the university smoke-free would be beneficial, it really wouldn't change the minds of students who are choosing their college of choice because that is based more on majors, athletics and such. Students here do have the right to smoke where they want and when they want, this wouldn't help but make several students angry. The whole smoking shelter idea is reasonable but if there was going to be smoking banned everywhere else what is the point of having a few points on campus the only spots where smokers can smoke. It defeats the whole banning purpose. I believe this whole idea is something that really doesn't need to be resolved and should just be left alone. Good luck with the final decision.
  • I do not smoke, nor do I have any desire to start. Whomever the smoker is, it is that person's choice -- and only that person's -- to smoke. Non-smokers should not be subjected to smelling that disgusting stench and risking our health so they can get their fix of nicotine. I will be very disappointed should this not be passed, if only for the weaker of our species to rely on smoking. It's ridiculous.
  • I do not smoke. Smoking is a personal choice, if students want to do it I say let them. I just think public safety should enforce the 30 foot rule and lock down on people littering ciggerate's.....
  • I do not think that going completely smoke-free is reasonable. Personally, I do not smoke and I do not like smoky environments. However, going completely smoke-free would turn away many people from the campus, and it would make life difficult for those who do smoke. As an alternative, I truly believe that we should focus on enforcing our smoking rules. It is posted that no smoking is allowed within 30 feet of buildings, but I see people right outside of doors smoking all of the time, and it is honestly annoying. This should be much better enforced; otherwise it is unfair to the nonsmokers who wish to avoid smoky areas. Proper disposal of cigarette butts should also be enforced. I also think that "smoker stations" is not a bad idea. I think the university should be putting much greater efforts into making sure smokers do not impose over nonsmokers instead of trying to go smoke-free.
  • I do not think we should support harmful life-style choices in the least.
  • I do not view NMU trying to regulate student behavior as relates to legal lifestyle choice as a positive endeavor. NMU requires all freshman and sophomores to live in the dorms. NMU then bans smoking anywhere on campus. So, in fact, NMU regulates the legal lifestyle choices of its students. I don’t support government entities mandating lifestyle choices, especially entities whose overall mandate is to provide a higher education to this State’s population. I also don’t support wasting money on Smoking shelters. Why? Students would follow the rules regarding how far to stand from entrances if anytime Public Safety saw someone smoking to close to an entrance they fined the person a significant amount. With the increased usage of security camera’s after the lost key incident it should not be hard to start using video surveillance to identify and fine smokers who violate distance rules. Heck, NMU would even make money off that.
  • I do think they need to do something about the people smoking in the doorways. I dont think we should restict them from smoking in their vehicle. The campus would look alot nicer with out cigarette buts everywhere.
  • I do understand the concerns of smokers, since it is legal and their personal choice. Having said that, I feel that non-smokers should not have to tolerate smokers not following the rules by staying 30 feet from entrances, leaving cigarette butts all over campus, and having to walk to class with smoke in our faces. The smoking ban would create a healthier student body. I do fear, however, that it would cause enrollment to decrease. I would rather have to deal with smoke in my face than having to pay more tuition.
  • I don't believe anyone is getting cancer from walking by a couple smokers outside on their way to class. Thus the only strong motive I see for an all-campus smoking ban including students' PRIVATE vehicles is to discourage students from smoking at all. This is fascism. It is not the university's job to create legislation that controls the way students make choices about their health. The legal smoking age is 18, so let them smoke. If you still have a problem with it, try to get the age restriction changed.
  • I don't believe it's up to the campus officials to tell people whether they can smoke or not. It is our right, as adults, to make those decisions for ourselves. I am personally a non-smoker and the smoke doesn't bother me because those who do smoke tend to do it while walking to class and it's easy to avoid walking behind them. I just can't help thinking that IF I WERE a smoker, I wouldn't want to have to walk all the way to my car in the parking lot furthest from my room just so I can smoke.
  • I don't believe that it would be ethically correct to take away a right from someone that they legally have.
  • I don't believe that smoking shelters would work. People would still smoke near the buildings. They already ignore the "No Smoking Beyond This Point" signs, and smoke right at the doorway as it is. As a non-smoker, I find this disgusting and VERY inconsiderate. I choose not to smoke for my own benefit, and feel somewhat violated every time I have to breathe in someone else's cigarette smoke. Also, some people are allergic to cigarette smoke or have breathing problems already. Having all the smoke around can't benefit them any, either. Smoking should be limited to private vehicles with the windows up, at the very least.
  • I don't believe this is a fair proposal. I'm a nonsmoker, but it just doesn't seem right to completely ban smokers from campus-we've already locked them outside. It seems almost discriminatory, and, while I don't like walking through clouds of smoke, it seems to be a fair compromise to have the indoors smoke free but allow smoking outdoors.
  • I don't care if people smoke, as long as they quit crowding around doorways. I hate walking through them, and they're not supposed to be by the doors anyway. Being totally smoke-free forces the dorm students to quit. That will make a big affect on their choice of going here.
  • I don't care if someone wants to smoke. I personal prefer a cooler way to die however I have problem when I'm walking up to class or to get food and I am forced to inhale someone else's smoke. Even if they haven't been there for a while the after smell still makes my asthma and allergies act up and it's not fair to me to pay $12,000 a year to get lung cancer.
  • I don't feel that this should be a gradual thing, it should stop now. Year after year innocent people are dying because of second hand smoke. I feel that it is ineffective to have the "stand 30 feet from the door" signs. Most of the time people don't follow the rules (I actually had a CA that broke the rule quite often). Also if there is wind the cigarette smoke is blown into others faces, even from a distance. With the rising cases of asthma, lung cancer, second hand cancers, I really feel that something drastic needs to be done. Just as it isn't excused to get drunk on the campus (whether 30 feet away from the buildings or not) why should we keep tolerating something that is causing severe health problems and killing people every year? The answer is that we shouldn't.
  • I don't have a problem with people smoking in their own cars or whatever, but it is annoying to find tons of cigarette butts outside all the doors to the dorms, and to walk through clouds of smoke from people passing in the other direction on my way to class.
  • I don't like cigarette smoke and so I choose not smoke. That is my Civil Right to make that decision for myself. No, I'm not happy when I'm walking behind someone and then get a puff of cigarette smoke in the face. I wish that the smokers could be a little more considerate of the non-smoking community. However not every smoker is inconsiderate, and so I personally think that it is selfish of other people to attempt to outlaw smoking within the campus. Also just because the University outlaw smoking on campus doesn't meant that people are going to actually follow the rules. As of right now smokers are suppose to be thirty feet from any door. If the smokers actually follow this rule then maybe smoking on campus wouldn't be that much of a problem. And to not allow people to smoke in there cars on campus seems a bit overboard. Also the University could loose a large number of potential students because of this outrageous rule.
  • I don't like it when I walk out of a building such as JXJ or the west science building and people are smoking right next to the doors, it's way to close to the building and very agitating. I think it would be fine if people smoked in there cars, but not necessarily with the windows rolled up.
  • I don't like peoples' right to smoke being taking away, I don't smoke, but if it is enforced, and people smoke a certain number of feet away from the building, who cares. The inability to smoke, may distract some students, more so than it would smoke bothering non smokers.
  • I don't like smoking, but I don't really have an issue with other people smoking. After all, smokers pay NMU tutition as well. The main thing I find disgusting are the cigarette butts lying all over the grass and bushes outside the bulidings. Perhaps we could enforce a law/rule that makes studets throw their butts into the garbage or else they will get a fine of some sort. I am not sure if that idea is even plausible, but it's just a thought.
  • I don't like that the on-campus apartments allow smoking inside and outside of the buildings. If there are children living in the building, it is especially harmful. No matter where someone smokes, it is easy to smell, either coming up from the vents or from outside the window or in the hallways.
  • I don't like the graduated idea. I think that it should switch over at the end of the year.
  • I don't like the idea of "smoke shelters" because it would cost money to construct them. This takes away from the funding that non-smokers could potentially benifiet from. Maybe NMU could get local gas stations and stores to pay for the smoking shelters because smokers bring them buisness.
  • I don't like the smell and the health effects of second hand smoke
  • I don't mind the fact that people smoke. That's their choice. I don't like the fact that often in order to enter a building I have to walk past several smokers's excess smoke. I also don't like that sometime walking to class in the academic mall I'll end up following behind someone that is smoking. It might not be fair to the people who smoke to tell them that they can't smoke on campus, but it's more unfair for the people who choose not to smoke to be subjected to it.
  • I don't really care either way as I am a non-smoker and don't feel that people smoking outside is a big deal. I think the smoking shelters would be a big waste of money though.
  • I don't really care if its a smoke free campus, just don't have people smoking in the dorms or in classrooms. Its their choice to smoke in their cars and on their way to and from class.
  • I don't really have a problem with people smoking on campus, however I do think that the 30 foot rule needs to be enforced, as most people smoke right next to the building doors, right in front of the signs that say 30 feet. Also, I don't really see how it would be possible to enforce being smoke free over such a large area. I'm not sure if being completely smoke free would be the best choice. People should have the right to smoke, with respect to the people who do not smoke. Stricter restrictions on where people can smoke would be a good compromise I think.
  • i don't really having a problem with smoking in parking lots, or while people are walking around campus. my only issue is students smoking right outside the doors of buildings, eventhough there are signs not to smoke within 30 feet of the building.
  • I don't really see anything wrong with smokers smoking in their cars with windows up or in designated outside areas away from foot traffic. Just as long as its actually followed since the whole 20ft away from buildings rule right now isn't enforced very well.
  • I don't smoke and have never smoked, but I'm concerned about the economic impact of NMU going smoke free. I think it might affect the decisions of future incoming students and will also cause some turn-over in the long run. Therefore, the current rule of smoking a certain distance away from buildings is good. Distance can be increased however.
  • I don't smoke but i do think an all campus band on smoking is a very bad idea. You would lose both current and feature students, thus resulting in higher rates for the rest of the students.
  • I don't smoke but I think a complete ban on campus is unnecessary and infringes too much on the smokers' rights. I'd say having designated smoking areas would be the best solution for all students.
  • I don't smoke but people should have the freedom to make their own choices, especially in college.
  • I don't smoke but they have rights too.
  • I don't smoke so it doesn't really matter, I don't even smell that much smoke whenever im walking around campus. But I am against smoking so I would support it.
  • I don't smoke, and sometimes the smell bothers me when people smoke by the doors - but I definitely think it's taking away student's rights and if NMU became completely smoke free I think it would negatively effect enrollment.
  • I don't smoke, but I don't think it's right to completely BAN smoking all together. It is the student's right and choice to smoke and they should have clear, designated ares to be able to do it. I really like the idea of the smoking shelters.
  • I don't smoke, but I know plenty of people who do. I don't like smoking, but I don't necassarily feel that it needs to be banned from campus... it's not going to help people stop smoking, it's only going to upset them and raise the rate of bandit-smoking in places that they shouldn't. As long as they are outside... I wont complain.
  • I don't smoke. I believe a person that does should be able to smoke outside. The only recommendation is to provide receptical bins for the smokers to put their cigarette butts. I don't think it is necessary to eliminate smoking on campus, parking lots, and private cars. Don't we have enough to focus on without getting into situations where we are trying to govern personal habits. What's next?
  • I don't think a smoking ban is a good idea. I'm not gonna be the one who has to listen to my mom complain when she can't smoke when she comes to visit.
  • I don't think campus should be smoke free completely. I think non-smokers should have a choice about being around people who are smoking. A designated smoking area, with maybe a ticketing system for people to violate the smoking areas, would be ideal. Thank you for considering us non smokers :)
  • I don't think campus should go smoke free. Smoking outside is not like smoking in and enclosed area. The smoke blows away with the wind. You should be able to smoke outside if you want to. Smokers don't bother me. If someone doesn't want to inhale the person's smoke don't walk past them. They don't purposely blow smoke in someone else's face.
  • I don't think I should have to walk out my classes or the dorms holding my breath because of the groups of people smoking. It's disgusting!
  • I don't think it is problem with having students or professors able to smoke anywhere outside on campus. Having a radius of twenty feet from main doors that is non smoking is my position on any regulation of smoking. Not at all seems far too restrictive.
  • I don't think it is right to force students to go off campus to smoke. However, I also don't enjoy having to breath in someone elses smoke when I'm walking to class. I smoked my first two years here at NMU, and I always tried to keep my habit away from other people. I never smoked and walked, choosing instead to move off to the side of a cleared path, and blow my smoke away from people walking. So long as smokers are responsible, smoking on campus shouldn't be an issue. Providing them with shelters to use in bad weather would probably cut down a lot on any complaints non-smokers have.
  • I don't think it is up to the university to decide whether or not I can smoke. I am not a smoker, but I do think an infringement of rights to not allow people to make those decisions on their own. I understand smoke-free buildings, but outdoor areas are not problematic.
  • I don't think it would be very fair to those smokers who LIVE on campus to make NMU completely smoke free. I think it would increase students smoking in their dorms, which would not be good. I think the "smoking stations" would be a good idea, so then faculty and staff too, wouldn't have to walk off campus, or smoke in their cars between classes or meetings. People complain about how the smokers don't obey the 30 foot limit on buildings to smoke, which is reasonably, but it also is NOT enforced. I think a smoke free campus would be a very drastic step when smaller steps could be taken to make everyone agreeable. Oh, and there should be better ash trays, instead of the plastic ones that burn.
  • I don't think it would matter if the campus was smoke-free anyway. Who's too be watching everyone on this campus 24/7? Sounds like a good idea, but isn't going to work.
  • I don't think it's right that NMU is even considering a smoke free campus. For some of my fellow students it's their only form of coping with the intense work and class load. Let them have their choice to smoke or not smoke, isn't that what America is at war for? Our freedom to choose?
  • I don't think its a great idea to make the campus smoke free since there are a lot of smokers and that could potentially make their choice of NOT coming to NMU for school because of it. I think the smoking shelters are an awesome idea so that they are away from the public doorways and also keeps them warm in the winter.
  • I don't think its right to "cater" to the smokers by providing them with shelters, its their choice to smoke and their privilege to accept all the consequences, which might mean standing outside in the cold/elements to smoke. I also don't think its a reasonable idea to have a smoke free campus. I don't think it would be easily enforced as there are already smoke policies in place that are already not enforced (30 foot rule). It seems as though more people smoke in the UP than other places I've lived and visited and I think in a place where a lot of the population smokes, its just not feasible to have the campus become smoke free.
  • I don't think parking lots and private vehicles should be part of the smoke free campus. If someone wants to smoke in their car, as long as it's not right next to a building, they should be able to have their windows open. Also most of the parking lots are far enough away from buildings they too should be a place for smokers to go. I think inside and right near the buildings should be smoke free.
  • I don't think smokers should be allowed to smoke in the shuttle bus shelters as non smokers are still breathing in harmful chemicals. Parking lots should be where smokers are allowed to smoke, not any where near buildings or shelters.
  • I don't think smoking in cars should be allowed either, that will still be something that will be hard to enforce, making sure everyone's windows are up if they are smoking. I think that a lot of people would not abide to this, especially on hot days. I would also like to see this done before 2010, so that many of us who are having a say in this, can actually see it happen.
  • I don't think smoking on this campus is that big of a problem. I am a non- smoker and I am actually allergic to the smoke but it does not bother me to the point where i feel uncomfortable. I think that if the campus goes smoke- free, it would be taking peoples rights away because what about people who live on campus but don't own a vehicle to drive somewhere to smoke? Each time they needed a cigarette, they would have to walk off campus a few blocks every time they wanted one and i think that it would cause more problems and it would lead to people smoking in dorm rooms because they dont want to walk all the way for one cigarette. I think that smoking in the dorms could be more of a problem than people smoking outside and with me being allergic to the smoke, i would much rather want them outside smoking than in the dorms surrounding me because they are too lazy to walk a few blocks for a cigarette.
  • I don't think smoking outside is a big deal. As long as smokers are outside and away from the building by about 10-30 feet, I think they should be free to do as they wish. Emphasis should be strongly placed to clean up after the trash they produce. Emtpy packs and butts should not be left around.
  • I don't think that anyone has the right to discriminate against smokers. As a non-smoker, I prefer not to be around cigarette smoke, but it certainly isn't going to bother me if I have to walk past someone outside who is. It's completely tolerable. Our buildings are smoke free, and that should be enough. It would be a waste of time for students and faculty to have to leave campus to have a cigarette. As unhealthy as smoking may be, it doesn't have a negative impact on society as drinking in public or using other mind altering substances do, and is the individuals choice. I do think that regulations about how far from the building you have to be while smoking should be enforced, as many do not comply. Anyhow, that's my two cents.
  • I don't think that it is appropriate to coat the entire campus with the policy under discussion. I had been a smoker for years. I am glad that I quit, but on rare occasions I do enjoy a cigarette. If this policy were implemented I support a more structured, and hopefully effective ban for keeping smokers away from building entrances, and providing them shelter from the weather. Also, how would this be regulated? Would smokers be ticketed? Would there be a "first warning"?
  • I don't think that it is right to forbid smoking at NMU, especially when smoking itself is not illegal in Michigan. I think forbidding smoking on NMU's campus is a good idea in theory, and would foster a healthier academic environment... but college is at least partly about experimentation and learning how to live as a responsible burgeoning adult, and telling students they can't smoke isn't going to go over well with incoming students. I think, should this idea become NMU policy, we'll see a decline in enrollment; and I really don't want to see the resulting loss in income made up by more raises in tuition. Frankly, I think eliminating smoking entirely is an overly drastic measure when the current smoking policy, the "30 feet away from buildings" rule, is not being enforced. I personally don't care to exit buildings and run into a cloud of smoke, but it's a simple matter of holding my breath until I've moved far enough away from the smoker. NMU is a large campus-- it's large enough for smokers and non-smokers to share, especially since smoking indoors is prohibited-- and we need to at least try to make the current rules work before we seriously consider making harsher ones.
  • i don't think that it should include vehicles you should be able to do what you want inside your own car
  • I don't think that making campus smoke-free would benefit the college in any way. Students that do not smoke would see it as a positive, but I doubt it would influence any students to come here simply because of that fact. However, students who already smoke, or are likely to begin smoking during college, would see it as a negative aspect of this university and would be much less likely to choose this university. Obviously, this could impact enrollment rates and negatively affect the university. It could also be adverse in attracting new faculty members simply because they are smokers. In the end, I think that if current university rules (the 30-foot rule) were enforced there would not be as many complaints about smoking on campus. I dislike walking through doors through a cloud of smoke because smokers do not move far enough away from the building, but if the 30-foot rule were actually enforced, I would have no problem with smokers being on campus.
  • I don't think that smoking in private vehicles should be banned along with the policy. I think a private vehicle is a person's property so they should be able to do in it what they want. Unless they're driving around blowing smoke onto people I don't see a problem with it.
  • I don't think that there is really anything wrong with smokers on campus as long as they follow the policy. In the winter, when it's cold, the students seem to think that they can smoke right outside the doors. This bothers me because they are right in front of the doors as students are trying to enter and exit the buildings. I currently live in the dorms and I'm near the far end of the building near those doors. When the doors are opened by students coming and going, you can smell the cigarette smoke in the hallway and in my room. I don't think that I should have to smell that in the building and definitely not in my room.
  • I don't think that we need to be 100% smoke-free but enforcing the rules and areas that smoking is allowed would be better. It is on the buildings that no smoking can be within 30 feet, but there is always people smoking right outside the door because of cold weather and convenience.
  • I don't think the campus should go smoke free but it would be nice if people wouldnt smoke right outside then entrances to all of the buildings. I like the idea of the smoking shelters.
  • I don't think the real benefits to non-smokers are anywhere near sufficient to justify diminishing the personal freedoms of smokers. Freedom is important, including the freedom to do foolish things. We don't insist that eveyone wear a jacket on cold days, or carry their books/laptops in something that won't damage their backs. Let's skip this bandwagon.
  • I don't think the shelters will have the effect that is hoped for if they are put in. I don't think students will go there so it will be a big expense that won't keep smokers away from the buildings. I think it would be great if NMU won't smoke free, but I really don't see it happening. I think there are way to many people that smoke.
  • I don't think the smoking is that bad at all. Its just when they are gathered so close to the building doors is what bugs me. They should not be so close to the doors when smoking. Other then that it doesn't bother me.
  • I don't think we should go completely smoke free-- as in including cars and parking lots. The idea of shelter, I think would be a good comprimise. The smokers can smoke away from the buildings, protecting the non smokers, but not forcing to them to quit.
  • I don't think we should have to spend money on smokers in order for them to follow the rules. If they can't have enough sense in order to walk the 30 feet away from a building they're supposed to, i hardly think they'll use some sort of a shelter. We can't take rights away from people wanting to smoke in their cars though. That to me would be invasion of people's privacy.
  • I don't think you can go half-way on this issue. If you designate "smoking shelters" people will still have to walk by them to get places and, like the current smoking policy where they have to stay a certain distance from the building, they will not obey it anyway. I think we need to be 100% smoke-free so that there is not discrepancy and people are not tempted to see what they can get away with.
  • i don't think you should go smoke-free in a graduated fashion. If NMU goes smoke free is should be an instant thing.
  • I don't understand how it would be enforced. Someone would get a ticket for smoking outside? Right outside a building, sure, but anywhere? bit harsh.
  • I don't want campus to go smoke-free because I hate smokers or because I want to cause a commotion on campus. I am against smoking on campus because the smokers expect that we will respect their rights to smoke on campus while they won't respect our rights to not have to walk through the smoke. I don't mind walking through the smoke for two seconds while I enter a smoke-free building however. I DO mind that the most common pollutant on campus and most other places is the stupid cigarette butts. It really bothers me that you can find the highest concentration of butts directly outside of building entrances. How hard can it possibly be to drop them into the receptacles near the entrances (which are further away from the doors than the smokers themselves, but still not at the 30 foot ordinance) or carry it the extra three feet into the building and a trash can inside? The blatant disregard for the environment when Northern is pushing so hard for this green movement seems like we continue to take steps in the right direction, but the littering keeps us held back from our potential.
  • I don't want to completely smash someone's freedoms, but as a serious ashtmatic, I've suffered through classes because of passing a group of smokers on my way into a building. I think the smoker's huts are an excellent idea as it would keep it away from the entrance and exits to buildings, but also keep the smoke in one concentrated area. Way to go NMU for taking a healthy stand!
  • I don;t think the shelters would work, due to the fact no one enforces rules, but parking. Students and professors smoke right in front of the doors constantly, where it is posted no smoking within 30 feet. I would love to see a smoke free campus, but it would have to be enforced. If it is not inforced, there is no point in wasteing time doing survays and implimenting a new policy.
  • I dont find Northern being a crazy smoking environment. I think it will end up turning a lot of people away. Its kind of like a discrimination thing where you are trying to say you where you dont except people who do smoke. I dont find it a huge deal i may see a couple people outside every now and then but I have never smelt smoke anywhere in doors or hardly even outside.
  • i dont mind if people are smoking outside of buildings, the only problem i have is when i am walking up the hill to class and there is someone in front of me or walks past me and a puff of smoke goes into my face.
  • I dont smoke cigarettes however i support freedoms. sure it bothers me if someone is smoking right next to me but that doesnt mean we need to take there freedom away. if its outside and away from entrances or exits to the buildings, they should have every right to smoke. forcing people to smoke in private car's with the windows closed is simply introducing further ill effects for smokers, i think that would be the worst thing that could be offered.
  • I dont smoke, but dont make the people who do have to leave campus anytime they need a little break.
  • i dont think making NMU completely smoke free is a good idea. i am a non smoker, and dont really care if people decide they want to smoke on campus. as long as they are far enough away from the building entrances, they dont bother me. i think the main issue is how close they are to the building entrances all the time. i feel that the proposed smoking shelters are a much better alternative than banning smoking campus wide. this should also help lower the number of smokers that get upset over this issue. if they have a comfortable place outside to go, im sure they wont have a problem with using it durring the winter.
  • I fear that going COMPLETELY smoke free will decrease enrollment. I think the "smoking shelters" are the best fix for the problem. This way, for the most part, everybody's happy. Non smokers won't have to go through a cloud of smoke, and the smokers can still have their daily dose of nicotine. If anything, this might encourage people to quit.
  • I feel as though creating NMU as a smoke free campus will portray the university positively as a healthy place for students to attend. This is a progressive initiative for the university to undertake and I feel it is a step in the right direction.
  • I feel as though NMU will lose many smoking students if they decide to become a smoke-free community. I believe this because, although I'm against smoking in general, it is a person's right to smoke. I understand that they should stay 30 ft. away from the door, and I do feel that is a good policy, perhaps those shelters would be good outside residence halls. Yet, I don't feel those shelters would be very useful for those who smoke on their way to class. Plus, I also feel as though stopping everyone walking with a ciggarette on campus would be nearly impossible to enforce. With that being said, I do feel as though someday all smoking should end, I just don't know how well this will work, perhaps I'm wrong.
  • I feel as though smoking is a disguisting habit and it is not fair that other people have to endure their unhealthy habits. Although buildings say you cannot smoke within 30ft, people crowd around the door smoking and you walk through a cloud of smoke as you enter and leave most buildings. Why should we have to inhale second hand smoke when pursing our education?
  • I feel banning people from smoking in their cars raises issues of "it's my personal property" so I'm not sure people would support that as much. I feel that on campus such as outside of buildings is a good idea or giving the smoking shelters. I have noticed in my many years at northern as a student that not many people follow the 30 feet away rule but if there was a shelter this may be followed more.
  • I feel like if NMU were to go completely smoke-free, as a University it would loose many of it's current students and possibly future students. I myself am not a smoker, nor have I ever been, but as long as someone is not blowing smoke directly in my face, I feel it should be the individuals choice whether or not to smoke. We pay over 13,000.00 dollars to come here every year as students we should be able to choose what we do and when we do it.
  • I feel like this is an attack on our liberties as Americans. Now I am not a smoker, and I never have been, but this is how this issue effects me. It is limiting the freedoms of me and fellow students. I just want to know whats next gum chewing? This is ridiculous. I would consider transferring colleges if northern becomes a smoke free college. I do not want to be associated with that.
  • I feel that by making smoker's go off campus to smoke NMU is persecuting an act that is not illegal. By building shelters or reinforcing the 30 foot rule (with tickets perhaps?) NMU would be doing the best thing for everyone. Also, the budget has room for large building plans and renovations, why not a few small open air shelters? The shelters don't need to be heated or even have all four walls...just something to keep smokers and friends out of the worst of the elements. I care about my health, but not enough to infringe on someone else's rights.
  • I feel that completely smoke free is very drasic. If a person wants to smoke they should be able to. I think the 30 foot rules should be inforced rather than banning it completely. Try having public safety go around and give out $10 tickets to those not following the rules. I don't see how a smoke free campus will be enforced when the 30 foot rule can't be.
  • I feel that converting NMU to a smoke-free campus would be a very good idea. I also think that if a smoke-free campus goes into affect, anyone caught violating the rules should be given a ticket.
  • I feel that going smoke free would beneifit the campus. Yes we may lose enrollment of smokers but it makes NMU a more healthy campus too.
  • I feel that if people want to smoke that they need to stand outside in the cold. Hopefully the cold weather will make some people think about quitting. If people feel like they need to smoke that is their choice, but they need to respect others health.
  • I feel that if smoking shelters were made people would use them in nice weather situations, but in the cold nasty snowy winter days,below freezing temps I can see where people would not use them and smoke as close to campus doors as possible. As an ex smoker, stop the games on campus and quit smoking or go off campus.
  • I feel that if smoking shelters were put up, they would not be used, just as the 30 foot rule is not followed. People would complain that it is to far to walk to and it is to cold in the winter. Unless there would be people reinforcing these new rules, nothing will change. This also pertains to a smoke-free campus. If public safety or whomever does not enforce these, just as they don't enforce the 30 foot rule, nothing will change!
  • I feel that if some people want to harm their own health that is of their own decision, but when it comes to them respecting those of us who don't smoke, I wish they would be more considerate to just take it to an area where it would not disrupt others. Unfortunately I have not seen this happen, so banning smoking would help contribute to the health of all NMU students and faculty.
  • I feel that it is disgusting to come out of a campus building and have people smoking right outside of the doors and the smoke will blow on you when you leave or enter the building. The smokers have no common curtosey for the people who do not smoke. I also find it disgusting the amount of cigarette butts that are on the ground outside of the doors of the buildings on campus. I feel that if the campus does not go smoke free additional regulations should at least be made, with designated smoking areas and cigarette urns around buildings to keep the area clean.
  • I feel that it would be a benifit to Northern to become smoke free, but individual rights need to be addressed. Individuals should be able to smoke in thier vehicles and in areas designated for smoking. Standing 20 feet from doors is not working!!!
  • I feel that it would be unfair to smokers to force them to go to such extreme measures such as getting far enough away from campus to smoke, when it is in fact an addiction that can affect the way they feel and perform under pressures of class. I also think that if you made NMU smoke-free smokers would feel alienated and would violate the non-smoking rules a lot more.
  • I feel that it would take away from a students rights. I would like if they did not smoke right by the doors. But in the parking lots and cars do not bother me. I would say at least maybe 40 feet from doors or so would be great. Hope it helps
  • I feel that making NMU a smoke-free campus would be a good choice. It would be getting one step closer to making our community healthier. I don`t like walking out of one of the buildings after class and walking through a cloud of smoke. It is that person`s choice to smoke but I don`t want to have to worry about my health from inhaling their second hand smoke.
  • I feel that NMU should stay the way it is. If a student wishes to smoke, as long as it is withing 30 feet of the building. I see no problems with that.
  • I feel that people smoking next to the doors are putting others health in danger. They should not be allowed to smoke at the expense of others.
  • I feel that smokers are ok to smoke outside like they are. It would be a cool idea to put up the shelters for people to smoke. I don't really have an issue with it though. People are usually respecting when it comes to other people and second hand smoke.
  • I feel that smokers should be responsible where they smoke and take other people into consideration. But I feel that there should be a designated place or limit to where. Of course there shouldn't be smoking in front of buildings. But I feel in a wide open spot there shouldn't be a problem. And yes I am sure if you did decide to become smoke-free then an immense amount of people probably will second guess if they will attend. I can see NMU revoking the smoking policy if there was a big problem. But I wouldn't mess with something that isn't broken.
  • I feel that smoking is a very unhealthy habit. However, if NMU wants to take the freedom to smoke away from students, faculty, staff, etc. then maybe a program should be implemented to help smokers stop smoking. Students have many stressors on them academically, finacially, with relationships, family, etc. that many people use smoking as a stress reliever; it is not a very healthy one, but a stress reliever nonetheless. Don't forget smoking is also an addiction that people cannot stop with the flip of a switch. Smokers still need to smoke or else may need help to stop smoking.
  • I feel that smoking is an individual choice. I don't think anyone should be told where they can do something that was made legal by the government and is a form of tax to pay for bills in most states. It is the freedom of choice and if people choose to smoke that is thier business. It would be a better idea to give them warm places to smoke in the winter. Maybe designate a room per building and vent it well for the smokers. I think putting a non-smoking policy into effect may drop the amount of students looking at NMU for college as NMU woulod be taking away a thier right to smoke.
  • I feel that smoking next to the doors of buildings is frustrating for non-smokers because we have to walk through the plume of smoke to get to class. I personaly feel that if the campus was smoke free maybe that would help encorage students to stop smoking just because of the inconvience that smoking between classes and during breaks would pose. One thing I would wonder is how the school would enforce the smoking ban. I do think smoking infront of buildings should be banned before 2010, non-smokers are the majority and why should the majority have to deal with the smoke to get to class.
  • I feel that smoking on campus is not only detrimental to those who do smoke, but also to those who do not smoke. I believe that having a completely smoke-free campus is really the only way to make an impact in this issue. The reason I feel this way is because I believe a partially smoke-free campus would be far too difficult to enforce. Even now the rule of only being allowed to smoke 30 feet away from a building on campus is rarely, if ever, enforced. I have heard smokers say that it is their personal right to be able to smoke on campus, but I feel that it is also my personal right to be able to pursue an education without having to be exposed on a daily basis to the harmful substances in cigarettes.
  • I feel that smoking shelters are the best possible solution for all parties involved, allow smokers refuge from wind rain and snow, and keep nasty ashtrays away from doors we all have to go through. Possibly ban smoking on certain "high flow" sidewalks on campus, like the walk up the hill, and around the academic mall. It really sucks walking to class behind a lit cigarette. On the whole, i feel smokers have rights like all the rest of us, i have many friends who smoke and they are mostly very considerate of others, there are certain doors they choose to stand by to smoke that are out of the wind, and very few people use those doors. My feelings of the cost of smoking shelters, and the likly oposition you will encounter from students who dont want their tuition to be used on smoking shelters, is that you built huge gaudy bike racks right outside my dorm room window in VA and you didnt seem too concerned about "non-bikers" being opposed to you spending tens of thousands of dollars on fancy bike racks (i am opposed, and my input was not asked for). I say, you have a large demographic of on campus smokers, including faculty and staff, you would be foolish to completely disenfranchise their intersts.
  • I feel that smoking should be regulated but not banned
  • I feel that the smokers should be able to harm their bodies any way they like, as long as it is not a problem for me. So to ban smoking from the entire campus would be a bad decision for the campus life and faculty. By banning it from parking lots would be a step backwards because it would put more anger into students for the fact that they are not going to go to the parking lot to smoke. Students come to college to be on there own, not to be controled. If you take away the smokers right to smoke, then we loose the freedoms we have as growing adults, because we are not teenagers. How would this decision be enforced? Are the campus police going to write up tickets if we are caught? They have more important things to do than to babysit smokers to keep them from lighting up, because they give us enough headaches with the parking problems. On another note, if the campus was smoke free, that would apply to all the staff as well in which we as students look up to for guidence and teachings. If decided to go smoke free, the campus will not be able to enforce it's decision. The best solution would be to have smoking booths or pavilions built outside away from the doors, so they do not interfear with the non smokers. ---Thank You---
  • I feel that Universities play an important role in the development of its students. Part of developing from an adolescent into an adult, from an average citizen into a highly educated one, is autonomy- being your own person, being independent, making your own choices and mistakes. It seems to me that NMU would be shirking an important duty if it took on a nannying role; telling students what they ought not to do and what they may not do are two entirely different things.
  • I feel the smokers should have their designated place away from the rest of the community...maybe an unoccupied storage shed or garage. The university should not consider putting any funds into a group of people who Choose to slowly and painfully commit suicide while endagering the lives of others...especially in regards to the bus stops. I would like to know how the university is going to enforce a no smoking policy? Does Public Safety really have that much time on their hands?
  • I feel we would lose an important and valuable part of our student body if we told them they are not allowed to smoke on campus. Smoking shelters and enforced building distance requirements are not only worth the cost, but are also a valuable way to show support for all students.
  • I find being forced to smell a cigarette burning while walking from class to class offensive. I am also concerned about smokers disregarding signs that indicate they must be 30 feet away from the door. Give them an inch and they take a mile. Smokers have a sort of disillusion that they have rights, but as far as I'm concerned an addiction does not indicate rights. What's next? Alcoholic rights, junky rights? It's ridiculous.
  • I find breathing in carcinogens very disturbing. i don't care for the smell of cigarette smoke. I also have mild asthma, so when i'm walking fast and get a lungful of cigarette smoke i start coughing uncontrollably. Avoiding cigarette smoke is impossible on this campus. That fact has been the most aggravating thing on this campus. I would very much appreciate a smoke-free campus. it would make my time at nmu practically perfect
  • I find it really gross when you are leaving one of the buildings on campus and you have to walk through a big cloud of smoke from students smoking right next to the door. It's rude. Plus I had a class room last semester that would smell very strongly of cigarettes because students would be smoking right next to the building and the smoke would get sucked into the vents.
  • I find it very distracting and gross when people all gather around doors to smoke. It makes me walk around the building to a new door so i don't have to walk through all the smoke.
  • I forget which state is smoke-free, but I can't wait until more states are smoke-free. It's another way to help people quit smoking. I think that it also keeps those people who don't smoke safe, because second hand smoke is just as deadly!
  • I fully support a smoking ban. It is unhealthy and encroaches on my right to breathe good clean air. I also on't beliew smokers deserver special treatment (shelters).
  • I fully support NMU going smoke-free. I also think there should be some sort of place where students who smoke can go because I believe that there is a large number of students on campus right now that smoke and I'm sure NMU would like to keep them as students.
  • I fully support the idea of a smoke-free campus in any light. It's extremely unlikely to ever walk to class or other places on the NMU campus without crossing paths with a smoker in front of or behind you. And on the side, those who do smoke often do not stand more than a dozen feet from the doors of the buildings where there is a sign not permitting such a doing with thirty feet. Thanks...
  • I get annoyed with smokers standing in the doorways so when u enter/leave buildings you have to walk into a cloud of smoke. Nobody obeys the 30 feet policy. How about public safety start giving out violations if your smoking in front of the door =) They give tickets for everything else!
  • I get really bad migraines from cigarette smoke and it is really annoying when I have someone come sit by me in a lecture hall and smell like an ash tray. Also, walking out of buildings to be bombarded with a thick cloud of cigrette smoke is disgusting. If smokers want to kill themselves, then let them. I don't think it is fair for us nonsmokers to have to deal with the second-hand smoke everywhere on campus along with the after-effect of the horrible smell. SMOKE FREE NMU ALL THE WAY!
  • I guarantee I inhale more toxic fumes walking next to busses then I do walking past a smoker. People can't smoke in the buildings already so that’s enough. Also how are people going to enforce this ruling? This sounds a lot like prohibition; it sounds good in theory but it’s ineffective at best.
  • I had always hoped NMU would go smoke free. I can't stand walking outside after class and my first breath of fresh air is smoke. No matter how many feet away people are supposed to stand they usually don't care. Last semester when the weather was bad, people would smoke under the building to avoid rain. We could smell it in the class rooms, it just made me feel sick sitting in class. Our professor even cancelled class because a few students had some bad allergies to smoke and were leaving regardless. Thank you for finally doing something about this situation.
  • I happen to be a non-smoker. I am not in support of NMU implementing a no-smoking policy. The smokers will still smoke cigarettes, just not on campus. College is a stressful time for many, and an occasional cigarette is an anti-stress device. I strongly believe that taking the right to smoke away from students will have a negative impact on the campus. Everyone has their own way of dealing with stress and the smokers smoke. Think how those smokers will feel when midterms roll around and they have those long days full of classes and labs, and the only thing that keeps them sane is the occasional cigarette. How are those people going to act in the classroom or laboratory? Their performance will suffer because they will be thinking about nicotine rather than learning. I personally wouldn’t want to be lab partners with one of those people in a chemistry lab. What if they hadn’t had an opportunity to sneak away from campus for a quick cigarette, and they made a mistake in lab because they weren’t paying as much attention as they could have been due to their nicotine dependency. Our great nation of the United States of America has not made Cigarettes illegal. Smoking is a legal right. If the smokers want to smoke cigarettes then let them smoke. Thank You for your time and consideration.
  • I hate being stuck behind smokers when I walk to class. I don't like breathing smoke in but sometimes I have no choice when I'm walking to class.
  • I hate cigarette smoke and most smokers do not abide by the established non-smoking areas. If the campus were to become non-smoking I would like to see punishment enforced. I also miss parking my bike underneath the overhang on the side of Jamrich and think that putting cement blocks and boarding up the doors is extremely ugly.
  • I hate going to class and having to "smoke a cigarette" every time i walk into the buildings because people smoke right next to the doors. I know it is their right as of now to smoke, but it is infringing on my own rights by forcing me smoke at the same time as I walk into the building is not something i approve of. Get rid of smoking on campus and I'll be happy.
  • I HATE HATE HATE walking through campus and having someone around me smoking, and having to breathe in their second hand smoke. I am a non-smoker for a reason!!! I am 200% supportive of a smoke free campus. In conjunction to it, there would need to be something in place to enforce it... because having a rule is useless unless there are negative ramifications that are enforced.
  • I hate having to breath 2nd hand smoke when entering buildings and walking to my car. @nd hand smoke does cause cancer and I and my family should not have to be subjected to it. Cold turkey non-smoking policy for campus is the only way to go. Take a stand for the right of having a safe and and healthful learning atmoshere. No smoking on NMU campus anywhere.
  • I hate having to smell smoke, but it isn't my right to tell somebody that they can't smoke. If the 30 foot rule was actually enforced, it would make things a lot better I think. I think a shelter for smokers would be a great idea as well.
  • I hate having to walk behind somone who is upwind of me and they are smoking cause it causes problems with my asthma since it is induced by people smoking around me like even in resturaunts...
  • I hate having to walk through smoke on my way to the doors of the class, but at the same time, if I were addicted to cigarettes, I would want to be able to smoke...This is a tough one...but pleasing the majority (non-smokers) is probably a more progressive, healthier decision.
  • I hate having to walk to class behind a smoker and having it blowing into my face for the entire walk. I loathe walking through a haze of smoke to get into my dorm or class building. Smoking, if kept on campus, should be limited to smoking shelters and not by the doorways where other students are.
  • I hate having to walk to class behind someone that is smoking.
  • I hate people who smoke in front of the doors or who walk by you on the sidewalk and you instantly inhale a big cloud. I dont understand the question about gradually going smoke free by 2010? Either say they can or cant smoke. If they need a smoke so bad make them go to there cars simple as that.
  • I hate smoke and hate when people smoke right outside of buildings. It is so rude, because it can hurt other innocent people. I am all for getting rid of it on campus.
  • I hate smoking and I hope it is banned indefinatly as soon as possible.
  • I hate smoking so Im all for non-smoking on campus grounds!
  • I hate smoking. Go smoke-free.
  • I hate the smell of cigarette smoke and students smoking right next to the door. I also realize that if the current smoking rules were followed, students wouldn't be smoking next to the door. I think you should simply enforce the current rules more and increase the penalty. If NMU went smoke free I wouldn't complain.
  • I hate the smell of smoke and it's damaging to everyone's health who has to walk through or by it to get to class. It's unfair to the non-smokers to have to put their health in question when all they want to do is go to class and learn!
  • I hate to breathe the air when I walk by them. I always have to hold my breath. Smoking is disgusting, and is entirely bad for you.
  • I hate walking around campus and being stuck behind someone who is smoking because then I am forced to either hold my breath or breathe their smoke. I also hate that I cant open the windows to my apartment in the summer because I am near the main entrance and the smoke of people outside blows into my room. I think if we didn't go smoke free it would be a good idea to at least put some smoking shelters around campus away from the doors of buildings.
  • I hate walking behind or next to smoker because it is very windy normally and the smoke blows in my face
  • I hate walking down the sidewalk and having smoke blowin in my face or walking out of our buildings and walking through a wall of smoke.
  • I hate walking in or out of a campus building into the path of smokers huddled around the doorways!
  • I hate walking into a building through a cloud of smoke.
  • I hate walking into buildings and having to walk through the cloud of smoke given off by smokers. Also, during the winter, I have a hard time breathing in the cold due to asthma. When one adds on top of that constantly walking through clouds of smoke, it becomes even harder to breathe. A smoke free campus would cause my lungs to have a celebration!
  • I hate walking on my way to class and being forced to smell and inhale second hand smoke. People are adversely affecting my health and I can't do much about it. I like the idea of the campus being smoke free, except for maybe designated 'smoke shelters'. I think it should be a strictly enforced policy. It will also keep the campus looking nicer, there won't be cigarette butts everywhere.
  • i hate walking outside from a class, eating, or from the dorm and smell the odor of cigarette smoke. i think this would greatly benefit the campus.
  • I HATE walking through a cloud of smoke every morning to get to my classes.
  • I hate walking through clouds of smoke to get into the building. I also don't like smelling like it, when I'm not even the one who is smoking!
  • I hate walking through smoke when I walk into a building, because smokers are inconsiderate and don't stand the required 30 feet from the door. I think a smoke-free campus will make going to class much more enjoyable for non-smokers like me, and encourage those smokers who don't want to go through hoops just to smoke try to quit. Two of my grandparents died from cancer caused by smoking, so I am a strong supporter of anything that promotes being smoke-free.
  • I hate walking to class and having someone in front of me light a cigarette, forcing me to breathe in their smoke. Same goes for the people that congregate around the entrances into the buildings.
  • I hate walking to class behind smokers. I also don't like the crowd of smokers around doorways because when entering a building the last breath of fresh air you get is polluted by smoke.
  • I hate walking up to class and having someone's smoke blowing in my face.
  • I have a allergy to cigarette smoke and this would greatly approve my health!
  • I have a friend who is dying from emphysema- of course, it is because she smokes. My mom has COPD from smoking for 40 years. I am against it and I view the concept of NMU going smoke-free as a means of helping to promote the health of the student body.
  • I have a heart condition and i hate walking out of buildings and being surrounded by smokers. I am sick of smokers ignoring the signs on the doors about being a certain distance way and then it not being enforced. If NMU went smoke free it would defiantly bring up the class of the the university its self
  • I have a question about how you would enforce this new ban? The University, in my opinion, is already not strictly enforcing the "30 foot" rule for smoking around buildings. Also, I'm concerned that the costs of, potential, increased enforcement of these new rules will reflect on tuition costs. How is the University considering paying for these costs, if not from the student body?
  • I have always been very sensitive to the smell of smoke. When I was visiting the colleges I was choosing betwen, one allowed smoking in certain buildings. When on the campus tour, we visited one of these buildings, after being in it for less than 5 minutes, I could barely breathe. Less than a week later I had a severe sinus infection. Needless to say I chose Northern, and a lot of my decision was based on the fact that it did not allow smoking in the buildings and I believe making Northern a smoking campus would greatly enhance the campus community's health.
  • I have always understood that the safety and well-being of NMU students is the University's top priority. No matter how we look at it, smoking kills. GO SMOKE FREE!
  • I have asthma and I am tired of walking through a cloud of smoke every time I have to walk in or out of a building. It is not healthy for me and is frustrating. Also, the campus looks disgusting with cigarette butts all over the ground because the smokers can't even throw their butts in the trash can.
  • I have asthma and I find the smoking on campus really repulsive. I do think that it would be nice to have designated smoking areas to be courteous to current smokers.
  • I have asthma and smoke triggers attacks for me so going smoke free would be a definite advantage!
  • I have asthma, and being around anyone smoking affects my breathing. I believe making NMU smoke-free would make the campus environment a lot cleaner for everyone.
  • I have asthma, and cigarette smoke is a big trigger for that. I am also pregnant, and I don't feel that myself and my baby should be subject to another's decision to kill themselves. If smoking had no affect on other people, it wouldn't be an issue, but it only has large negative affects. Therefore, I should not have to be subject to breathing in toxins everytime I walk into a building, because people right now aren't honoring the 30 foot rule and they never will.
  • I have been a nonsmoker for almost 4 years now, I don't think that smoking should be completly banned from campus, I think it will affect someones decison on attending this school especially if they have to live on campus and if the smoking remains only outdoors I dont really see how it bothers anyone
  • I have been here at Northern for four years and have had many problems with smokers. I have worked in Housing & Residence Life for three of the four years and it seems like a never ending battle because of the "lack of enforcement" on the thirty feet rule. There are multiple universities that are smoke free and doing well with the rule. I do not think Northern would be affected negatively by a "smoke free campus" just as it has shown no change with the "dry campus" rule.
  • I have been sitting in class before (in Jamrich), and had the smell of smoke come into the classroom. This was very unpleasant for me, as I used to be a smoker and have chosen to quit this bad habit. I don't believe anyone should have to smell this while in class, or walking to class. If smoke shelters are an option, that would be a positive choice for all of the non-smokers, because at least no one would have to smell it. The campus being COMPLETELY smoke free, I believe, would be the best option!
  • I have experienced smoking shelters at other universities, they are a constant source of litter and simply lead to people smoking whever they want as time passes. The university spends far too much money on landscaping and maintenance to erect cancer huts that are ugly, smell, and are surrounded by butts. Please dont half ass this one, either eliminate smoking on campus, or carry on as we are now.
  • I have had to deal with smokers on campus throughout my college career. They don't stay as far away as they should from campus buildings and I hate following behind them when walking to campus. Why should I have to suffer because they chose to be a smoker?
  • I have never been a smoker. I know people who are and realize that they want the freedom of choice as to where they can smoke, but with all we know today about the horrible affects of smoking it seems logical to go smoke free. I hate the smell of smoke and seeing as how i chose not to smoke i hate when i am subjected to it against my will. I am fully supportive of a push for a smoke free campus.
  • I have never been a smoker; this is my fourth year at NMU and I never noticed a smoking problem on campus. I do see people smoking outside of the buildings but it really has no affect on me. I think that if you banned smoking, NMU would see a decline in potential students. I feels its the individuals choice whether or not they want to smoke and if they are doing it in a manner that is not negatively hurting anyone why take it away. You would deter students from coming; and with countless universities out there they would chose one that would allow them some freedom to smoke.
  • I have never seen the "Smoke at least 30 feet away from the doors" rule enforced and that concerns me. If the university can't enforce the current rules about smoking, how can I expect the university to enforce a new policy, which is even more strict than the current rules in effect?
  • I have never smoked, but I don't condemn those who do. As long as they are out of general public range, I have no problem with smoking. It is just not an activity that should take place in public except by those who wish to involve themselves by choice.
  • I have never smoked, nor do I now. I am not fond of cigarette smoke. Nonetheless, I am completely opposed to this type of control. The odor of people who don't bathe regularly is far more offensive to me. We should not allow this trend to reduce our personal freedoms. Who will be next?
  • I have not been bothered by smokers on the NMU campus. However, I feel going smoke free is a positive goal for the campus to work towards.
  • I have not found the smokers to be that bothersome. They can usually be avoided without much effort.
  • I have quit smoking but my vigor for the rights of smokers could not be stronger. It is understandable that non smokers do not want smokers to be near the entrances, etc., but it is intolerant to ban smoking altogether. Do not let the example set by some cities and even entire states guide your decisions; just because one group does it doesn't make it right, as we all know. If this college truly heralds tolerance then give smokers a place to smoke. An indoor facility with air cleaners would be more than sufficient; a room set aside specifically for smokers. Any non smokers need only avoid the room. If an indoor solution is unsuitable, there is no reason that a detached structure of some sort could not be constructed. Heed my warning, those who smoke and are truly addicted will only find new and more creative ways to smoke inside the dorms if you make it fine-able offense to smoke on campus.
  • I have to say that the smokers that come from Marquette General Hospital because they're smoke free is disgusting. I'm so tired of having smoke blown at my face. I don't mind smoking on campus but smoking in pedestrian/public areas is getting real old. I also think if smoking continues to be allowed, the University should purchase more cigarette butts depositories.
  • I have VERY mild asthma, in fact it is almost never a problem--except when I have to walk to class behind a smoker. It makes me choke, hack, and cough for up to an hour afterwards, even if I am breathing in the smoke for only a few minutes. If I even get a whiff of cigarette smoke, I usually walk faster or even run to get in front of the smoker in front of me, as I just can not breathe well. I am very strongly in support of going smoke-free because although most people don't have asthma on campus, second-hand smoke is a major health problem and it is unavoidable if people have to breathe it in while going to class.
  • I haven't smoked for several years, and I don't like second handsmoke--but students should be allowed to smoke outside, away from building entrance and in private cars with windows rolled down. Yes, smoking shelters are good, if they are not trashed.
  • I honestly believe that on paper there is nothing wrong with the current campus smoking policy. The problem lies with the fact that it is not enforced. If public saftey actually wrote tickets (just like the parking tickets they are so good at giving) I think there would be less of a problem. I am all for smoking shelters, all of the smokers I have talked to about this topic agree that it is an excellent compromise. The main reason they don't want to go thirty feet away from the doors is because there is no shelter from the wind/snow. Also I believe moving the butt disposal boxes thirty feet away from the door (not directly next to the door as they are now) would help the situation. People will be more willing to go thirty feet away from the door if they have to go there to dispose of their butts anyway.
  • I hope that if smoking shelters were put in that they would not be in a place where students walking to and from class would pass by and inhale a ton of second hand smoke. I know that there have been many times when I was caught walking to class behind a smoker and having to inhale the smoke because I could not pass the smoker. I would greatly support a smoke free campus!
  • I hope that NMU can become smoke free by 2010. I grew up with second hand smoke my whole life, and I thought I was getting away from it. There is a 30' limit for smoking away from buildings. When I go outside of buildings in cold weather, I am overcome by a smoke filled exit. If you are going to place a 30' smoking ban, ENFORCE IT!!!!! I have yet to see one ticket get written to a smoker for smoking too close to a building. Please take my comments seriously. Thank you for selecting me for this survey. I hope it helps with the cause.
  • I just don't want the people that do smoke think that they have to change schools or quit smoking because of the campus policy. If there is some way to make the smoking boxing I think that it would work out well, but that doesn't mean they will automately stop smoking when they are walking to and from class.
  • I Just dont like them smoking by the doors.
  • I just find that if smokers were more considerate of non smokers, such as leaving their butts on the ground, smoking near doorways and smoking on the way to class where it is impossible to avoid breathing it in, I would not feel so strongly about the issue.
  • I just want to get the smokers away from the doorways. You have to walk right through their smoke and I do not want to be forced to breathe in second-hand smoke.
  • I just want to say I know there a lot of people who smoke on campus.....but I also know that Marquette is one of the first cities to go smoke free in public buildings such as resturants and even bars now.....It would be nice for a cleaner enviorment such as less cig. butts laying around and less smoke blowing in your face when you enter or leave the residence halls....that is one problem I see with smoking as of now....I dont mind of people smoke...its just better if there was a certin area to do it in...meaning away from building including the residence halls.....
  • I know it is a difficutly decision if campus should be smoke-free or not but it isn't just the smokers that will be affected by the final decision. You have to think about those that are affected by the smoke when they walk by the smokers.
  • I know smoking is bad for people's health and I'm grateful that there is no smoking inside public buildings. However, people still have the right to smoke and to ban smoking on a public campus where people pay a lot of money to attend is taking away their personal liberties. So as much as I don't like smoking, I still don't think it would be right to ban it completely. People should be allowed to smoke outdoors.
  • I know that it is perfectly acceptable for NMU to be a smoke-free campus and I love that NMU might be smoke-free. Hospitals, schools/universities, and other institutions have gone smoke-free, and although people complain, I think it's for the best. How will this be regulated though? Even now I see smokers right next to the doors of the buildings, clearly violating the 30 foot rule. Are there any ideas of how to monitor smoking? Maybe having "undercover" Public Safety people on duty. They could be dressed like a regular student, but approach smokers in a friendly fashion and ask them what their name is (write it down) and then announce that they're violating new University rules and report them. But will something like that even work? I think that smoking shelters is a stupid idea--why should money be used (something new built) for a group of people's bad habits? There are more important ways to use our money on campus. If smoking shelters are built, I definitely won't be seen anywhere near them, if I can avoid it. My concern is that students and faculty will drive off-campus to smoke (rather than walk). Since I advocate strongly for a green campus, I love the idea of being smoke-free, but hate the idea that extra driving is a possibility.
  • I like the fact that NMU is thinking about being a smoke-free campus.
  • I like the idea most of all because it would eliminate the cigarette butts that are littered around the building. Last year a friend and I raked around Hunt Hall (in the spring) to help dispose of them, it was disgusting how many people don't use the "outside ash bins".
  • I like the idea of a smoke free campus because I don't enjoy walking out of buildings into a cloud of smoke all day long. I also don't think that telling people they can't smoke in their vehicles it a good idea either. I think you could make just a few designated smoking areas on campus (not smoking shelters though) and really enforce that people use only these areas or issue them tickets or put something in the student handbook about it that would allow you to write up those people who didn't listen.
  • I like the idea of a smoke free campus but it is understandable that it is hard to accomplish. I would be nice just to walk to class without having to walk behind every smoker on campus. also the entry ways in to VA always smell of stale smoke. It is awaful. So the smokers hut is also a great idea.
  • I like the idea of a smoke free campus, but about private cars: I vote against the idea of people being able to smoke in their cars only if the windows are up because it is even worse to smoke in a closed in area with no ventilation. Also, I'm not a smoker so a smoke free campus would not affect me, but I'm thinking about smokers. I hate it, can't stand the smell of it, but smokers shouldn't be banned. Perhaps we should work on stricter enforcement of the 30 foot rule first. I believe that would be more fair.
  • I like the idea of banning smoking on campus all together, but I know that lots of other people wouldn't, therefore it seems a little unlikely. Even if smoking was banned except for a few small smoking "shelters," that would be a grave improvement and I support this 100%.
  • I like the idea of having designated areas for smokers only. I used to smoke and have chosen to quit on my own over a year ago. I would like to see areas right in front of the doors smoke free..it stinks and is not good for our health.
  • I like the idea of keeping smokers away from the doorways to the buildings.
  • I like the idea of seperate shelters for smoking. I don't think there would have to be many of them. Students are moving from place to place all day and would come across one if they needed to smoke.
  • I like the idea of smoke-free all together, but the idea of shelters for smokers seems like a good idea too. Even though I won't be here in 2010, I would be glad to know I made an influence to change the policy.
  • I like the idea of the smoking shelters, my father works for an energy company and they went smoke free except for certain areas that were marked off with cones, at least a shelter will keep the smokers warmer and dry. I feel that there may be many negative comments about this idea but I believe that if there were plenty shelters built and it was enforced to smoke in these the rest of campus would be able to breath easier.
  • I like the idea to ban smoking on campus, but we can't just abandon smokers. NMU should offer smokers education and options to help them quit. NMU also needs to do a better job of enforcing the current 30 foot rule.
  • I like the U.P. of michigan for its fresh air, and when walking on campus, all you smell during your walk is usually Cigarette Smoke. It's disgusting.
  • I live in the on-campus apartments and I find it extremely rude when other residents step outside the door and smoke. When my window is open my apartment eventually is filled with the smell of smoke. Not very pleasant for me.
  • I live on the first floor next to a door. Smokers constantly smoke right outside the door and it blows into my window.
  • I live on the third floor of Halverson and when my window is open I sometimes smell smoke like with someone smoking right outside the doors. If there was no smoking on campus this wouldn't be happening at all
  • I live upstairs of an oncampus apartment, the people that live downstairs from me smoke in there apartment. The smoke comes up into our apartment from under the sinks. I dont think that I should have to smell there smoke in my apartment, there for I think the camus should be smoke free.
  • I love the idea of a smoke-free campus. My only fear is that this will harm enrollment. If this seems like it would be a problem, I would like to see smoking shelters. Right now the 30 feet away from buildings is not enforced. I often avoid certain doors so I don't have to walk through the smoke. But I still end up smelling it all the way up the stairwell in the dorms, and even in my room when my window is open. A smoking shelter is a clear spot for smokers, and smokers do not have to estimate where to stand if they follow the rule at all. If shelters are built, I would like to see tickets being given out to people smoking elsewhere. The money from the tickets could then be used to go towards the cost of the shelters. At the very least the 30 ft. rule needs to be enforced and tickets need to be handed out to those who do not stand back 30 ft. I applaud the University for looking into this issue.
  • I love the idea of NMU being a smoke-free campus, but I don't think it would be such a problem if the rules we already have in place were enforced. Smokers routinely smoke within the no-smoking zone, because they know they won't be reprimanded for doing so. Whatever is decided upon needs to be fully enforced.
  • I love the idea of NMU going smoke free (even in closed cars) but I have a problem with the idea of the campus regulating what I can and can't do in my car. Seems like the beginnings of a police state.
  • I love the smoke Free initiative going across the nation in bars and places of work: However it would be nice if smokers would just choose not to smoke on there own since they are ingesting a poison. But since 2nd Hand smoke is also a killer, those of us who choose to keep as healthy as body as possible are now affected and should not be in a public place and have to tolerate another person's bad choice. I think that if you are going to do it - go the " cold turkey" route. Smoke Free starting Fall semester 2008, or this summer. Don't progress, rip the band aid off.
  • I may not only be speaking for myself but for others. But i know when i am around people who smoke it is hard for me to breathe.
  • I often have to take my baby with me when I am running errands around campus. I find it disgusting that she has to breathe in that smoke when people are smoking right outside the buildings. Making NMU a smoke-free campus would be beneficial to everyone, even those not attending.
  • I only see smoking a problem when people smoke right as they are walking out the doors in jamrich and such, they should have to stand farther away from the building.
  • I personally believe that a lot of people would be happy to see northern go completely smoke-free. It would keep students more healthy. Students wouldn't have to worry about avoiding the smoke when entering buildings on campus.
  • I personally believe that it would be a waste of time and money to try to make NMU a smoke-free campus. I don't believe it would even make a dent in making people stop smoking on campus. They will do it anyway. They will break the rules, just like the consumption of alcohol on campus. Also, if they are really addicted and not willing to quit for themselves, they are not going to care about the university. Smoking is an individuals choice, don't make it for them. One thing that I feel NMU should do for the smokers is to purchase and set up cigerette trash bins. I don't support smoking. I have had two VERY close family members pass away in 2007 because of lung cancer. But, making NMU smoke-free is just going to stir up angery thoughts and probably even cause a loss in the number of enrolled students.
  • I personally do not care either way, but you have to think...we already make "them" stand outside in -20 degree weather isn't that enough punishment for being a smoker?
  • I personally do not mind if student choose to smoke on campus. NMU is very supportive with situations in the dorms, offering tobacco free halls. I would however like to see smokers obey the rule that says they must be 30 feet from a doorway. I often see people standing within 5 feet of a doorway smoking. I honestly believe that should be grounds for a ticket from public saftey (even if its only 2$).
  • I personally do not smoke, however I have friends who do. These "smoke houses" would cost the campus too much money and would be an inconvenience to those people who have to constantly walk to and from their dorms to reach them. The most the campus should do is better enforce the 30ft from buildings smoking restriction. It's one thing to help non-smokers by preventing second-hand smoke, it's quite another to tread on the rights of smokers.
  • I personally do not support smoking, and would like to be able to walk into a building without having to walk through a cloud of smoke from the various people outside smoking. I have also noticed that many people do not take advantage of the ashtrays outside, and there are always cigarette butts on the ground.
  • I personally feel that something needs to be done about the smoking problem before 2010. This issue needs to be resolved ASAP! I feel that outside of Jamrich; the building where I have the majority of my classes (as well as most students). I cannot walk into or out of the building without walking into a could of smoke. I feel that people generally ignore the situation to avoid confrontation and there needs to be some sort of penalty for breaking the 30 foot rule that already in place. If the 30 foot rule was followed by everyone on campus there would be no need to go completely smoke free!
  • I personally hate having to walk through a doorway on campus and be required to hold my breath to refrain from inhaling the smoke of fellow students and/or staff. Though signs are posted, I have never seen anyone smoking more than 30 feet away from the doorway. I also hate seeing cigarette butts littering the campus, especially near residence halls. I think that NMU going smoke-free would be an enormously positive action and would benefit all students and staff equally. Smoking is dangerous to not only those who participate but also innocent bystanders and passerby as well. I am sincerely glad that NMU is considering a smoke-free campus and hope that it finds enough support to carry though.
  • I personally hate walking past smokers when entering buildings at NMU. I feel that a non-smoker, such as myself, should not have to walk through a cloud of smoke and then smell like smoke when entering a classroom! There is a reason I don't smoke and as a result I should not have to be constantly exposed to something that I choose not to do. By NMU going smoke free or partially smoke free, such as allowing smoking in closed vehicles or providing shelters well away from the main walk-ways, it demonstrates how NMU is concerned about the safely of their students and the environment we are exposed to. I am proud to attend NMU knowing that the school is striving to improve the lives and environment for all of their students. The change will be difficult, but it can be done.
  • I personally hate walking to classes behind a smoker because not only are they exercising their right to smoke, but they are making the choice for me as i walk behind them breathing in the second hand smoke. I don't mind if people smoke, but they should do it where it doesn't btoher those who have made the choice not to!
  • I personally have never smoked and never will. The smell of smoke has always annoyed me. As much as I think there should be no smoking on campus, I think there should be designated areas for them to smoke. I do not support smoking, but I also know that going without a cigarette can be difficult for smokers for long periods of time. I'm glad we are considering a smoke-free campus, it shows a lot of concern for the student and staff!
  • I personally love the idea of no smoking at the university. However, I feel that it could prevent others from coming here and negatively impact enrollment.
  • I personally think it would be great to have the campus smoke free because even though building doors say no smoking within so many feet, people are still rude enough to still smoke right outside the door. And as someone who is allergic to cigarette smoke, I would see this as a great move to make. The only side I'm unsure of, is how to prevent people from continuing to smoke on campus. How would they be stopped and how would they be punished?
  • I personally think that additional regulations against smoking are unnecessary. Occasionally, I smell a whiff of tobacco when I am outside, but it is never a very strong odor. I think that smoking shelters are a good idea, but simply designating a location as a smoking area would be more cost effective. Still, I am not bothered by the level of smoking on campus, and I don't think it is a problem worth spending money on.
  • I personally would see a smoke-free campus at NMU as a good thing. However, I know that the number of smokers on campus is a significant figure and in my opinion a smoke-free campus would probably anger many people and deture some from coming/remaining here. I think stricter enforcement of the 30 feet rule would be great, and maybe harsher penalties for disregarding this policy.. but some of the other measures seem a little extreme to me. Lastly, the smoking shelters seem unnecessary and probably costly.
  • I previously attended Delta College, and they recently went to a completely tobacco free campus, and every one of the students that was addressed about the issue was very supportive about it, and I believe that NMU students will be the same way. I don't think it's right that people should be exposed to smokers if they don't want to be.
  • I purpose that fast food be eliminated from campus because it is more of a health concern than smoking.
  • I quit smoking about 8 months ago and i think its just not right to make campus a smoke free enviroment
  • I quit smoking over a year ago and I would love to see tobacco companies go under. However, I don't think it would be right to keep people from smoking in their own vehicles, or out in parking lots. I do support doing away with smoking elsewhere on campus and I do not like the idea of smoking shelters. More people will quit if they are forced to stand out in an unprotected parking lot to smoke in the dead of winter. It certainly played a part in my decision to quit. Smoking near school buildings needs to end right now! It stinks. Thank you.
  • I realize that smoking is a freedom expressed by those who choose to do so, but it is also something that is very harmful to the people that surround them. The worst feeling one can have is, while walking across campus to get to class, getting stuck behind a slow-walking smoker and having their disgusting cigarette smoke clouding around you. I have found myself on numerous occasions literally holding my breath while walking behind a smoker as to not breathe in their second hand smoke. I do not want anything like that in my lungs, and I know there are a great amount of people that feel the same way. Northern Michigan University has a beautiful campus, but with all the smokers throwing their butts about has a declining effect on the natural beauty we here possess. We should work to make Northern Michigan University a little more natural and put a ban on on-campus smoking. And if there is someone who can’t stand to go a few hours or so without a cigarette, then I would assume that is something that person as an individual needs to work on, and let the rest of us keep our health.
  • I realize this is a emotionally tense issue, but I would like to point out that I have yet to hear a factually based argument about why we should NOT go smoke-free? I appreciate the extensive consideration going into this issue from Dr. Wong and ASNMU, but at some point, we just have to act to make NMU a place where we can all grow in a healthier environment. I do feel as though the phasing in option poses too many 'I didn't know I couldn't smoke here' issues and could only further agitate the problem.
  • I really don't like it when I walk out of a building into a cloud of smoke. Plus I am sick of seeing all of the butts from the cigarettes all over the ground. I could see making some sort of shelter for people to smoke as some sort of temporary improvement, as long as there was adequate places for the disposal of litter. I would,however, long term like to see NMU as a smoke-free campus.
  • I really don't mind the smoking. I have gotten used to it quite a lot. I think that the no smoking within a 30 foot range from all doors rule needs to be more enforced but with all honesty I don't have a problem with the smoking at all.
  • I really feel that the government shouldn't have the right to ban or restrict smoking in an open place where it doesn't harm others, and as Northern is a government funded public school I don't believe that it is right to ban smoking on campus. Banning it will only cause more trouble and cost money to enforce if done.
  • I really hate getting caught walking behind someone with a cigarette, as I'm allergic to the smoke. I would love having a smoke-free campus.
  • i really hate the smell of smoke and it can give me a headache really quickly.
  • I really hope we can end the smoking on campus. Or atleast really enforce the rule of 30 feet from the buildings, because I see people everyday people are next to the doorway and when you walk in you breath in that somke...considerd 2nd Hand smoke. Please do all that you can to end this!!
  • I really like the smoking shelter idea, I hate when I am going in to jamrich and people are smoking right by the door.
  • I really support having designated "smoking" areas that us non-smokers would not have be around if we chose not to.
  • I really support NMU going smoke free. I am a non smoker and I do not enjoy being bombarded by clouds of smoke when I walk near a building. This morning I was walking towards my class, against the wind, and apparently the guy in front of me was smoking because I got a face full of smoke as I was walking to class. I did not enjoy this, and I never enjoy when that same type of thing happens. I would be very happy if NMU went completely smoke free.
  • I really think that NMU could focus their efforts on more productive issues. I have been more distracted by students using cell phones on campus than by students who smoke outside and/or in their cars. However, I would support NMU placing proper disposals for cigarette butts outside entrances. Thank you for your time.
  • I really think that there should be smoking shelters in which that would be the only spot you can smoke. I don't like the smoking, but I also have respect for those who have been able to smoke in the past, so I think a complete removal of it is a little harsh. However, if a phase out plan was used, I would be supportive of that because that way we could see what people's reactions are to the changes on a more gradual and more "fixable" level. In general though, I am pretty neutral on the matter, however, I can not stand the ineffective policies that are currently in place that do not clearly define the "30 feet" rule. Smokers can stay, but we have to find a way to get them AWAY FROM THE DOORS.
  • I really think this is going to turn a lot of people away from NMU. I'm not a smoker so it wouldn't directly affect me, but at the same time it seems like the university would lose a lot of money because no smoker in their right mind is going to want to come live on a smoke-free campus.
  • I recently quit smoking, and feel it would be ridiculous to make students smoke off campus. You are doing this for all the wrong reasons i assume since you were not telling us the reasons. Peace
  • i recently quit smoking, but i think people should be able to smoke outside when they want to, and i know that smoking between classes is nice. i think the smoking shelters idea is a good one for giving people a designated, and maybe even warmer, place to smoke where they wont be bothering other people. bothering nonsmokers should be your main concern, because policies like that arent going to stop anyone from smoking.
  • I recently quit smoking. I think the rules should be enforced better about students remaining 30 feet away but I don't think that smokers should be treated like second-class citizens. Maybe some cessation programs and support groups would be a good idea.
  • I say go smoke free. Its the way to be!! I'll will support the transition in anyway I can. Good luck on this all.
  • I see no need to build smoking shelters and add extra expense which could go to more worthwhile sources. If students want to smoke, they should go off-campus.
  • I see nothing positive about keeping the campus smoker-friendly.
  • I see smoking shelters as a possibility but realistically I am not sure if all smokers would use them. The rule now is that smokers must remain a certain distance away from buildings but they do not follow a rule as simple as that so why would it be expected that they would stay at an even greater distance. If smoking shelters are implimented I think a system of fines would have to be considered as well. If there are no consequences for not following the rules then rules are ineffective.
  • I see this becoming a problem with a lot of the students and faculty because I see a lot of smokers at NMU.
  • I smell and here smokers outside my window nearly every night. I think it would be great to ban smoking entirely. Even if shelters were built I do not think that it would change the situation.
  • I smoked for about 6 months while here at NMU. Although I have quit smoking, I think that it is not right for NMU to be entirely smoke free, including all outdoors and private vehicles. I believe it is a person's own right to choose whether or not to smoke, and since there is no smoking inside buildings on campus, it does not interfere with those who choose not to smoke. I think that smoke shelters would help with dealing with complaints of those who choose not to smoke but hate walking by smokers entering buildings, considering the smokers stand close to the buildings due to wanting to have protection from the elements in this winter climate. I believe that since cigarette smoking, much like alcohol, is legal for those of a certain age in our country, it should not be a choice that is decided by anyone other than the person themselves. Students residing on campus who are over 21 and live in either Spooner Hall or any of the on-campus apartments are allowed to possess alcohol without problems, and I feel that as long as someone is over the age of 18 and is in an area outdoors or in their private vehicle that they should also be able to smoke, as long as they are in an area where they are not interfering with non-smokers.
  • I smoked last year when I first came to Northern, and I believe that the people who are smokers deserve to have the right to smoke if they want to. I don't believe it is fair to ban smoking even though it is a bad habit and bad for the environment.
  • i strongly disagree with going smoke-free due to the fact half of the campus smokes as well as it would possibly affect people not to attend northern.
  • I strongly disagree with the way the rules are now. How can chewing tobacco be against school policy, but it is ok for students and faculty to smoke? If the campus goes entirely smoke free, then it makes sense to prohibit the use of all tobacco. Smoking being allowable and chewing tobacco being prohibited is in no way fair and should be changed.
  • I strongly dislike having to walk by people constantly who are smoking.
  • i strongly support NMU becoming a smoke free campus. It is our right to remain smoke free and students standing outside doorways smoking when nonsmokers walk by are taking away that right. Everytime I walk out a door I breathe in smoke and I do not appreciate it.
  • I strongly support NMU going smoke free! Second hand smoke kills. It is also really annoying and gross.
  • I strongly support NMU going smoke free. I was shocked by the amount of smoking on campus.
  • I strongly support the idea of going completely smoke free with the exception of private vehicles with the windows up. I see it as encouraging those who smoke to continue to build special "shelters" for them to smoke in no matter how far away they are from buildings. Building shelters for them is enabling smokers to continue to do so and contradicts the efforts trying to be made here. I think it is unneccessary to make the smoking ban a graduated thing. If I came to campus next year and there were signs about the new policy and the disposal cans were gone that would be wonderful. By dragging it out over several years we are putting more time, money and effort than is needed. If the university decides to ban smoking on campus then get rid of it and don't delay. We would be chewing up resources for an issue that has been decided on if the ban was on a graduated system.
  • I strongly support the initiative as long as students are allowed to smoke in a shelter or their vehicle. As a non-smoker who is somewhat sensitive to smoke, I would appreciate the fact that it would keep people from smoking just outside windows and doors, or in front of me on the sidewalk. However, given the very physical nature of nicotine addictions, I feel it would be downright cruel to students who do smoke to be denied a cigarette even in their own cars. I also feel that the shelters are a great compromise that would better serve the smoking population without being a burden or problem for the non-smoking population. Thank you for your time.
  • I support a smoke-free campus. However, what people do in their private vehicles is not something that NMU should police. A smoking ban would stop people from smoking by doorways which would be a positive.
  • I support all of NMU's ideas of making the campus smoke free, however my thought is that it may be difficult to enforce, I mean, now smokers aren't allowed closer than 30ft from the buildings and I walk out of a door and there is a mob of smokers. Making the campus smoke free would be a wonderful idea if it will be enforced.
  • I support going smoke-free completely.
  • I support NMU being smoke-free, but saying people can't close themselves up in a private vehicle is pretty extreme. Regardless, I don't support smoking. As for the shelters, I don't see a need for me to spend money that I really don't have to fund something to help a negative decision they're making. Fund raisers can be held if people really want them. Although I do suspect that those shelters will end up looking dirty like the Wildcat Express one does (the windows on that appear to be dirty.) They may possibly be targets for vandalism as well. If NMU wants to promote itself as drug-free, then eliminating smoking is a step in the right direction. It's known among students that some people smoke things other than tobacco products around where tobacco smokers stand. Eliminating these smoking places also eliminates those places for drug usage. One other note I'd like to make is that if smokers would continue tossing their finished cigarettes out into the grass & onto the sidewalk or parking lot, then it is acceptable to eliminate it altogether. Seeing all the used cigarettes like we do now is not aesthetically pleasing or enjoyable.
  • I support the campus being smoke-free, but I believe that smoking in a personal vehicle should be a decision that is made by the owner of that vehicle.
  • I support the policy as it is except that enforcement of keeping smokers away from doors has not effectively been enforced. I don't expect that NMU will make an effective plan regarding smoking shelters.
  • i support the smoke free campus but i believe you are taking it to far with non smoking in parking lots and private vehicles...thats not right. i want a smoke free campus but not to those lengths...just not on main campus or in front of the doors.
  • I think a big object that influences students to smoke directly outside of buildings is in reference to how near to the building the butt holders are kept. At the dorms, they are on the building, on campus they are in front of the doors. If these things were kept further away, people wouldn't be overwhelmed with the smell of smoke the moment the door is opened. For having 'no smoking within 15 feet of building' rules, this should have been observed much earlier.
  • I think a smoke-free campus is an excellent idea. Even when students abide by the "30 ft from door" rule, it is still unpleasant to walk through clouds of smoke throughout campus. Perhaps workshops on healthier livestyles could be offered, to help those that smoke deal with the smoke free environment on campus. Assistance with quitting smoking would be an excellent resource as well.
  • I think as a public University it is important to go smoke free. Not only is it important because its "northern naturally" but other students have to suffer, because "smokers" have the privalege of smoking on campus. Espesially in the on campus apartments i think that they should be smoke free NOW. There is no way to keep the smoke from a neighbors room from completely infecting the surrounding appartments. Especially, as a person with allergies to cigarette smoke.Iit is important that if they have an option to smoke, i should have an option of living in a married housing unit with no smoke, especially when it adversly affects my health, and ability to efficiently study and do work. I should be able to sleep and study and live comfortably in my own home, which i am currently unable to do. Just because my neighbor smokes doesn't mean I should have to, and that is exactly what I am doing now....otherwise, i advise that the university provide the nececary adaptations to completely make rooms smoke tight, or be willing to pay for doctors bills for those who are allergic to the cigarette smoke.
  • I think banning smoking from cars in the parking lot might be excessive. I just want the people away from the door ways, so shelters would be a great.
  • i think banning smoking from NMU is a very bad idea. People have the right to chose if they want to smoke, and taking that right away from them at this age is not right. we're adults, and should be able to do what we want within reason.
  • I think completely banning smoking on NMU campus takes a real whack at the first amendment.
  • I think first off the policy or rule should be better regulated by the outside of buildings. The 30 foot area, no one ever follows and no one ever enforces. Start with that first.
  • I think getting the campus smoke free would be a nice addition but i think it would take many years to achieve. best of luck
  • I think going completely smoke free is a great choice. No matter where on campus smoking is allowed, non-smokers still have to deal with walking behind smokers, walking through a cloud of smoke, or sitting next to someone who reeks of smoke. I'm very sensitive to the smell and asking smokers to take their habits off campus may seem extreme but overall is best for the campus.
  • I think going completely smoke-free is the way to go. I hate walking to class behind a group of smokers; it makes it harder to breath and I don't want those chemicals going into my body.
  • I think going for a smoke free campus is a great idea and I hope it works.
  • I think going smoke free is a great idea however I'm not sure how you could patrol the smokers and where they're smoking. However I think that the academic mall should at least be smoke-free
  • I think going smoke free is a great idea! However, I think it would be appropriate to accompany the idea with some assistance for current smokers to quit. Make it a positive thing for smokers also.
  • I think going smoke free is a great idea. I am very irritated when I walk into a building and the 30 foot rule is never enforced and I have to walk through clouds of smoke to get to class. Or when I am stuck walking behind someone who is smoking, simply because we are walking to the same dorm/ parking lot. We are here to learn, and shouldn't have to deal with the effects of 2nd hand smoke. I realize there will be students and faculty that would be upset about this policy, but seriously.... is smoking more important than your job or education?! If anyhting, Northern would be doing many people a favor and saving many lives.
  • I think going smoke free is important, this isn't a choice issue anymore; this is a health issue.
  • I think going smoke free will make the campus grounds less messy. I would be in favor of smoking area's around campus, such as shelters. For on campus living, maybe have one or two buildings that are designated smoking apartments only. For the dorms, keep them smokefree and maybe put a shelter in a courtyard. Meyland Hall has implamented that certain building entrances are smoke-free. It seems to have worked.
  • I think going smoke free would be a great addition to northern. The slogan is "northern naturally." It could only enhance the reputation of Northern and the smokers would have to pollute their lungs on some other campus.
  • I think going smoke free would be very tough and it would be met with a very high amount of resistance, but, in my opinion, it would benefit the college community by not alienating the non-smokers and also by encouraging the smokers to quit. Good luck!
  • I think going smoke-free is a great idea. There are so many reasons this would better our campus. We are suppose to be 'Northern Naturally'. It isnt natural to see all these smokers who really dont respect those who are non-smokers. They smoke too close to the building when they should be 30 ft. away, they dont care if it gets blown in your face. I wouldnt mind if private cars were okay to smoke because that is their property, you really cant take that from them. I am hopeful that you will get alot of supprot on going smoke-free!
  • I think going to a smoke-free campus would be a good idea. Especially since some people may be allergic to cigerette or cigar smoke.
  • i think having it smoke free everywhere except parking lots and cars is acceptable. I think having a gradual shift to smoke free is not a good idea. it wouldnt be hard for people if you just say NO SMOKING. It hurts that person's life as well as others. You dont need to wait until 2010 what you can start next year. i also do not think people need shelter from the cold. im sorry, they decided to have this habit (one that kills) we should not promote it by giving them a shelter. I agree about the wildcat shuttle ones, but not ones for smoking. that doesnt look very appealing for people touring campus.
  • I think having little smoking shelters is a great idea...will keep the smokers away from the doors to Jamrich and other buildings (for example). I don't think it's completely fair to people who smoke to not even let them smoke in their closed vehicles though.
  • I think if Northern went completely smoke free it would be discriminating against all smokers. It leads me to think what is Northern going to next??? Ban my favorite kind of pop because pop isn't healthy for me, or tell me how much or how little toilet paper I can use?? I think that it would be terrible for Northern to become a smoke free campus. As a non-smoker, I honestly don't feel that this is in the best interest for Northern. I only say this because Northern would probably loose a large amount of their students.
  • I think if our campus enforced the rules already in place, maybe this wouldn't be an issue. Smokers are suppose to stay away from all entrances, but they don't. And they know they won't get in trouble for it, so maybe if public safetly spent less time writing useless parking tickets all day, everyday, and made an effort to enforce the smoking rules (staying a certain distance away from the door.)
  • I think if this a goes through a lot of people would leave the campus, but also bring in others. It's annoying when smokers don't follow the 30 feet rule. I hate walking through clouds of smoke to go into any building. I think designated areas would be best. The only problem with the designated areas is that they will be treated the same as the 30 feet rule. I think if the smokers are forced to follow the rules it would be better than going completely smoke free. I do have friends that smoke and I know they would leave if the campus went completely smoke free.
  • I think if you want to smoke you should be allowed as long as you don't bother other people. If that mean we have to build a smokers booth to keep everyone happy when it will be worth it.
  • I think is a great idea. Second-hand smoke has a really huge effect on people. Some people are allerigic to cigarette smoke. Many smokers are not courteous of others.
  • I think it comes down to personal choice. I choose not to smoke but I am not going to tell others not to and really if they are smoking outside of a doorway it effects my life for all of 2 seconds. If they want to smoke i suppose that they can.
  • I think it is a fantastic idea to go smoke free. I am a non-smoker and I am fed up with walking to class through all of the people smoking in the doorways and then smelling like I do smoke. It is gross and I do not feel like getting lung cancer just because people are too lazy to walk 15 feet away from the door. Maybe if everyone was not so inconsiderate about those of us who don't want to smell like an ashtray, it wouldn't be a big deal. However, most people are inconsiderate, so something needs to change. SMOKE-FREE ALL THE WAY!
  • I think it is a good idea and could be a way to help many students quit smoking however I feel as if there wouldn't be a real way to enforce it. Right now the rule is you cannot smoke within 30 feet of a building but they do it right in front of the doorways anyway with no real punishment. At Cedar Point where I worked this summer they made it a smoke-free park for the first time this summer. As employees we were supposed to ask the guests to quit smoking. It lasted for about a week before we were tired of stopping every three people for smoking even though there were signs all over the place, it was on the tickets, and in the brochures. I think the same thing will happen if we try it here at Northern. There will be no one around to "punish" people for smoking, if there is someone around they will get annoyed with stopping every three people, or there will be a big rally where every smoker against the new rule will gather in the Academic Mall and smoke to make a statement. Like I said, if it happnes great, if not, it's not that big of a deal. You can avoid people smoking on the sidewalks, next to the buildings it's kind of hard but if your so against smoking that you can't walk through a couple of people smoking in front a building you shouldn't be allowed in public.
  • I think it is a great idea for NMU to be smoke-free. While people have the right to smoke, I have a right to not have to breathe in smoke on the way to class or anywhere else on campus. Seeing that smoking is a health threat and not just a nuisance, I see no reason why NMU shouldn't be smoke-free.
  • I think it is a great idea for NMU to go smoke-free. Sure, there will be some backlash initially. There always is when people are accustomed to something. Being smoke-free will make it more pleasant to walk in and out of places like Jamrich, since there will no longer be a cloud of smoke to struggle past. Also, I think many prospective students will see it as a positive, and it may even make them more likely to come to NMU.
  • I think it is a great idea for NMU to go smoke-free. The health consequences for both smokers and non-smokers who are subject to breathing in second-hand smoke is not worth a few complaints for those who smoke. NMU would be more prestigous if it banned smoking for the greater good, rather than allowing it. I think there will be an abundant amount of support for NMU's decision to go smoke-free, and perhaps it will ultimately give those who smoke a reason to think about quitting.
  • I think it is a great idea! I would love to see a smoke free campus as soon as possible
  • I think it is a great idea, but you are going to have a lot of pissed off smokers.
  • I think it is a great idea. I won't have to smell other people's smoke when I go into a building. And maybe it'll help people smoke less or quit.
  • I think it is a great idea. Sitting next to someone in class who just came in from smoking can be distracting because it smells and bothers me. Walking past people smoking at the doors is disgusting to me. I think it is a GREAT idea!
  • I think it is good to make an effort to be completly smoke-free, but in reality I dont think it would happen. Especially not the no smoking in private vehicles.
  • I think it is gross that you can not walk into or out of a building without walking through a cloud of smoke from people.
  • I think it is import that our campus becomes smoke free. I don't think i should have to be subject to the inhalation of the smoke. Not just for my health but for the people who do smoke, letting them know that its not well for them. Having to deal with lung cancer up close, I don't want anyone to go through what I had to go through the death of my father with lung cancer.
  • I think it is important to at least go smoke free in the on-campus apartments.
  • I think it is only a matter of time before this will be the standard. It would be good for NMU to be recognized as one of the first, not one of the last to do something good for student health.
  • I think it is ridiculous that NMU is wasting their time and money on such a pointless issue. Smokers do not effect anyone, and if someone feels the need to complain about this issue than they should probably avoid public places as a whole.
  • I think it is ridiculous to impose any smoking ordinances outdoors. To do so is infringing on peoples rights, and the people who it supposedly bothers should really find something better to worry about. This shouldn't even be an issue. People should be able to smoke outdoors: Get over it!
  • I think it is ridiculous to try to enforce such matters especially in vehicles and no one wants to smoke in a car with the windows up. I am an occasional smoker, i don't smoke on campus and do not see the problem, it seems to be that smoke travels in buildings. smoking shelters are a good idea because it is so cold they would need to be in strategic locations but enforcement of their use would be difficult.
  • I think it is very disgusting to walk to class and not be able to breathe as I walk through the doors. Or to have someone sit next to you in class who smells like smoke because 2 minutes before they were just out smoking. Even to walk out of West hall (or anyother) and see the cigarette butts on top of the garbage cans...that just makes us as a school look unhealthy. For the health of the students...please put in the no smoking...I won't even be here in 2010 but I would still like to see that is action for the future students who are to go here.
  • I think it is very rude to smoke on campus, especially when someone has classes in the McClintock building because as soon as you go out the doors there are tons of people out there smoking and non smokers should not be subjected to that.
  • I think it may be better to help smokers with a place to smoke, rather than not letting them smoke on campus at all. I really think that would upset alot of people.
  • I think it should be a gradual process. Take one place away at a time. One section here and there. I would be concerned, as unfortunate as it is, that students would not enroll here because of the inability to smoke. A gradual process won't seem so harsh. But, I really like the idea.
  • I think it should be very ones right to smoke just like it is to read a book or any thing else i am personally a non smoker i dont enjoy cigarette smoke but if there out side and away from buildings why does it relly matter that much i always walk buy smokers nad it doesnt bother me. thats there decision dont make it yours..
  • I think it should not be smoke free
  • I think it sucks that I have to breathe in smoke every time I walk to my classes. I live off campus and will pass at least five people smoking where ever I walk on campus. I can only imagine what those people who live on campus have to go through. I am an avid runner and athlete and although I am not constantly exposed to the toxins of smoking, I do not appreciate being forced to inhale them on a daily basis. Smokers also clog up the doorways outside of Jamrich in between every class and are very inconsiderate of those who are just trying to get to class. I believe it is unfair to force non-smokers to be a part of such a toxic and unhealthy lifestyle choice.
  • I think it would be a good idea to get rid of people smoking right next too the buildings.
  • I think it would be a good plan and I would enjoy it being a non-smoker, but having a smoke free campus would probably ruin the enrollment for this college.
  • I think it would be a great idea for the campus to be smoke free. I was in one of the classes that was effected with the smokers outside of Jamrich.
  • I think it would be a great improvement if NMU became smoke free. It is not fair to non-smokers to have to breathe in second hand smoke walking to and from class. Thank you for taking this into consideration!
  • i think it would be a problem trying to keep COLLEGE kids from smoking wherever they want
  • I think it would be an extremely beneficial decision for NMU to adopt a smoke free policy. We are at a time in society where even bars are prohibiting smoking. It's odd that an institution of higher learning such as NMU has yet to adopt a similar policy. However, I think that if NMU were to prohibit smoking in private vehicles, with the windows up, it would be overstepping their boundaries.
  • I think it would be fine if parking lots and private vehicles were not a part of the policy.
  • I think it would be great because I hate walking through huge smoke clouds to get to class!!!!!! Also just walking behing people on the way to class.
  • I think it would be hard to inforce!
  • i think it would be nice for it to be smoke free just because i get tired of walking to and from class breathing in cigarette smoke everyday. i also think it's retarded all the people who just stand right by the doors puffin away. it just becomes really annoying. also the butts laying around all over. i just think it looks bad for parents and kids who wanna come here. they'll get the wrong impression and it reflects poorly on NMU when all they see everyone smoking and butts scattered everywhere.
  • I think it would cause a lot of problems for the school if it were to ban smoking on campus altogether. There needs to be a median somewhere. I believe that smoking shelters would probably be the best median. And telling people they can't smoke in their cars is a little ridiculous. I also think that if this whole school went smoke-free, there wouldn't be as many people coming to this school.
  • I think it would not be appropriate have smoking shacks because that would confine the smoke to a small area, and once people come out of it the smoke will all escape and pollute the air. But I would rather there be smoke shacks and it be smoke-free than the way it is now. I am allergic to smoke and drives me crazy when I cannot even walk in a door.
  • I think it wouldn't be fare to build smoking structures with the non-smokers' money. I think banning smoking in restaurants made since and I think banning it in other public places like NMU makes sense too. At one of the forums a person said that smoking was his stress relief. Another said snowmobiling was his. The smoker told the snowmobiler all he had to do was go off campus and find a trail. I think the same concept could apply to the smoker... go off campus to smoke.
  • I think it's a gread idea that NMU becomes a smoke-free campus. I hate walking through a group of smokers on my way to class or the library.
  • I think it's going too far to say that people can't smoke at all on campus. I think it's nice when people don't smoke right outside doorways but at the same time it is a much better place to smoke if there's a place to put the butts than far from a building and then throwing all of the butts on the ground. There needs to be a middle ground with this subject because it will turn prospective students away from NMU if they smoke a lot and don't have plans of quitting. I did have asthma as a kid and that does put the whole health issue spin on things. If it could be done in a place where people don't need to be, say between entrances etc. that would be good because people can avoid the smoke for the most part. Thanks for the opportunity to give some input.
  • I think it's great that NMU is taking an interest in the health of their students. As a future heath care professional, I commend NMU's effors.
  • I think it's great that Northern is concidering going smoke free, I hope it is a success.
  • I think it's OK right now just some enforcement of the 30 feet rule so that I'm not walking into a building through a billow of smoke.
  • I think it's wrong to change to smoke free. Just leave it like it is.
  • I think it's wrong to control tobacco use amongst legal adults. I think that if NMU is going to enforce something, perhaps it ought to be the federal law about asbestos. This sudden war against smokers is disgusting. Society today is bent on blaming cigarettes for everything. Almost everything we consume is cancer causing. Diet soda causes cancer, are we going to ban that, too? The lack of logic is appalling. The school has no right to boot smoking, and I don't know what it hopes to accomplish by doing so.
  • I think its a good idea for the general health of the student campus.
  • I think its fine if people are smoking outside, I just don't wanna smell it inside.
  • I think its great that nmu is trying to tackle this issue. It would be awesome to walk to class without haveing to deal with all the smoke. On the other hand I think NMU would be turning away a ton of intellegent people by making a smoking ban. All in all i would say that the smoking stations would be better fix to the problem because this way other student know were to go to smoke and the students that don't want to smell it know were to avoid.
  • I think lifestyle choices deserve to be respected. While we cannot punish smokers for theirs, I also believe we shouldn't punish nonsmokers who have to walk through a haze of smoke to enter a building. Smoking shelters are a great idea to lessen this.
  • I think makeing NMU a smoke free campus would violate individuals rights. Also I dont think it would be possible to inforce this rule people would probably just smoke in dorm rooms potentialy causeing greater problems.
  • I think making NMU a smoke free place is a GREAT idea but it wll be hard and you have to take into the count of Marquette. MI should be like IL and become a smoke free state but all states can't be like the great state IL. Make NMU a smoke free school but do thing about this because it will effect students enrollment.
  • I think making NMU a smoke-free campuse is an excellent idea! Not only does it promote health but it would get rid of all of the cigarette butts that litter the area around building doorways. If NMU becomes a smoke-free campus I would commend them! I hope this happens while I am at NMU!
  • I think many smokers would not like the idea of a smoke free campus, but it wouldn't be such an issue if they would just follow the simple rules already in place. It's only an issue for me because I have to walk through clouds of smoke to get into campus buildings. They should not be smoking that close to the building anyway. I feel that if these rules cannot be enforced, how will a smoke free campus be enforced?
  • I think NMU going smoke free is a great idea. I, like many of my friends, find it irksome when trudging up the hill from Spalding to the academic mall, dodging the billows of smoke from others every so many feet. Its not very plesent in the mornings expecting to get fresh air that'll help wake you up but instead getting a mouthful of second hand smoke. I hope this becomes a reality. Thank you.
  • I think NMU should become a smoke-free campus as soon as possible. Smoking is a disgusting habit and leads to further health complications. Smoking should be looked down upon.
  • I think NMU should become smoke free, I find it very annoying walking to class with someone if front of me smoking and having to walk in their smoke. It is also irritating when I have to walk through a big cloud of smoke just to get to my classroom.
  • I think NMU should go completely smoke free, but see no reason do to it gradually. I would suggest next fall as a date to make it smoke free!! I don't think allowing smoking in cars with the windows closed is a good idea, because no one smokes in their car with the windows closed. I don't think that smoking shelters would do a whole lot, because not everyone would go to them, just like no one stands 30 feet from the doors. And I'm sure I would still be able to smell the smoke walking to and from my dorm. I am allergic to smoke, and strongly suggest that NMU go smoke free!!
  • I think NMU should just prohibit smoking. It bothers me when I can smell cigarettes on the way to class. There is already a 30 ft. rule, but nobody listens to it. Smokers stand right by the door and it makes me feel awkward walking by them on my way into the building. During the fall, people would smoke right outside my room, so my room smelled like smoke. Smoking is a drug and should be treated more like any other drug on campus.
  • I think NMU should NOT be smoke free...Second hand smoke isnt a problem either, at least not for me. Being outside the smoke just blows away. I dont see how taking away people's right to smoke on campus is going to help anyone.
  • I think NMU should try and become smoke free sooner than 2010 if possible. It really isn't that great walking behind someone who is smoking on your way to class, when your a non-smoker.
  • I think NMU should try to enforce the policies they already have. Instead of putting blocks around the buildings to keep smokers away which makes it harder to get to the buildings. Could NMU have issued tickets to smokes that broke the rule and smoked too close to the building.
  • i think people should be able to smoke outside, not next to the door by if they are by the side of the building it dosent effect anyone else. "smoking shelters" would be an extreme waste of money for people who smoke, what do people who dont get out of it? smoking relaxes people and i would rather see someone smoke outside and be comfortable in class that have them not be able to smoke and be irritable.
  • I think rather than making it smoke free there should be clear set boundaries, strategically placed garbage cans, and just basically really enforcing the rules that are already in place.
  • I think seeing smoking booths on campus would tarnish the beautiful "natural" campus that we already have. I don't think we should have to accomodate smokers in this way. If a student really needs a cigarette they should have to smoke on their own time off of campus. Although if smoking booths are the only way to compromise, it would be better than having to walk through a cloud of smoke on my way into a building, which happens often when people smoke right outside the entrance ways. Also, I think if NMU could offer quit-smoking classes/support groups that would be great.
  • I think smoker's should be allowed to smoke on campus especially during night classes that tend to run three or more hours. Students often have a cigarette during a break in these long classes.
  • i think smokers have the right to smoke. smoking shelters would definitely solve the problem, yes they're expensive, but that way people would not complain about such and such for invading their air space. i'm not a smoker, but many friends i know smoke, and it's their time to relax, it's a stress-reliever for them, it's just not right to go smoke-free, yes it'd be healthier in some cases. but i think they have a right to smoke if they want to.
  • I think smoking has slowly become a huge problem within the students. So many are now smoking and smoking a pack or more a day! Its gross and as a friend of someone who smokes way to much, it makes me sad to think of what it's doing to them! Also, for those who don't smoke and for those trying to honestly quit, it's rude!
  • I think smoking is a nasty habit. Although everyone has the right to do as they choose when it comes to there own health,it affects my health when I have to walk by the smoke and breath it in just to get into a building. NMU should for sure go SMOKE FREE
  • I think smoking is a very disgusting habit. I am severly allergic to cigarette smoke, this will make life much easier. I have to hold my breath when people are smoking, especially when they are standing by the doors.
  • I think smoking is disgusting and I shouldn't have to be subjected to it. Smokers smoking within 30 feet of buildings should be heavily fined, and the 30-foot rule needs better enforcement.
  • I think smoking is something that is an individual choice. We are all adults here and if someone wants to smoke outside they can. What is the negative effect of smokers? The doorways smell a little funny when the wind blows right? I don't even smoke anymore but non-smoking campus would really cause a lot of trouble. It seems like it would be very hard to enforce and pretty much pointless to stop someone from smoking outside or in their own car.
  • I think smoking on campus wouldn't be such a big deal if smokers followed the guidelines set. Since they cannot seem to do this, going smoke-free is a great idea. It's unhealthy for everyone else around them to breath in the smoke and there are people like me who are actually allergic to cigarette smoke and others whose asthma it affects.
  • I think smoking shelters are a great idea. I wouldn't have a problem with smokers if I didn't have to walk behind them to class or walk through a cloud of smoke any time I enter or leave a building. Plus, when they stand by windows and doors in the summer, I can smell the smoke in my apartment!
  • I think smoking should be away from doors in a shelter. I hate walking by smokers and seeing the butts on the ground.
  • I think students have the right to make their own choices about life. The vast majority of students here are legally adults and should be treated as such. Taking away the right to smoke outside is encroaching on our rights as students. If you ban smoking on campus, you might as well ban thinking and free choice too. This is discrimination against a large portion of students and teachers. Banning smoking indoors is reasonable and a solution that I think works just fine. Prohibiting students from smoking inside their own cars is like something out of 1984. I'll be graduating soon and I'm so strongly against this proposed policy, that if it is passed, I will not be making donations as an alumnus.
  • I think students should be able to smoke in the parking lots away from the buildings but not near the buildings.
  • I think that a ban on smoking would be a very positive thing for this college to put into place. Walking to class behind a smoker and being around that is not a positive. But then again, because of NMU being a public university I can understand the difficulties that are associated with this type of action. I hope that it can be put into place and I will strongly support any actions that are taken to ensure that this happens.
  • I think that a campus wide smoke free environment is too extreme; the best solution would be designated smoking corridors or shelters.
  • I think that a no smoking approach is a great one, as I am not a smoker. But, for those who are it may cause a negative reaction. For the people who do not want to smoke it would make a great place for them to do it with no peer pressure. I do not live on campus and I am not a smoker, but I do think it looks distasteful to see a smoker, smoking in front of West Science. Ick!
  • I think that a partially smoke free campus would be nice. I just find it annoying when walking to class and smokers are walking ahead of me, exhaling smoke that blows back into my face. I believe if campus goes completely smoke free, we'll have a lot of angry students/staff. A gradual decrease in places where people can smoke would be ideal...but 2010 seems a bit early.
  • I think that a smoke free campus would be awesome. I believe that there is nothing more disgusting than walking past someone blowing smoke in your face, or having to smell the disgusting butt-boxes outside of the doors
  • I think that a smoking area outside of the dorms would be a very good idea, because smokers smoke right outside the doors during bad weather. because they do this, smoke often filters into the lobby doors and windows in the sun rooms.
  • I think that all buildings should be smoke free, but in for no reason should we try to make outside a smoke free envirement.
  • I think that becoming smoke free is the most ridiculous thing a PUBLIC University could ever do. That would be the equivalent of stopping sex in the dorms because it offends some people. Both goals are not only impossible to achieve affectively, but are also impractical. It leads to more surveillance of the campus, and more imposing on citizens' rights. The right to pursue happiness? Does this mean nothing anymore? You will be pleasing non smoker complainers, but infuriating the thousands of smokers. Perhaps it is better to chose the lesser of evils: Angry (but annoying) complainers? or angry nicotine addicts going through withdrawal.
  • I think that better enforcement of the current smoking rules (i.e. smoking 30 feet from te building) would be a better solution at this point. If current measures are not being enforced, how can it be a realistic goal to be smoke free, even by 2010? I don't enjoy the second and smoke any more than the rest of the non-smokers, but students who do smoke have rights too. Smoking in their private vehicle would be their choice, windows up or down, and attempting to remove that choice is a violation of their legal right to smoke.
  • I think that disallowing smoking on campus infringes on the rights of students and faculty. The shelter idea may help with the issue of having smokers within 30 feet of doorways, however I personally do not care if smoking takes place right outside of doorways. I am not a smoker and never have been one, but I am concerned with my rights and the rights of other students and faculty.
  • I think that even with the cost, the smoking shelters are a good alternative. We don't want to be *hostile* towards smokers, we just don't want to die from their habit. This way, we can walk out of a building without holding our breaths.
  • I think that going a smoke free campus is a great idea. Allowing people to smoke in their cars with the windows up would be a good compromise for the people on campus that do smoke and are addicted to smoking.
  • I think that going smoke free is a great idea. I hate having to walk into a class room, which i have to smell the smoke for 50 minutes. I also hate having to walk through smoke because of the smokers NOT following the 30 feet rule.
  • I think that going smoke free is a great idea. It would be a little hard to manage smoking while walking to class because of limited law/rule inforcement officers. Banning smoking in a person's private vehicle is a moot point. It would be like banning a specific radio station they play in their vehicle. In their vehicle it's their own property.
  • I think that going smoke-free is very good idea. The fact that people smoke right outside the building and on the way to class is one of the only things that I dislike about this campus.
  • I think that having shelters would help with smokers a lot. If smokers are forbidden to smoke on campus then so should be chewing tobacco because its basically the same thing as smoking and is disgusting to see while in class.
  • I think that if Northern Michigan University was a smoke free campus when I was making my decision on which University to attend, I would NOT have picked NMU. I think that it is taking away from the rights of students and also not allowing students to express who they are, do what they want, and feel comfortable at NMU. Smoking is legal if you are over the age of 18. Everyone knows that. If someone makes the decision to smoke, and it is legal, they should not be discriminated against. Making NMU a smoke free campus is a horrible idea. It should remain the way it is now!
  • I think that if people want to smoke we should let them smoke. I think it is ridiculous that the exterior campus would be smoke free when it is a public area.
  • I think that if there was a smoking ban the enrollment would decrease. Also if there were "smoking shelters" I dont think it would be enforced good enough.
  • I think that if you do have smoking shelters that you should heat them in the winter because it is very cold and sufficient seating and ventilation.
  • I think that if you provide certain area's for smokers and provide opportunities for students to quit smoking you'll be more successfully thank just trying to keep students from not smoking on campus at all.
  • i think that if your going to do this you will have to let sophomers move out of dorms, or you will loose alot of your students that come here
  • I think that in theory the smoking shelters are a great idea, but right now there is a 30 foot limit outside buildings which smokers are supposed to adhere to, and they don't, so I don't see them utilizing smoking shelters either.
  • I think that it is a great idea to go smoke-free on campus. I have asthma triggered by smoke, and there is nothing more obnoxious than someone blowing smoke back into my face while I'm walking to class. It's also very irritating when people smoke too close to the building, and they all do, especially in winter. I think that it could also really help those that are trying to quit. The less that they are exposed to it, the more it could help curb the cravings.
  • I think that it is unfair to those students who do smoke to make this campus entirely smoke-free
  • i think that it is wrong to make smoking banned, we should just enforce the rule about smoking 30 feet from a building, so non smokers don't have to inhale that junk.
  • I think that It should become smoke free before 2010
  • I think that it would a huge advantage to have a smoke free campus, i can barely get to class without smelling like smoke and its horrible, having quit smoking, being around smokers constantly is a constant temptation. I get very disgusted by smokers and i feel like it distracts me from my school work by not being able to get anywhere in peace.
  • I think that it would be a spectacular idea!
  • I think that it would be great of NMU had a smoke-free campus. I personally HATE smoking and I hate that I can smell it when they smoke outside my window. If NMU became a smoke-free campus, I would enjoy it much more.
  • I think that it would be wrong to take away smoking privledges...people smoke get over it...
  • I think that it's the peoples choice to smoke. I could hardly care less if people smoke. It just bothers me how people don't observe the 30 ft. rule. If NMU had smoking shelters it would make everything easier.
  • I think that just as it is a person's right to smoke, it is a person's right to not have to deal with smokers. I am definately in favor of keeping smoking away from all buildings and entrances becuase that is a location where everyon must be. It is a smoker's choice as well as a non-smoker's choice to be in a "smoking shelter." Therefore, smoking shelters located at a reasonable distance from entrances would be fine. Smoking should be absolutely prohibited near any entrances... for example: In class thismorning, people were smoking near an entrance and you could very easily smell the smoke in the classroom. This is extremely distracing and bothering. Thanks
  • I think that making campus smoke free is an excellent idea but what would the consequences be, if any, if someone were to smoke on campus since the "30ft. rule" is not enforced. I do find it to be quite disgusting to have to walk through a cloud of smoke when walking to class. However, I do not believe that personal vehicles should be included in the policy since those vehicles belong to students.
  • I think that making NMU a smoke free campus doesn't make sense! Can we really tell people where to smoke or whether they can smoke outside or not? We already don't have smoking in the buildings, and I think that that is enough! One of my biggest pet peeves is listening to non-smokers complain about smokers and I think that if it is such a big deal, then maybe the non-smokers should go to a non-smoking school and maybe the smokers should complain about the non-smokers!!!
  • I think that making NMU completely smoke-free, including parking lots and private vehicles is QUITE extreme. I am very much against smoking, have never had a cigarette in my life, and I still think this is quite harsh. I have even written research papers on smoking and second-hand smoke. And I get very irritated if I have to walk through a cloud of cigarette smoke to get into a building but I still am against this total ban. Most of the people on Northern's campus are adults. Smoking isn't illegal, and I really don't care if someone smokes in their car - that's their decision. I also wouldn't care if people smoked in the parking lots. I also would be in support of smoking shelters away from doorways. Smokers and cigarettes will probably never go away, even though people know the health risks involved, but I still think that making NMU completely smoke-free is too the extreme. I think there are plenty of other options!!! Another thought I had, is how are we going to monitor this? Smokers are supposed to already be standing 30 feet away from doorways - this rarely happens!! Almost every door I walk through, I have to walk through a cloud of smoke. Why would this ban change anything if nothing is being done about people not obeying the 30 foot rule?
  • I think that NMU becoming a smoke free campus would be wonderful. The stipulations of not smoking 30 feet from entrances is not even followed by some professors. If they can not follow this one simple request/rule, why should they keep their "privilege"? Ultimately, if they wish to sign their death certificate early, that does not mean that the rest of us should have to. If NMU, becomes a smoke free campus, we are not telling smokers that they can not smoke, but simply not forcing the rest of us to smoke.
  • I think that NMU should be smoke free because many people can't stand it when they are walking to class and there is smoke blowing in their face from the person in front of them. Not only that people do have breathing problems and that smoke doesn't help with it.
  • I think that NMU should be smoke-free.
  • I think that NMU's campus being smoke free would be good, but I do feel that being smoke-free should constitute making the parking lot and private cars under that policy. The major problem is when people smoke by doors to buildings. If they were smoking in their car or parking lot it's a big area, and if you really don't want to be subject to their smoke, you can avoid them in most instances. I feel that the smoking shelters would work good in the winter because it would protect them somewhat from the harsh elements of the winter, and would be possibly used a great deal then. However, I think that in the summer months most smokers wouldn't want to go to those shelters to smoke.
  • I think that non-smoking parking lots is a senseless idea. Since they are far away from any buildings, and they are big enough that a non-smoker doesn't have to walk right next to someone smoking, it would not make sense. Some smokers do not smoke in their vehicles, so asking them to smoke in them with the windows shut is intrusive. If you ban smoking from campus sidewalks, at least let them smoke in the parking lot beforehand.
  • I think that Northern should be a smoke-free environment because there are many students (me included) that don't appreciate having students smoking around us because we are allergic to the smoke. It's really unfortunate that those students have such little regard for others, but we should be able to walk out a door without having to walk through a cloud of smoke!
  • I think that on campus there should be no smoking at all. campus should be for learning others get affected by the smell and second hand smoke!
  • I think that one of the biggest issues is that people dont take into account the rules already in place about smoking near the buildings and there really is no incentive for them to do so because it isnt enforced.
  • I think that overall I would be supportive of having a smoke free campus. However I wonder what the secondary effects of having a smoke free campus would be. How would it be enforced is the biggest question and what costs would be entailed?
  • I think that people should have the right and freedom to smoke. My only concern is the fact that they do not dispose of their cigarette butts properly. IF the smokers are warned about disposing their butts and continue to just throw them on the ground, then I would feel comfortable seeing NMU deny them the ability to smoke on campus.
  • I think that placing a ban on smoking at a college hinders the natural process of growing up. Freedom of choice for everyone is very important. Throughout life we always have to learn to deal with things that are less than perfect for us. Non-smokers learning to deal with smokers is part of life. As a non-smoker i can just walk away from smokers and not have to deal with it if i dont want to. If a ban was placed upon smoking at NMU before any kind of state laws prohibiting public smoking were enacted then i would consider NMU to be a school that is not progressive to peoples rights. As a result of this i would never recommend anyone to attend NMU because it would be clear to me that they could learn more about people and life nearly anywhere else. What is next? Mandatory nametags? A school dresscode? Must we begin to keep our schedule with us at all times? A ban on smoking begins to sound like a move toward communism. You have my contempt.
  • I think that prohibiting smoking in private vehicles would be going too far. I would support allowing smoking ONLY in smoking shelters. If you allow them outside of a building, there would likely be a problem with cigarette butts left in the grass and on the sidewalk just outside the building entrances.
  • I think that smokers should be able to smoke in the parking lots if they wish. I do not, however, support them smoking near campus buildings or on the sidewalks leading to buildings.
  • I think that smokers will not stop smoking in places they should not unless there are repercussions. Ie a penalty, or fine if they are caught. I'm sick of seeing butts on the ground in the spring, and so I am pro getting rid of smoking on campus, but I do support having areas for smoking to be allowed ( not heated, but sheltered) heating, and a enclose space is too expensive due to filtering requirements.
  • I think that smoking any where on campus should be prohibited. I also think the the rules that are in place now should be enforced more than they are. People are supposed to be away from the buildings when they smoke but everyday I walk through a crowd of people smoking infront of the doors. I shouldnt have to breath in somones smoke because they are too lazy to go away from the building.
  • I think that smoking is disgusting and should have no part on the NMU properties. If people want to smoke they can do it on their own property.
  • i think that smoking is gross and very repulsive, but it is a personal choice. if nmu were to go smoke free im sure that you would lose alot of current students as well as perspective students.
  • I think that smoking shelters may be a good idea but would still require ventilation so you would still get the smell. you probably would have to do that though compensate for smokers because i see a lot of students smoking and you would probably lose a decent amount of enrollment
  • I think that smoking shelters would be a great idea. i know how smokers feel, and the only reason the majority stand by the walls of the buildings, is to keep away from the cold wind, and the fact that there are benches.
  • I think that smoking should be enforced not to smoke near any doorways. Other than that although I don't smoke I feel that it would take away from personal choice to smoke. As long as they are not smoking right next to someone then I feel that they should be able to do where they want as long as its outside.
  • I think that smoking would not be so bad if there were areas that they could go to smoke that would be away from the people that don't. I am not a big fan of smoking, but I don't think that the whole campus should be a non-smoking enviorment, i just think it should be regulated to perticular ares, so that it is fari to everyone. I do on the other hand think that smoking should not be anywhere near buildings or inside anywhere.
  • I think that spending money on outdoor shelters is just a band aid on the situation, forcing students to leave campus to smoke, or at least go to their car will help encourage then to stop. It will do no good to enable smokers. I think that NMU being smoke free is a good move and will show that we are thinking ahead and moving into the future, instead of holding to the past. I hope everything works out.
  • I think that student should be able to smoke on campus as long as it is out doors. Why should someone have to drive off campus to have a smoke. I don't think people should be discriminated like that. As long as it's not inside any of the buildings then it is usually not harming anyone else.
  • I think that students abuse their smoking priviledges by smoking directly outside of building entrances and leaving cigarette butts scattered around and trashing our beautiful campus.
  • I think that taking away the choice to smoke or not to definitely goes against the entire idea of America. Isn't this a free country? I don't smoke and even I have the respect to allow smokers to smoke OUTSIDE. If you take away this right..how much farther are you going to go to take away more of the students rights. I refuse to support having a smoke free campus. I think you will lose alot of money, alot of students, and definitely alot of support from people who actually care about living in a free country.
  • I think that telling someone they can't smoke on campus is very controling. I do not smoke but if I was told I can't on campus I would feel like NMU was trying to control my life. I am an adult so are my friends here at NMU. We have the right to smoke if we would like to. My friends don't stand next to the buildings. My friends throw away their cig butts. Also, how is NMU going to require freshman and sophmores to live on campus yet tell them they can't smoke on campus. I would be so angry if I was them. Something needs to be done about the smoking by doorways, but going smoke free is not the answer. Also, students are still going to smoke on campus if it goes smoke free people are just going to try to hide it. So by the dorms there will be girls hiding in corners and going out when it is dark. Is this really what we want? What if someone gets raped? I think this is a crazy idea and I am not supportive. Maybe NMU police or RA's should spend more time on campus asking people to step away from the building while smoking. Maybe there should be smoking rooms in the dorms or outside. I want a university that cares about their students not a university trying to control the lives of their students. Even though I am a nonsmoker I would not have attend NMU if they were controlling their students.
  • I think that the idea of going smoke free is FANTASTIC! Why should us non-smokers have to deal with the second-hand smoke of others. I believe that if they want to literally kill their insides, then they should have to do it on their own time away from a community area. I am allergic to smoke and when I come into contact with it, I end up having a terrible time getting through the day because of itchy eyes, sneezing, and troubles breathing. Believe me, it's not easy to concetrate in class when you are having to put up with all of that stuff.
  • I think that the idea of putting limits on smoking is a good idea. Smokers will complain about their right to smoke but what about my right to not breath in second hand smoke as I walk to class? And as far as banning smoking in cars, that is no different than states outlawing the use of cell phones while driving out of concerns for safety.
  • I think that the issue of smoking on campus is not as major an issue; the real thing that bothers most non-smokers is that in order to get to class we have to walk through the cloud of smoke that smokers create when they stand directly outside the doors to buildings. If there was more enfocment for the 30ft. rule that would help with non-smokers complaints.
  • I think that the majority of the NMU campus are smokers and that if NMU became a smoke free campus many people including some of the staff would be very upset. I am not a smoker myself but I do think that if NMU was a smoke free campus there would be a huge probability that many students would transfer to another school or move off campus.
  • I think that the smoking shelters are a GREAT idea. I do however disagree with controlling what people do outside on public grounds. If this were to be inacted I would view it as a socialist movement for the University. I would strongly consider transfering even though I am a non-smoker.
  • I think that there should be designated smoking areas not by the doors of the buildings. I don't like having to walk through a group of students smoking up a storm at 8 in the morning just to get to class, immediately the smoke makes me nauseas and the smell lingers on my clothes all day.
  • I think that there should be NO smoking in ANY university buildings. Specifically the on-campus apartments. It is disgusting walking into a smoke filled building.
  • I think that these rules should go into place as soon as possible. The smoker on campus have been lighting up whrever they feel like. They especially don't follow the 30 foot rule. I do not think that NMU should control what people do in their own private vehicles, it seems a bit to extreme. But I like the idea of building a smoker's shelter. I know some West Hall residents built a snow fort in the winter to protect them from the wind, and all of the smokers went out tere to smoke (it was also a good distance from the building). We should take the ashtrays off of the buildings. It encourages smokers to stay close to the building, but f we move them farther away, there is a good chance the smokers will too.
  • I think that this is a great idea... 100% in support. We know that smoking is a bad thing, it is completely detrimental to a persons health, and I think that it is completely consciencious to make the campus smoke-free.
  • I think that this is the best idea. I hate walking into a building and chocking because of the smoke.
  • I think that this pursuit for a smoke free campus is simply a response to the current popularity of the nation to persecute smokers.
  • I think that to make the campus smoke free would be an improvement to this university because many students cannot handle the effects of others smoke. Personally when I see that someone around is smoking I have to alter my path so that I won't walk through their smoke. I have asthma that reacts strongly to it and I can feel it in my eyes the rest of the day. Even with smoking shelters it is still allowing people to smoke and therefore people are more likely to break the rules and not smoke in the shelter. Also the shelters would cost money to put up and tuition would be a reasonable place to take this money from but I don't want my tuition going to something that I am against.
  • I think that to segregate smokers to protect those of us who choose not to is one thing, but to completely take away their ability the entire time they are on campus is cruel and completely unfair. This would negatively affect the lives of students, as well as, I'm sure, several professors. Please don't believe you can tell students not to smoke. You will only force them to break an unenforceable rule.
  • I think that trying to regulate what students and faculty do in their private vehicles would not only be difficult to control but probably would be taking the smoking ban a little too far. As for a smoke-free campus, I would be hugely in favor of not walking to class behind someone who is blowing unfiltered smoke into my face. I would also love to be able to practice my instrument in TFA without worrying about the smokers exhaling near the intake vents for the building. I would be very much in support of a smoking ban.
  • I think that while the smoking shuttles are a good concept, the number of students who would actually use them is limited. As of right now, we have the rule about smoking within, what, 30 feet of the building? Hardly any smokers listen to that rule. They usually are right outside of the doors. Frankly, I am sick and tired of walking to class behind people who are smoking and having the smoke go right in my face. It's even worse when there are 4-5 people in a big group, smoking right outside of the doors you have to go into. I don't think smoking in public should be a right; if you want to kill your lungs with tar and tobacco and arsenic, then that's your prerogative, but please, stay away from mine.
  • I think that with the level of wind that NMU has, that smoking outside is pretty non effective, people that smoke outside that exhale the smoke, it travels upwards so fast that when I walk by I rarely smell second hand smoke, and the amount I do possibly inhale I feel is non threatening to my health. The smoking shelters are the best solution I believe to this problem.
  • i think that you could go and ban smoking from the campus, but there will be that one person who will light up a cigarette..public safety may have to be a part to make sure that no one lights up a cigarette...I don't think smokeless tobacco is a problem, however, as long as people don't spit it out on the floor.
  • I think the 30 feet policy should be followed thru with. Walking into a building and having to hold your breath through a huge cloud of smoke right outside the door isn't what I want to do. Private vehicles are private property, an individual can smoke all they want in there, but not "puffing" in my face. Thank you.
  • I think the best idea is the smoking shelters, but specifically near the dorms and campus apartments. This allows for residents of the campus a place to smoke, which will be essential for enrolment. This I think is very important with the freshman living requirements. I see no point in forbidding private vehicle smoking, and have seen only problems with it at hospital campuses. I am also strongly against people smoking around non-smokers, because it is harmful to people not wishing to smoke too. Also in the extreme cold environment, those with asthma are very affected by someone lighting up in front of them when walking to class.
  • I think the Campus should go smoke free on a certain date. Give the students several months notice and provide as much support for the smokers to quit smoking as possible. See if you can give them patches or gum free or at a discounted rate. Have heath professionals on hand to help them. Have support groups for smokers to stop smoking. I don't think it should be a gradual thing, but I think you should give plenty of warning and a HUGE amount of support to people who want to quit smoking. Most people want to ban smoking because it is very annoying walking out a door and getting a face of smoke (*very* annoying), and also because of the dangers of second hand smoke. But you should approach the situation as you are doing this to to help smokers quit because it isn't healthy for them. Thats what the campaign should concentrate on, making NMU students and faculty healthier, so smoking in private cars on campus or smoke shelters would give the image that you are making the campus smoke free because the smokers are just annoying.
  • I think the campus should go smoke-free. The smokers can take a break from killing themselves and others for a couple hours a day while getting an education.
  • I think the graduated smoke-free plan is bad. If you're going to go smoke free I think a date should be set and everyone should be alerted of that date far in advance.
  • I think the idea of a smoke free campus is wonderful!
  • I think the idea of becoming a smoke free campus would lead many future incoming students away. I like the idea, but I suppose the amount of students coming in would decrease.
  • i think the idea of smoking shelters is a good one and should be put into action.
  • I think the inner campus parts should be smoke-free. But the parking lots and private vehicles is going a little too far. Start small, then gradually build outward.
  • I think the main issue here is making sure smokers are far enough away from buildings. I know the rule is 30 feet, but there are no exact guidelines as to where 30 feet actually lie. I think there should be an obvious marker for where smokers will be allowed to stand.
  • I think the majority of campus should be smoke free such as making people stand away from the buildings when they smoke however not allowing them to smoke in the parking lots seems a bit extreme. From what i've seen smoking shelters dont really seem like they are that effective or that people actually want to use them
  • I think the only thing that needs to be done is to designate specific smoking areas, with out shelters. There is no need to make smokers too comfortable. Also, I think there should be more butt cans and more severe punishment for people litering their cigarette butts. If smokers want to smoke on campus they should be more considerate of others and follow a few simple rules of staying in a certain area and disposing of butts properly. If they cant follow these simple rules, then NMU should be smoke free!
  • I think the proposed ban is a great idea, as long as it's not taken too far. I am somewhat allergic to cigarette smoke, and I'm sure I'm not the only one with an allergy. Keeping the smoke away from the places everyone has to go, like near the doors will be a big help.
  • I think the smokers need to take it outside to 30 feet away from the doors. I cant tell you how many times ive been bothered by the smell of smoke just going to the bathroom or walking to the laundry room. I think if they want to smoke they need to leave campus or goto thier cars. Its not a big concept, we have been WAY too lenient (sp) on enforcing the rules. Its amazing how much 30 feet turns into 2 feet during the cold time... which is about 80% of marquettes weather.
  • i think the smoking shelters are an excellent idea.
  • I think the university should become a smoke-free campus.
  • I think the university should do everything it can to support healthy habits and decrease the ease of smoking on campus. However, I think that forcing people to quit only demonizes the activity and therefore makes it more attractive to some students. Smoking should not be allowed in areas where passers by would be impacted (but with a breeze and plenty of walking space it's not a problem anywhere). More importantly, there's more important things to be worried about than a smoking ban!
  • I think the university will lose a lot of new enrollments if they decide to go completely smoke free.
  • I think this is a huge issue, and I am glad it is finally being addressed. It's not fair that every day when I go to my classes I have to breathe in the smoke from other students- its disgusting and unhealthy. I would suggest to go as far as having select individuals (mainly Public Safety) monitor the university buildings for now, until this all possibly gets underway, just to cut back the smoke us non-smokers have to inhale while going to classes.
  • I think this is a very proactive concept to promote public and personal health on Campus and in the community! I wish this could have been proposed 4 years ago!
  • I think this is an excellent idea. However, I don't think it is possible to regulate that faculty, staff, and students cannot smoke in their own vehicles, simply because that is private property. Also, having 'smoking shelters' is most likely going to be just as bad as allowing smoking on campus.
  • I think this is an important subject for the matter that even the signs on the doors say stay 30 feet away when smoking and no body follows that rule. They were given a chance and a choice. If they can't follow it, privlages should be taken away. It shouldn't sacrifice the health of non-smokers.
  • I think this is hard stance to take, which will be followed by difficulty and pressure. I do however believe that for some individuals, having a smoke-free school would be a draw.
  • I think when the policy is adopted that it would go into effect withing 90 days making sure that everyone is forewarned
  • I think you should just enforce the rules of smoking away from the buildings. The only problem I have is when i'm sitting in class and the smoke starts coming into the room because they are smoking too close to the building.
  • I think you should just start ticketing the kids who smoke next to the no smoking with 30 feet signs...
  • I think, that by going smoke free, we taking a step to better our environment and the health of the people in it. The litter of cigerette butts on campus is outrageous. The level of health risks related to smokers and the effect it has second hand on people should be enough reason to have this new policy go through relatively quickly. Also, smokers usually don't want to smoke, but since they are addicted they can't gelp it. With this new policy we could have Quitting support groups and stuff that can sell to replace the addiction. (like patches or pills to help them quit.) Other bussinesses and facilities have already become smoke free and the results have been possitive. Also, many people have to pay thier own health insureance for some time after or even before graduation and smokers have higher rates then non-smokers, so by helping them quit and making our campus smoke free we can help them in that aspect of life as well. So saving them money on the purchase of cigarettes, health insurance, are just some reasons why this will have a possitive affect on those who will have to change thier habit. Of course there will be those who choose not to change, but they will then be centering thier lives around when they can get off campus to smoke. But that is thier choice. I think our campus should be smoke free if not only to fit our slogan of "northern naturally", fresh air doesn't include a student or teacher clogging the campus with toxic smoke. Thank You!
  • i thnk it would be great.. a smoke free campus
  • I thought there was supposed to be a 30 feet policy, from buildings, but no one follows it, or enforces it. So I do believe that it will be very hard for NMU to become smoke-free. Who is going to enforce it?
  • I transfered a few years back from a college downstate and right away I noticed how in comparision NMU was a much cleaner campus (less cigarette remains on the sidewalks, etc.) which I saw as a big positive, so I feel this is an even bigger step in the right direction.
  • I truly believe that university students, being adults, should have the right to smoke. However, the problem is that this usually interferes with others who actively choose not to do so. I can't even count the number of times I have walked out of a building on campus and inhaled a lung-full of smoke from someone standing right outside. This, I believe, violates my right to choose to keep my body smoke free. Because of this dilemma, I strongly support the idea of having smoking shelters on campus that would keep these students away from others. Despite the cost, I firmly believe it is the best way to protect the rights and interests of all the students involved.
  • I understand and support no smoking near or in buildings and University vehicles and such, however I don't think it should be controlled away from buildings still on University property. Its a freedom of choice to smoke.
  • I understand not having smoking in front of main doorways but if its outside its not bugging anyone. The shelters are a good idea. I don't think it should ever be an issue if your smoking in a vehicle with the window open thats just plain stupid. This policy is dumb and i think it's a waste of university time to even focus on it. The President should have more pressing matters on his hands than some people smoking outside.
  • I understand smoke free by the doors and yes smoking shelters would be ok, but I am strongly against the idea of the parking lots being smoke free.
  • I understand the decision to make NMU a smoke-free campus but I don't NMU should take away a smoker's right to smoke in their personal, enclosed vehicle. This is their property and smoking in one's own car does not have any effect on non-smokers as long as they put the cigarette butts in the ash tray and not in the street.
  • I understand why this topic is up, but it's ridiculous. If people want to smoke, rules already say they have to be outside. If you make NMU smoke-free you will just be creating the problem of students gathering someplace off-campus to smoke.
  • I use to smoke, a ban on smoking wouldn't bother me but would make the campus a lot cleaner. Not having to walk through a wall of smoke to get into the dorms sounds nice.
  • I Used to be a smoker and i quit because i decided it was not right for me. If people want to smoke they have every right and the fact is if they are smoking outside it is not hurting anyone else, even if somone was to walk through it. Half of the kids that complain about people smoking on campus end up at the smokey bar on weekends anyways. This is just another way for new aged hippies to start controversy.
  • I used to smoke and chose to quit about a year ago. I find the most annoying thing concerning on campus smoking is when I climb the hill from the whitman parking to the mclintock building and people are smoking by the door - when i am trying to breathe fresh lungfuls of air due to my strain from climbing the hill in the freezing cold, I am greeted by another's choice to fill my lungs with cigarette smoke.
  • I used to smoke but quite due to personal medical reasons. I have a problem with all the people who want to take away the right for smokers to smoke on campus. I understand why some people would be against smoking but they do not have a right to take that away. For the people who complain about walking right into a cloud of smoke when they walk out of a building I can tell you first hand the reason why smokers do that is because of the weather. If the smoker stations were to be put in place I believe that this would be a good compromise for both parties. Personally, back when I was looking for a campus I think that forcing a smoke-free campus would be a turn-off for that school (even though I didn't start smoking till I came to college) because the university, in my mind, already rips most students off but shouldn't tell them where they can and cannot smoke. That is crossing a line with me and many other frustrated students who are sick of NMU's policies and the poor education most of us receive at NMU.
  • I used to smoke quite a bit and it was always a slap in the face for me not to be allowed to smoke in a place I spend time at every day. Many of my friends smoke and I think banning cigarettes on campus would make them go crazy. If someone doesnt like that a person is smoking next to them they can simply walk away. We already make the smokers go out in the cold, should we really make them walk across the street too?
  • I used to smoke, I don't anymore. As an ex smoker, I feel that there should be no problem for smokers to take their habbit either off campus, or to a "smoking shelter" provided for them. It should be priority for NMU to become smoke free, we need to set an example to other universities! In addition going smoke free is another step in going green!
  • I view this as being discrimination. I know that health related issues are exempt from being deemed discriminatory. But because there is already no building on campus that can be smoked in and the rule clearly states you must be 30 feet from the building before you smoke i believe this goes from a health issue to a case of discrimination.
  • I was a smoker before I came to NMU, and now I am a social smoker only (or when I really need one). Smoking may be a bad habbit; however, it's not up to you guys to say if we should smoke or not. I do think that there has to be enforced rules about smoking away from buildings. Example, I used to smoke right outside the doors of Magers and Public Safety would pass me. What did they do? They didn't even look at me. If you want to start somewhere, how about you start with the laws you already have, but enforcing them. I think that would be a fantastic place to start. Don't take away our rights as Americans just because people on your staff can't do their job an don't enforce these rules.
  • I was a smoker for 13 years until one day it made me literally sick. Just walking through an area where someone had just been smoking makes me ill, my own mom refuses to visit me because I banned smoking from my home for the fact I get sick when I smell cigarette smoke. I understand what it means to be a smoker, but I also understand what it feels like to be subject to that second hand smoke now and it would be wonderful if smoking was allowed in designated areas away from high traffic areas of campus! (the doorways especially) It's their right to smoke if they want, but not at the expense of my health either.
  • I was a smoker up until three motnhs ago. It would have been detrimental to my nerves, and therefore my concentration, if I hadn't been able to get my fix. I understand that it is gross and smelly, but until cigarettes are illegal I think it is a smoker's right to be able to smoke. I think most smokers would be happy to limit their smoking to designated areas
  • I was just wondering what this would mean about chewing tobacco. Would it be the same rules or would it be less?
  • I was once a smoker, so I know how it is to be one. I don't like the smell of it any more than anyone else. I think there should be designated areas for smokers and that it should be enforced that they can't smoke where other people have to walk by (such as on walkways or in front of doorways) The bottom line is, regardless of the rules, people are going to smoke cigarettes if they want to. We just need to find a way to control that a little more so other people do not need to suffer. We need to find a way in which everybody wins.
  • I was walking out of the jacobetti center today, and literally had to manuever myself through a crowd of smokers crowding the door,,, enough said.
  • I will admit, I have smoked a cigarette in my day, but by no means was I addicted. Yet, I have seen how powerful the addiction can be within my own family and understand how hard it is to quite. Although, with the education on smoking and its risk factors that is available to my generation and younger, I believe that people today who start smoking have had the tools to help them stop and the educaiton to tell them not to start. THERE IS NO EXSCUSE! I do not support smoking in anyway, and do not feel that I should tolerate smoking in a public area that I share with other people whether they be smokers or nonsmokers.
  • I wish it could be smoke free ASP, but I understand how long it takes to get everything set up. Thanks for doing this survey and considering to make NMU a smoke free campus! : )
  • I wish the laws all ready in place were inforced. Such as smoking is permitted I believe 30 feet away from the buildings and start giving littering tickets.
  • i work in a smoke free restaurant and the customers are very pleased with it, i think the same could be true for campus.
  • I worked on the grounds crew for a couple years and had to pick up several cigarettes off of the ground and sidewalks. People do not follow the policy away from buildings and no one enforces it. This would be an incentive for people to quit smoking.
  • I would appreciate something to keep smoke from coming into my apartment room when the weather is nicer out. Before winter when I had my window open, I would have to deal with people outside smoking and the smoke coming into my room. It wasn't very often but I don't like the idea of having to deal with that at all when I am paying as much as I am to be in a smoke-free building.
  • I would be so happy if NMU went smoke-free. It not only would prevent non-smokers(like myself) to enjoy fresh-clean Upper Peninsula air but also send a message to the community that NMU does not and will not endorse such self destructive habits. I hope that NMU is successful in their Smoke-Free Campus campaign and if there is anything that needs to be done I would be more than happy to assist in the steps to making NMU Smoke Free.
  • I would be very satisfied if there were ways to get around campus while avoiding smoke even if campus was not totally smoke free
  • I would be very supportive of a smoke free campus.
  • I would enjoy having a smoke-free environment. This would ensure that I would not get any second hand smoke. I do get headaches just from the smell of smoke. I also think that it would be a good idea because it may cause some people to quit if they don't have an easy place to go and smoke right outside of their room.
  • I would go to any measure to have NMU become a completely smoke-free campus immediately. This is not because I believe that the smokers are directly hurting my individual health, but it doesn't portray NMU as a professional university and shows a bad image of us. Personally, I can't believe this has not been implemented years ago. I think NMU is way behind the times with this, and I believe that a smoke-free policy should be put in place immediately regardless of the results of this survey. It disgusts me to walk out of a building have a cloud of smoke in my face, to see cigarette butts all over the ground. How would you feel about NMU if you were with your son/daugther visiting NMU as potenial college to attend and at the entrance of all of the buildings, there were students standing around smoking all the time and there were cigarette butts all over the lawn and sidewalks. I don't know about you, but I would not be sending my child to this university. I could write about 10 pages on this subject, but I think you get the point on where I stand with this issue.
  • I would have definately been more drawn to NMU if it was smoke-free. I don't like having to inhale other people's smoke while I'm walking to class. There's no way to avoid it and the smokers are never willing to move for me. They say they have the right to smoke there but I want my right to not have to breathe it in. I totally support a smoke-free campus. I just wish it would have been done sooner.
  • I would have seen it as a negative, even though I am not a smoker myself. My only concern with that is the university is trying to gain control over what it students can and cannot do, which would come into play with the individual rights as a student. I think that it is a great idea to have smoking houses outside so that students have a choice to smoke or not, but to completely wipe it off- campus, it just seems to me like the university is trying to gain to much control over its students. I think that it would be a great idea to make sure that students that are smokers also don't get paired up with a roommate that is a smoker. If your not a smoker and your stuff smells like smoking it is almost like the university does not care who they pair you up with as long as your a paying student. I am completely for a smoke free campus as long as there are designated areas where people can smoke if they want.
  • I would hope that a smoke free campus would furthur provide the encouragement to quit smoking. I do not think that people should have the right to polute the air that I breath. While I do not support smoking shelters (why have these people rebreath their exhaled smoke...unless of course they were ventilated) I support designated smoking areas that are FAR (~70 yards) and out of the way of high traffic areas. This way people can enjoy what they enjoy without causing any harm to others.
  • I would like NMU to be smoke free, but only because people are quiting/cutting back on their smoking.
  • I would like to see a compromise of sorts so both parties are happy. I am a non-smoker, and smoke from others bothers me, but I don't think it is fair to tell people they cannot smoke in public.
  • I would like to see all smoking removed from campus. I'm glad that NMU is looking into this matter.
  • I would like to see it go smoke free.
  • I would like to see it happen sooner than 2010.
  • I would like to see NMU smoke free. I am so tired of having to walk behind a smoke cloud when I go to class. the current rules must be inforced for any futher rules to work.
  • I would like to see NMU's campus be completely smoke free as soon as is feasibly possible. People may smoke in their vehicles with closed windows.
  • I would like to see smoking shelters and/or butt cans around campus. At times, the Griese hall front entrance, looks as if the smokers had a convention with all the cigarrete butts laying on the ground. The question I have is who will enforce the "Policy" and what kind of punishment will violaters recieve?
  • I would like to see the campus completely smoke-free. Even if one can still smoke in their private cars, they may still dispose of their butts on NMU property making the campus appear dirty. I also think there will still be people who would not use the smoking sheds, just as people do not smoke 30 feet away from doors right now, I am always walking in or out of smoke 2-3 feet away from doors, especially at the Jacobetti center. I would also like to see the policy go into affect before 2010, understandably the implementations will be costly and may take time.
  • I would love a smoke-free campus, if not that, at least a more strict smoking policy. Every time I walk out of a building I am confronted with smoke from the people who smoke right next to a door, and that is affecting my health by breating in their smoke everytime I walk out of a building.
  • I would love for campus to be smoke free! Walking outside of buildings and seeing the dead butts on the ground is so gross.
  • I would love for NMU to be a smoke-free campus. I'm allergic to cigarette smoke and find it difficult when walking behind students who are smoking.
  • I would love for this campus to be smoke free. There is nothing worse in the morning or at anytime of the day to walk by someone who is smoking. Instead of smelling the beautfil UP air, all I get is an inhalation of smoke.
  • i would love it if NMU were smoke free,I don't really mind if others smoke in an outdoor area as long as they are not gathered around the doors and areas of general public use. I also do not want the cost of paying for "Smoke Shacks" included in my NMU bill,I know it is their right to smoke if they please, but it is also my right to not smoke.And not have to walk through a cloud of smoke to gain acess to my classes. I'll hope for an equitable solution.
  • I would love it if Northern became smoke free because when I am walking to and from class it is very irritating when I am trying to breath in the fresh air and all I can breath in is the smoke of the person in front of me. Also a year ago while I was walking back down the hill after class, it was kind of grounded and I was directly behind a smoker and as he was flicking his ashes some of them landed on my shirt due to the wind and burned a couple of holes. It made me angry but I didn't even know what to say to him because he has the right to smoke but he could at least be courteous and watch where he is flicking his ashes.
  • i would love to be able to breath going to class!
  • I would love to see campus become smoke free. I am tired of having to walk through a smoke cloud to get into buildings because student/teachers are not standing 30ft away from the door. I also don't like that the bus drivers for shuttles between the dome/LRC/Jacobette stand at the entrance onto the bus and smoke their cigs, thus forcing me to walk through a cloud of smoke. What dicusses me more is that the bus driver then proceeds to throw the butt on the ground; they are setting a bad example for the students.
  • I would love to see NMU become a smoke free campus as soon as tomorrow. In a way I think it degrades the campus - having the smoking boxes outside dorms that smell terrible, occasionally are on fire on the inside and leak a disgusting juice down the side of the building. It's just not attractice. I've also got smokey smells coming in my room because don't stand 30 feet away. I think it would really clean up the campus.
  • I would love to see NMU go completely smoke free. I think it would be a positive health benefit for all involved, smokers and non-smokers alike. I have worked in one of the food-service areas at NMU for the past two years, and I do not like that workers-student and full time staff (who handle the food) are able to go and smoke and then prepare or handle food.
  • I would love to see NMU go smoke free as I am frequently finding myself walking behind someone who is a walking chimney and I get the brunt of the second hand smoke. As much as I am in favor of the idea I'm not sure how practical it would be to enforce over such a large area.
  • I would love to see NMU go smoke free. For now, I believe that public safety should do a better job enforcing the current smoking policies on campus -driving through courtyards and actually ticketing people who are too close to the building. That would be a great change for now!
  • I would love to see NMU go smoke-free!
  • I would love to see our campus go smoke-free. Not only will we be making great steps to a healthier student-body but also a better looking one. I am tired of seeing cigarette butts thrown on the ground, stuffed on the snow on top of trash cans and all over campus. It is a major eyesore to see these things. You know smoking has gotten bad when I have to hold my breath whenever I pass through a group of smokers.
  • I would love to see the campus smoke free as soon as possible.
  • I would love to see this campus go smoke-free. It's hard to avoid a cloud of smoke and piles of cigarette butts when you leave one of the buildings on campus.
  • I would normally not have a problem with people smoking outside but they always do it right in front the doors and I have to hold my breath as I walk through the smoke screen. The shelters are too costly. Couldnt they just have a smoking zone that was away from the doors?
  • I would prefer a non-smoking campus but I think it would be hard to enforce the policy. I went to a community college that had a smoking shelter that was mostly effective at keeping smokers away from doorways. I think that would be easier to enforce and wouldn't make a lot of smokers as angry as a completely smoke-free campus.
  • I would rather NMU focus on other problems on campus besides smoking. I don't quite understand the need of this at the moment. NMU has been planning all of these changes for the next few years and at times I feel like it is change for the sake of change. I am not a smoker and I'm not a fan of being in a building with smokers, but as long as people are smoking outside, it doesn't bother me at all. I'm thinking that those great big smoke stacks around campus are probably taking more of a toll on my health than cigarettes.
  • I would rather see some form of smoking restrictions on campus than nothing at all. Completely smoke free would be the best choice. It is very annoying to see the many smokers who don't follow the current rules of staying 30 feet from entrances of buildings such as the library. Since the current rules can't be followed, smoking should be completely banned.
  • I would really like to see NMU become a smoke free campus because as of right now, posted on the doors of each campus building are signs that say no smoking within 20 feet of the building. This is obviously not being followed and I get very frustrated when I walk out of a building and I smell nothing but disgusting cigarette smoke. I am very allergic to cigarette smoke and when I walk out of a campus building into a cloud of smoke, it not only makes it hard for me to breathe, it makes me feel sick to my stomach. I am very glad to hear that NMU is considering becoming a smoke free campus and I support this movement completely.
  • I would say let them smoke in their cars, and maybe shelters. Also I have always hated the smell and polluted walkways with ciggarette butts, this would make campus cleaner and healthier to everyone.
  • I would see a decision to move to a smoke-free campus not so much as a "victory" for non-smokers and their "comfort," or even a condemnation toward smokers for their choice, but more as an overriding statement about the value NMU places on striving for a quality of health for students and faculty, as well as protection of the environment.
  • I would support a smoke free campus around buildings and sidewalks but think it should not matter necesarily in the parking lots and peoples' own cars, even with the windows open, it isn't like it is getting in other peoples face or interfering with them in any way.
  • I would support making an entire dorn hall a designated smoking hall and then everyother place on campus smoke free. As this allows those that smoke to have a place to live and smoke just outside at there convenience since the 30 foot rule never works, I always walk past people smoking at the doors. It will also make it cleaner and less of a bother to custodians who must empty the receiptical, I never enjoyed that job when I had to do it as a custodian it made me feel dirty just in doing it.
  • I would support NMU going smoke-free ALL AT ONCE, not in a graduated fashion. I want NMU smoke-free as soon as possible.
  • I would support NMU in the decisions about smoking, not because I personally agree that people should be spared breathing the smoke of others, but because it is not my property. Those that own NMU, mush as those who own businesses, have the right to make that decision on their own. And I respect that right.
  • I would support NMU in their choice to become smoke-free because I do not feel that it is fair that non-smokers have to breathe in smoke by every entrance on campus. Also if you are walking on campus and you get behind someone who smokes, you generally breathe in smoke for the rest of your walk. Not only do I find that disrespectful but I also tend to get a headache from breathing in second hand smoke. Thank you for your proposal!
  • I would support the placement of smoking shelters near the residence halls seeing as NMU has a housing requirement of 2 years. Which means that for 2 years smokers and non-smokers must live together.
  • I would support this under the condition that it be enforced. I continually see people smoking closer to buildings than they are supposed to and it makes the whole rule seem moot.
  • I wouldn't support smoking in private vehicles with closed windows for two reasons. Firstly, there are other ways for the smoke to escape the vehicle, not to mention the smoke would escape when the doors were opened. Secondly, this would only put students in further danger as not only would they be smoking, but the smoke would be more or less contained in a confined area which could be extremely detrimental to their health. As for a smoke-free campus factoring into my decision to come to Northern, while it would certainly be something I would appreciate and might factor in to my decision between two similar colleges, I'm not sure I would have actively sought a smoke-free campus vs. a campus with other desirable attributes. Finally, I think another point to consider is what effect this would have on housing since many students who attend currently would likely seek to continue attending Northern even if they don't intend to quit smoking. As such, housing would likely be swamped with requests to move off campus which would allow them to continue at home if not on campus. All the same, despite possible drawbacks of ruling out smoking on campus, I think it would be a positive step taken by the university to protect the health of their students, however if the university is unwilling to take such action, the shelters are a necessary addition to reduce tension between smokers and non-smokers on campus.
  • I'd recommend going smoke-free everywhere except for private vehicles and shelters. Not every smoker has a car.
  • I'm a non-smoker who hates the smell of cigarette smoke, but I don't think that making Northern a smoke-free campus is fair to those who do smoke. Walking through someone else's smoke for two seconds while outside really should not be that big a deal.
  • I'm alleric to cigarette smoke and there are lots of students who crowd around the doorways on campus, such as Jamrich and West Science who are smoking in large groups, even though I think there is a NO SMOKING sign by the doors. I would be happy to have a smoke-free campus!
  • I'm disgusted at the level of blatant lack of thought and consideration for the non-smoking people at NMU. The smokers do not ever follow the rule about being however many feet away from the doors. They always stand right infront of the doors and kill you every time you enter and exit the building with their gas cloud of toxins. I for one am sick of it and sick of the lack of enforcement by NMU officials.
  • I'm glad that this has become an issue on campus. I'm tired of walking to class in smoke clouds, and risking lung cancer to go near the door ways of any building since people think 30 feet means "right up against the door".
  • I'm glad this is finally being addressed. Second hand smoke IS an issue. Please, please, please, pleaseeeeeee-make NMU a completely smoke-free campus.
  • I'm just sick of people throwing their cigarette butts on the ground! People spend a lot of time trying to make our campus look good, and the abundance of cigarette garbage just nullifies the whole thing.
  • I'm kind of torn because I just bought a pipe last week. I smoke my pipe once in a while but I think people accept that more than cigarettes. That being said, the smoking shelters would be primarily used for cigarettes and would ruin it for people like me who smoke cigars or pipes and hate the smell of cigarettes. It's a positive and a negative.
  • i'm not a fan of having to walk through clouds of smoke everyday just to get to classes, but i think making the campus a smoke free environment would be taking rights away from students. if smokers had a place to go they wouldn't have to smoke right outside buildings. i think the smoke rooms in the dorms should be re-opened, and the apartments residents should be aloud to smoke inside there apartments. i think this would be a better solution for everybody. smokers can have their own place protected from the elements, and non-smokers would no longer have to put up with it.
  • I'm not a smoker and I don't really care if other people choose to smoke; it's their decision. I just don't want them doing it around me where I can smell it; it gives me headaches.
  • I'm not a smoker and I even think this is ridiculous! You're going to lose a great portion of your lower classes and though it sounds like a good idea, it's nearly impossible. If anything put more cigarette butt receptacles around campus.
  • I'm not a smoker and i understand that the environment is a big deal but how can you prevent people from smoking in their private vehicles?! that's ludacris.
  • i'm not a smoker but i don't care if other people choose to be. just find a way of keeping them 30 feet from the buildings, and not smoking in their dorm rooms. I know of THREE rooms in the building I live in that people smoke in. It stinks up the hall.
  • i'm not a smoker but i think smokers have right too. if you completely ban smoking i think it will make kids more likely to smoke in their dorm rooms, which as you can see, might be even worse.
  • i'm not a smoker but people should have their right to smoke
  • I'm not a smoker but smoke does not bother me. It's a nasty habit, but it would really inconvenience those who do smoke to have to travel to be able to if this were a smoke-free environment. I don't feel it should be a big issue.
  • I'm not a smoker so NMU being a smoke free campus wouldn't have affected my decision. However, I know a lot of smokers, and I can guarantee that would have affected their opinion of NMU in a negative fashion. Especially with the hospital being so close, and being smoke free. It doesn't leave smokers with a lot of options on where to go.
  • I'm not a smoker, but i do think the university going smoke free would be hurtin the university by turning away students who do smoke.
  • I'm not a smoker, but I understand that a large percentage of students at NMU are. I think that it'd be unfair to make the ENTIRE campus smoke-free, I can imagine a lot of people being upset. But designating certain areas for smokers could be a possible option. I also understand that there is a good portion of students at NMU that dislike walking behind smokers on their way to class.
  • I'm not a smoker, but if I was choosing a school and I saw it had a completely smoke free campus I would be strongly detered from attending. Logic being that it must be an uptight place, non supportive of our rights, if they don't allow smoking, what else won't they allow? Chewing gum in the halls? hats? None of us want to be in highschool again.
  • I'm not in complete favor of smokers, but I believe it is their right. ESPECIALLY in their private vehicles. To deny them of that would be absolutely ridiculous and unfair. My biggest problem is that people who smoke as they walk to class blow the smoke right behind them into the faces of everyone behind them. This is more of a courtesy issue with the smoker, but it does bother me, so a smoke free campus would help in that respect. I'm sure it's been pointed out before, but if the smoking rules we already HAD actually worked and were carried out, it would help a great deal.
  • I'm only strong about my position, because I've seen people with emphazema, asthma and how they suffer, my father-in-law, a church family member and others, and all the second hand smoke, who knows what all damage it does to a persons health, mostly young children. The health issues go on, if you've been a smoker. "I'm glad I made the discission to not smoke."
  • I'm sick of seeing cigarrette butts all over NMU's campus and smelling smoke as I'm walking to class. I am highly supportive of NMU going completely smoke-free.
  • I'm supportive of the idea in theory, though I worry about the practical application. How will it be inforced? What about facuality who smoke? How do they feel about this? Is there a way to better contain smoking, where as people who didn't want to be around it didnt have to be? Such as no smoking in the accidemic mall, or on the hill going up towards the accidemic mall, or only allow it outside of one door per dorm building? I am not a smoker, and I don't like being around it, however, I just worry about the uproar an all-out ban could cause on campus. ADDITIONALLY, the regulations we currently have for smoking are not enforced, (trust me, they're not) 30 feet from doors etc. How do you expect a ban to be enforced? Could just having stricter regulations, when, where, etc. and actually regulating it, resolve the issue to a satisfactory point?
  • I'm supportive of the smoke-free idea, the smoker shelter idea is very good. My main concern is that this stuff doesn't cost me any money as a student paying tuition
  • I'm supportive of your idea of smoking shelter similiar to that of the bus stations, but I am doubtful as to weather or not they would work. As a student, if I were a smoker I don't know if I would take the time to walk all the way to a shelter just to light up. Also, the main reason I support a smoke free campus is because I believe that not enough NMU students excersise proper smoking etiquette. Blowing smoke into passer-by's faces, tossing butts into other people's paths, blocking traffic and general littering are just a few of these habits that make our University look a lot messier and less friendly.
  • I'm tired of being introduced to second hand smoke wherever I go on campus. It's disgusting and reflects poorly on our school.
  • I'm tired of holding my breath when wlaking past smokers. I have asthma, and the smoke affects it. Its epecially annoying when people are smoking right outside of a door I want to use.
  • I'm used to it now, but when I first came to NMU in the fall the amount of smoking on campus was a serious turnoff. I come from a state with stricter laws about smoking in public places, so the amount of smoke that I had to walk through in doorways was seriously disgusting.
  • I've never smoked cigarettes, only the rare cigar. but to make the campus smoke free is taking away a civil right. And to force someone who smokes to live on campus for 2 years in the dorms, its unfair circumstances and i believe will effect enrollment in some small, but significant way. There are other and better options than banning smoking from campus, they just might not be as easy to think of. -Chris
  • I've really noticed the new ventilation system in Jamrich. It doesn't smell like smoke anymore! It's wonderful! It made me realize how much nicer it would be if people actually did stay at least 30 feet away from buildings. Unfortunately, they do not. I always smelled cigarettes in the dorms, and outside some classrooms.
  • I've worked in other places in MI that have gone smoke-free and I lived in CA for sometime. In my experience, people do not use the shelters - they still stand near the doorways and smoke.
  • I, honestly, have no problem with smokers themselves, or the choice of being a smoker. It would be nice to find a way to allow people to make their choice, and not penalize them for their choice. Many of my friends have been, or are, smokers. Within recent years, though, I have become allergic to the smoke, having symptoms that are very like, or worse than my allergy to ragweed which occurs every Autumn. The problem is that, unlike my allergy to ragweed which goes away after a few weeks, my allergy to cigarette smoke occurs every time I am in close proximity to smokers smoking their cigarettes. I can only imagine what it must be like for people with such problems as asthma, for which smoking provides a serious health risk. It is easy to see, with the number of people who smoke, how making NMU smoke-free, would be difficult. If the smokers would, at the very least, smoke in their designated areas, throw their cigarette butts and boxes and cellophane in the trash, that might help, but this is not a common occurance, especially when the chill of the Winter is here. Smoking is a health concern for many people who have nothing to do with cigarettes, and the environment within which we live is a Global concern. If NMU does not go smoke-free, I think it only right that smokers stick to designated smoking areas, and that the littering of butts and boxes and plastic be stopped. If smoking stays, then smokers need to be responsible and respectful of others, and their environment, (Please know that I know there ARE smokers who are Graciously and Respectfully both!) and if they are not, I think it only right that they be subject to reprimand for smoking in undesignated areas, and fines for littering. I would like to thank NMU for seriously considering a very complicated issue.
  • I, myself, am allergic to tobacco, but still find it ludicrous that smoking outside in the open air would be banned in any way, shape, or form. Not that my allergy makes my opinion any more important than the opinion of anyone else, but if someone like me, who could end up in the hospital with too much exposure to smoke, can handle going to bowling alleys or bars that are full of smoke without complaining, there's no reason why anyone who is NOT allergic to tobacco can't "tough it out" and let people smoke outside. I certainly hope that in the future this university can find more important things for students and faculty to debate.
  • If a person has to sit in their car with the windows closed, it makes the health issues worse for them. At least when they are in an open area, they dont have to inhale the second hand smoke along with the original smoke. I realize that they choose to smoke, but adding to their health risks is not a good thing. It would be better also to have more smoke stations that are farther away from the doors. if the smoke stations are right next to the doors, the smokers have to have the lit cigarette in their hand until they can put it out. If they have more places to put their butts, they might not litter as much.
  • If anything comes from this it should be that smokers should follow the 30ft rule, when I can smell the smoke inside of the dorm lounge room. Because of my asthma it becomes hard for me to sit in the room with the smoke coming into the room.
  • If at least the rules that they have to be 30ft away were more enforced it wouldn't be such a problem, but no one seems to really care about the rule; whether it's winter OR summer. They should really get a ticket or something to provide a great incentive to stay away from the doors.
  • If bars can go smoke-free, why not an institution of higher education?
  • If campus has strict laws regarding alcohol, which you must be 21 to obtain, why not tobacco, which you must be 18 to obtain? It is till a substance which is controlled by the government, so where is the difference? Also, smoking effects everyone in an area, not just the smoker. I have NEVER seen smokers standing back 10 or 15 or however many feet from a buildling. NEVER. They are always crowded right at the doorway and I hate having to walk through the cloud of smoke to get to my class. I am graduating in May and am just sad that it has taken NMU so long to go from smoke free in the dorms (which was happening my first year here) to going totally smoke free.
  • If campus isn't smoke free maybe there should be enforcement of the 30 ft. distance policy. Walking out of a building into a cloud of smoke isn't an ideal situation I would put myself in, however it has happened to me numerous times
  • If I don't have to see the butts all over the place and cough my way through the crowd, or have my throat sieze up walking down the sidewalk, that'd be great!
  • If I wanted to kill myself, I would jump off a building or put a gun to my head instead of putting my body and family through the burden that is smoking.
  • If i were a smoker i would not be persuaded to attend a university that had a smoke free campus. If NMU decides to make campus smoke free i believe that it will decrease the amount of students who want to attend. Also by making the campus smoke free it will force smokers to go out into the community to smoke which will may cause an uprise in the community.
  • If it is a question about general health of the students at Northern, I think that smoking bans will not help things. If this ban is enforced, we will just see a rise is other tobacco products such as chew or snuff. Another thing about health. The next killer of our generation will not be smoking cancers but obesity related health issues. How about cutting down on students fat intake?
  • If Michigan restaurants are going smoke free, why shouldn't a campus be smoke free, where there's generally a lot more people, as well as the fact that people are paying a significantly larger amount to go to the University.
  • If NMU becomes a smoke free campus it will play a role in helping the people who do smoke quit because it will be harder for them to smoke cigarettes, especially if they don't have vehicles. It will make our students healthier.
  • If nmu does not go completely smoke free I personally would like to see the rules (30 ft from building) for smoking enforced. An option to consider may be ticketing those people who are smoking to close to the buildings, especially near entry ways. It is extremely unpleasent to have to walk through smoke on the way to class.
  • If NMU doesn't become smoke-free, it should at least do a better job enforcing the existing smoking policy, i.e. no smoking near door ways and buildings. This is especially a problem near the dorms.
  • If NMU doesn't go smoke-free, there should at least be something done to keep smokers away from doorway buildings. The current policy of keeping 30 feet away from buildings while smoking is not being followed or enforced.
  • If NMU goes "smoke free" I'm transferring.
  • If Nmu happens to go smoke free, students still have the right to smoke in their vehicle with windows up. its their property.
  • If NMU is "going green," I feel that every aspect of the campus should be natural and helpful to the environment. This means smoke free as well.
  • if nmu is not going to become a smoke free campus something must be done about the smokers. they are not standing far enough away from the entrances and i am tired of walking through smoke to go to class or to get into the dorms.
  • If NMU remains a smoking campus, I believe a strict code enforcement is the answer. Implement fines for not properly disposing of your butt, which is non-biodegradable. Also, smoking should make you feel like a child when you do it on campus. Paint a time-out like box on the concrete where smokers have to stand in in order to smoke. This would make them feel unwelcom and maybe they would take their smoking elsewehere. NORTHERN. NATURALLY!!
  • If NMU were a smoke-free campus, it may change the decisions of students who are living on campus to attend NMU. Of course, it is not that far to go off campus to smoke, unless there are designated smoking areas outside. I am a non-smoker, but I realize that there are people out there that smoke and that is their choice, but for those of us who do not smoke, we deserve to have the right to breathe fresh air, not smoke filled air.
  • If no change is made to rid the campus of smoking, at least enforce (with fines) the 30 ft. distance from buildings.
  • If northern goes smoke free i think you will lose alot of students including me
  • If Northern goes smoke-free, it won't stop anyone. How could you enforce the non-smoking in private vehicles? Give people tickets?
  • if northern is truly supportice of letting students make their own decisions and truly believes in freedom of expression, they should forget the idea of going smoke free. enforce the rules that already exist, i.e. no smoking within certain distances of doorways etc., rather than making new rules.
  • If people are smoking, I usually feel that it is their business, but on campus they crowd around doorways and I often cannot help breathing in clouds of cigarette smoke and would like to see that stopped.
  • If people smoke outside of the campus buildings, it doesn't really affect other non-smoking students. Non-smokers usually walk right in and aren't bothered by the smoke because of the fact that we are outside.
  • if people wanna smoke let them, as long as their not smoking in the dorms or class room it doesnt matter any
  • If people want to smoke then they can smoke. They already smoke outside the buildings, so it doesn't bother anyone. I think Northern should put more effort in fixing the more important problems then fixing something that doesn't need to be fixed.
  • If people want to smoke, that's their business. Just keep them away from the doorways (the smoke comes in through open windows.)
  • If provisions were made for smoke shelters or similar ideas then consequences would need to be put in place for those who did not abide by the smoke free policy
  • If smokers could wear a helmet that contained the smoke within. Than there would be no problem, but they can not. They invade everyones PRIVATE SPACE when ever they light up. I do not appreciate walking through a cloud of smoke on my way to class. Their rights cannot exist with out imposing on other's.
  • If smokers had a place to keep them out of the weather, I believe that they would stay away from the doorways, and therefore away from me and other nonsmokers. Being a smokefree campus should not apply to private cars in the parkinglot, also enforcing a smoke-free campus would be almost impossible to enforce, let alone be taken seriously.
  • If smokers want to smoke on campus, there has to be much stricter rules on where they can smoke. I don't want to have to walk through a cloud of smoke as I'm entering a building. The rule about being 30 feet away is not followed, and it's very frusterating to non-smokers. I don't care if they smoke in designated areas, just as long as I don't have to be around them, and they are not around me.
  • If smokers would like shelters, funding should be taken from their pockets not the pockets of non-smokers.
  • If states like California can go smoke-free, so can NMU. The negative effects on others around smokers far outweigh the "free choice" of the smokers themselves.
  • if students want to smoke, they should be able to. Plus how would you be able to regulate people in their own cars? I think that would cost to much money to have people on watch at all times.
  • If students, or faculty, wish to smoke during their breaks on campus, then I have no problem with them making that choice. Furthermore, the campus should be enforcing the 30 ft. rule instead of banning smoking outright. I have never seen anybody receive a ticket from public safety for smoking within 30 ft. of a doorway. That is where action needs to be directed.
  • If the campus doesn't go entirely smoke free I would like to at least see the on campus apartments be smoke free. My roommates and I are not smokers but we can smell the smoke from the people downstairs in our apartment and that is really frustrating.
  • If the campus doesn't go smoke-free we should try to at least enforce smoking regulations that already exist. Such as not being able to smoke within 30ft of the buildings. It would be nice to walk into a class one day and not see the doors surrounded by smokers and a cloud of smoke every time I go to class. Also, I think creating smoke shelters would be a bad idea (especially if it affects tuition) since not every student is a smoker. Also, as an out-of-state student tuition is high enough. Furthermore, I believe that it would give NMU a bad image by supporting a bad/unhealthy habit.
  • IF the campus goes to a smoke free campus or shelters are provided for the smokers is this really going to be inforced? I ask this question because the state law of being 30 feet away from all buildings is not inforced. So if either choice goes into effect are we really going to inforce it because I don't think if would be fair to spend all this money on something that isn't going to be inforced. I also think that if the 30 foot law was just inforced and tickets were actully wrote then this smoking issue wouldn't be such a problem. Also I think that it is in the best interest to make the shelters for the smokers then going to a completly smoke free campus. I say this because I have a feeling that people are going to start somking in the buildings which would be worst then the current problem of the smokers smoking to close to the buildings. I do not smoke and would love a smoke free campus but if there were people smoking in my dorm in there rooms I would not want to live in that dorm.
  • If the proposal for NMU to go completely smoke-free fails, I would suggest requiring smokers to be a specified distance away from entrances/exits. I feel that I shouldn't have to walk through a cloud of smoke going to and from class and when there's people smoking right in front of the doors, I have no choice. I feel like this would be a good compromise to both smokers and non-smokers if the campus doesn't go completely smoke-free.
  • If the university is unable to effectively enforce the 30ft rule that we currently have, how will it be possible to enforce this new policy. Perhaps the university should actually try enforcing the current rules.
  • if there is going to be smoking on campus you need to make smoke houses all over campus and make it at minimum of 100 ft from the building.
  • If there is smoking anywhere on campus, such as in cars or in shelters, students will abuse these places. We would still find smoking and butts all around still. I even think fines should be in place for people caught smoking on campus grounds.
  • If this gets passed and you try to make it where people can smoke in their cars with the windows rolled up, what point would that be really showing. So instead of the people smoking outside, they will suffocate in their cars which the smoke would just escape when they get out of their cars anyhow. That is a ridiculus idea and I think that it should just get thrown out of everyones head!
  • If this smoke free proposal fails, I would like to see an improvement to the ash trays (butt collectors) near the doorways. These are a foul smelling eyesore that manages to encourage smokers to stand near doorways. Surely we can do better than wide side downn plasic trumpets!
  • if you are going to force students to live on campus until they are junior status or 21, you cannot deny them the right to smoke outside their house.
  • If you do not put a smoking ban on NMU, then you should reinforce the rules or ticket people for smoking next to the buildings. It's ridiculous.
  • If you happen to be walking behind a smoker, outside, when walking to buildings for classes, you can still smell the second hand smoke. The same thing happens when entering or exiting a building and smokers are standing outside the doors, you have to walk thru the smoke. It stinks and polutes the air.
  • If you make the campus smoke free are you going to have "smoke police" walking around making sure that no one smokes. i mean how would you enforce this decision. its really hard to stop smoking and i don't think making the campus smoke free would help motivate the students or faculty to stop smoking it would just make them late for class because they would have to run to their cars or hide to smoke, and that is infringing on their right to an education which they paid for, i am not a smoker nor have i smoked but i am willing to stand up for my fellow classmates right to an education. For those who say the smokers standing outside of the doors are infringing on others right to not get second hand smoke, the only study that "proved" the second hand smoke theory was done in a crowded indoor bar where the people worked for years inhaling second hand smoke (i.e. you are not going to get cancer from inhaling a breath of smoke outside, once). you will probably get cancer from inhaling the cleaners you clean you home with before anything else.
  • If you smoke so be it. Its a personal choice....a bad choice but a choice none the less. who are we to say where you can and can not smoke.
  • If you tell people they can't smoke in their own car, fewer people will come to NMU because they view this school as far too controlling. I think smoking should be allowed on parking lots and in cars.
  • If you want to ban smoking, then please ban all the junk-food vending machines too. They also create an unhealthy lifestyle. Plus, I see more litter of snack-chip packages then I do cigarettes.
  • If you would put the garbage/ash trays 30 ft away from the buildings then smokers would stay 30 ft away from building like they are supposed to. I don't understand how you tell a smoker to stay 30 ft away from buildings but then put the ash/garbage right next to the doors??? Anways, having a smokefree campus is not a bad thing, I see it as a good thing, I just think it's a far stretch to make the whole campus smoke free.
  • If you're going to put a ban on smoking make it all or nothing otherwise it's going to be hard to enforse, putting shelters somewhere is going to be about as effective as putting up those "no smoking within X feet" signs.
  • ij have asthma so when i walk into a building where the smokers have been smoking , i find it difficult to breath. so i would like to see the campus smoke free. i have been a smoker, so i know they may not like it but will smoke in a different location. so go for the smoke free campus.
  • im a non smoker. i could care less if someone is smoking outside of a building. second hand smoke is not going to kill you from walking pass a person having a cigarette. grow up. also, the university will show a decline in attendace. people need smoke breaks and a way to unwind. banning cigarettes from campus will make student not even come to class or the library to study. and trying to ban smoking in their own private vehicle? gimme a break. you cant pull that shit.
  • im tired of the smoke-free push. i dont smoke, but its legal right. i dont like stinky hippies over campus, i would like to get rid of them, but i deal with it, they have that right, like smokers have the right to smoke.
  • In conversation with other students and faculty it sounds like NMU has a problem with MGH employees coming onto the campus and over running the smoking areas provided.
  • In general I don't have a strong opinion about smokers as long as they're outside. If I smell a whiff of smoke, oh well. We can't start banning trash cans if they stink. In regards to the graduated plan, I see no point to extending it. Either ban it or don't. The shelters are another expense that is useless. If people are that worried about possibly inhaling a bit of smoke when they come out the door, then we should encapsulate our parking lots too to contain those emissions. If NMU goes smoke-free, it won't matter to me because I don't smoke. If it stays the same, it won't matter because I don't have a problem.
  • In general, I feel that all people should have the right to personal freedom and the ability to make choices. However, my biggest issue with smokers on campus is that they don't respect my personal freedoms (as a non-smoker with severe cigarette smoke allergies). I've been able to adapt to walking to class and passing smokers on the sidewalks, but when they're congregated around the doors of academic buildings and my residence hall, I have no way of avoiding them. Ideally, I'd like for everyone to learn a bit of respect for one another so that we don't have to take such drastic measures as making NMU a smoke-free campus; however, it's obvious that people don't care about the current rules in place, and I don't honestly feel that the smoking shelters will be utilized in a cost-effective manner. I guess I'm not very clear in my personal stance on the whole situation. On the one hand, I think it's ridiculous to not allow those who have made the choice to smoke the freedom to do so; and on the other, I think that the personal and health concerns of those who choose not to smoke are not being respected by their smoking peers.
  • In general, I hate the smell of smoke to a point it sometimes makes me sick. But I work with a lot of smokers and I know how crabby and unreasonably miserable they get when they need a smoke. So smoke free is nice but you'll have a lot of crabby students going through withdrawals making them hard to work with.
  • In general, I very much support the idea of NMU going smoke-free. I hope it would be implemented a little sooner than 2010 though, at least in major campus areas such as the academic mall.
  • In my two years here, I have not seen a single smoker respecting the 30-foot rule. It is especially noticeable in the fall and spring when the dorm windows are open and you've got a pack of smokers standing directly below your window. Smoking also creates lots of trash, much of which is not very biodegradable. However, how would a rule such as this be enforced? As wonderful as it would be to have a smoke-free campus, I just don't see it as a very realistic goal.
  • In reference to university choice I would only have seen it as negative influence when I was a smoker, now that I have cut the habit it wouldn't matter either way. I think having designated smoking areas is a good idea, but I think building smoking shelters is going too far.
  • In regarding to question #7, when I first came to visit this school about four years ago, I was told that smoking is not permitted within 30 feet of any of the buildings located on campus (dormitory halls, NSF, West Science, library, etc.). I was impressed and viewed NMU positively; in fact, it factored into my decision to attend NMU. Unfortunately, I quickly noticed (within a few days) the vast majority of smokers do not have the respect or courtesy to abide by rule. Furthermore, the rule is not enforced. I am not a smoker nor do I want to breathe in second-hand smoke and increase my risk of developing cancer. I cannot even stand outside any buildings (located on campus) or walk on campus without smelling smoke or seeing someone smoke. It’s ridiculous. I would love to see NMU become smoke-free, but more importantly, I would to see the rule enforced. Thank you.
  • In response to question 3, if the only way NMU would go smoke-free is by allowing private vehicles with closed windows to be exlcluded from the policy, then I would be in support of it. Personally, I believe that NMU should be entirely smoke-free. In response to question 4, if NMU would go smoke-free only by doing so in a graduated fashion, then I am in support of this. Personally, I feel if they are going to go smoke-free then they should pick a date for this to occur and do it!
  • In the mean time it would be a good thing to enforce the current policy about being far enough away from buildings. Smokers huddle immediately outside of doorways forcing everybody to walk through a wall of smoke to enter or exit the building. In all my years here I have never seen this policy enforced by public safety nor resident advisers.
  • In theory and in intention I think this is a good idea, but in practice it will be difficult to enforce and will cause a lot of rebellion and upset.
  • Instead of smoking shelters, I would rather the money was spent on promoting healthy habits and sustainable environment. Spend the money in ways that would encourage more use of bicyles. Develop bicyle lanes and paths on campus and build more shelters for parking bicyles so that one can use a bicyle instead of a car or bus to access the remote buildings (PEIF Jacobetti Center) on campus.
  • It annoys me even to walk by someone who is smoking outside. The smell of smoke can still be smelled even in the outdoors. I am highly allergic to smoke and I think cigarettes should be banned all together.
  • It does seem like that much of a problem. Smoke if you got them.
  • It doesn't matter to me whether or not smoking is allowed or not on campus. I wouldn't mind if they smoked on campus as long as they don't stand by the door ways while smoking. This bothers me since I hate walking out of a building into a cloud of smoke. I also don't like how they just throw them on the ground so if that was inforced more it would help. I think the shelters are a good idea since we have cold temps. up here. As far as smoking in their cars, I feel that's their choice.
  • It doesn't really bother me if someone is smoking around campus or not. The only bad things is I'm a chewer and the next thing you know you guys will be trying to band that on campus.
  • It is a great idea all that NMU need to do now is exicute it and inforce it, becasue if they dont start off strong and strict about it it will fail. so i think i needs to happen sice we are an usoec campus and we are the pride of the north. NMU would be setting a presadent for colleges and universities to follow
  • It is a great idea but it would be very difficult to enforce. I have a feeling many smokers would just keep smoking since most smoke within 30 ft of the building right now.
  • It is a novel idea to keep campus smoke free, but how far are we really willing to go to infringe upon the freedoms of others. Plus how exactly would anyone plan on enforcing this. Are the officers of public safety going to be keeping their eyes peeled for people smoking on anywhere on campus. As it is the 30 feet away from the door rule is never enforced. I say that smoking shelter 35-45 feet away from the doors would be a good compromise.
  • It is a person's right to choose to be a smoker or not. However their decision should not affect other people, such as second hand smoke. Which is why NMU already has a rule of standing 30 feet away from any building if you want to smoke. I feel this would not be such an issue if NMU simply inforced the rules they already have.
  • It is absolutely disgusting having to walk behind smokers on the way to class, and to have them all smoking in the doorways in front of the buildings.
  • It is always discouraging to see how many students there are who smoke and it is disgusting to walk out of class into a cloud of noxious toxins. Smokers do like to congregate together but a smoking hut would just be a nasty hut that would breed funk and moral decay. On the plus side, you could put a sign on the huts that reads, "Butt Hole of Campus." How about a fine for littered cigarette butts. I think I would support an anti-smoking policy that prohibits smoking everywhere except the middle of the road... it might slow down the drivers. Drivers who speed through campus and do not give right-a-way to pedestrians is a problem that exceeds the smoking health risk.
  • It is critical that smudging (form of cleansing) and ceremonial pipes must to be considered for events such as the pow wow...smudging more so for individual use (student, faculty or staff) as well as events. Currently, smudging falls under the open flame policy for students.
  • it is disgusting to walk through a cloud of smoke while in between classes. i fully support a smoking ban on campus
  • it is enough that people must smoke outside. banning smoking from campus grounds is unnessesary and gross overkill.
  • it is extremely unfair to make NMU smoke free, that is discriminatory towards smokers.
  • It is frustrating when I have to walk to class around people who are smoking. Also, even though smokers have to be away from the buildings, they still stand by the doors which usually make stairwells smell and leave buts get thrown everywhere and anywhere. I would fully support a smoke-free campus.
  • It is my belief that if individuals choose to smoke, then they should be allowed to as long it does not have a negative impact on individuals who choose not to smoke (negative examples include smoke coming into the building or blowing into the faces of individuals who do not smoke). That being said, I think that it is reasonable that individuals would not be allowed to smoke on campus grounds but should have freedom to do so in their own closed vehicles. As part of the graduated plan, I think that it will be crucial to begin enforcing the smoking rules that are in place now - for example, the policy stating that smoking is prohibited within 30 feet of the building. Currently, there are many individuals, faculty and students alike, who violate this. Considerations need to be made for how the current policy as well as the new no smoking policy will be implemented and enforced.
  • It is not fair to students living in dorms to ban smoking on campus. I can understand wanting a smoke free academic environment, but where are dorm students supposed to smoke? I think going smoke free around academic and office buildings, is a good thing, but to fix the problem around the dorms, smoking huts will be needed.
  • It is not just the smoke that bothers me, but the smell of the smoker after they've just finished a cigarette. To build "smoking huts" would simply amplify that horrid smell by 10+ fold. Additionally, the non-smokers on campus, nor the state should have to pay to support an addiction of a drug. I am non-supportive of the graduated smoke-free NMU because it will not be satisfying because I graduate in 2009; but I am supportive of it for the health of everyone if it is the only compromise that can be made. Let's live true to our enrollment catch phrase: "Northern, Naturally!"
  • It is not so much that people smoke on campus; it is that they don't respect the 30 foot rule at all. Most smokers will smoke directly by doors, especially the residence halls. As a former RA that lived on a bottom floor I continually had to ask students to move back from doors because it was bothering myself and other residents. I never left my window open because there was a very popular area by my room where people would smoke. Even if you politely asked people to move, almost all would be upset and annoyed with you. Living in the on campus apartments now, I have neighbors that smoke downstairs in their apartment sometimes. I hate that it comes through up to my apartment and I have to deal with the stale, awful smell even though I choose to stay smoke free. I think if smoking is to continue on NMU's campus students need to learn how to respect each other's lifestyles and policies HAVE to be enforced. .
  • It is really unfair that non-smokers should have to be subjected to smoke because fo smokers. There is nothing I hate more then having to walk past people smoking. It seems like the smell of their smoke lingers on my body all day, yuck!
  • It is terrible to walk into or out of a building and have to smell someone else's cigarette smoke. If I wanted lung cancer, I would take up smoking myself. I especially hate when it's cold outside and smokers smoke just inside the doors of the dorms...I commend Northern for even considering going smoke free!!! I can't wait until Michigan follows in Minnesota's footsteps and outlaws smoking even in bars! :D GO NMU!
  • It is the right of the students to smoke if they have made that choice for themselves. Therefore, taking away smoking all together would be ridiculous and unfair. However, creating designated areas for smoking isn't a bad idea as long as they aren't out of the way and inconvenient for smoking members of the faculty and students.
  • It is unfair that I am forced to hold my breathe when entering any building on campus. Smoking is a personal choice and should only effect the person smoking. That is not how is always goes though. i choose not to smoke and I should not be forced to breathe it. If you want to smoke, than do it in your car.
  • It is very annoying when students smoke outside the Jamrich doors by the ventilation intake because my classes them smell like smoke, give me a headache, and cause me to lose focus in class. Smoking should not be allowed on campus.
  • It really bothers me when I have to walk to class behind someone who is smoking. It doesn't make me sick and I'm not allergic to it or anything, but it just smells bad. It also bothers me that smokers don't dispose of their cigarettes properly. They are always left on the sidewalk, or in the courtyards of the residence halls. That looks so trashy, and I think that's very rude. A lot of smokers argue that it's their right/freedom to choose to smoke or not, but I feel like they are taking away my right/freedom of walking to class without having to deal with that awful smell everyday. I completely support President Wong and his team with making NMU a smoke free campus!
  • It really bothers me when I'm walking to class and the person in front me walking is smoking.The smoke gets blowen right into my face. It really makes me mad. I'm not a smoker and I hate smelling like smoke.
  • It really doesn't bother me if people smoke, as long as I can't smell it. People smoke outside the vents near Jamrich and by the UC, and it gets in the ventilation which makes me nauseous.
  • It seems as if the Faculty at NMU have forgotten what it is like to be a student. Besides going to school and doing homework, we are expected to stay fit and healthy, have a job, and volunteer. A good majority of students live away from home. Relationships that students form with their friends are the closest thing that they have to family. I am not by any means discounting the knowledge and abilities of the NMU faculty. As a student, I do what I need to do to get by. For some students, that cigarette they get to drag down after math class of before they give a speech is what gets them through the day. What do you do to make it through the day? How would you react if someone took that away from you? It doesn't quite seem fair.
  • It seems to be the new trend for everything, going smoke free. it only makes sense to eliminate it from campus.
  • it should be a personal right to smoke. this would piss off a lot of people and i dont think it is fair to take away students rights to smoke on campus.
  • It should be their right as AMERICAN citizens.
  • It stinks walking out of buildings into a cloud of smoke because people don't stay 30 feet away from the doors.
  • It will be impossible to make NMU completely smoke free. It would be nice not only for my own health but it's good for the over all health of everyone. It should however be possible to not have to walk through a cloud of smoke just to enter a building. But, unless NMU instituted say, like smoking attendants, who would walk around telling people to move along to designated smoking areas. That is also very unlikely to happen. Good Luck, I'll probably be gone before any action is taken but for further students and there Lungs I hope some action does get taken.
  • It will only help NMU's physical campus and health of our community a better place to learn! Maybe it will help a few people quit along the way as well!
  • it would be a unwise decision to have nmu a smoke-free campus. Attendance to classes would go down, especially during the winter time.
  • It would be fantastic for NMU to be Smoke Free. It is horrible going to class and having to walk past a wall of smoke in order to get into a building. Thank you for working towards eliminating smoking on campus and creating a healthier student population.
  • It would be good to supplement a smoke-free plan with aggressive quit-smoking programs.
  • It would be great to have a smoke free campus, but who is going to go around and enforce this? Public Safety is already overburdened and understaffed to be the cigarette police, too. Who's going to clean the smoke shelters? Don't say the custodians, because if I were one, I wouldn't want to have to pick up somebody elses nasty cigarette butt. The campus apartments don't even have smoke free enforcement, yet! Great idea, but too hard to enforce!
  • It would be great to see NMU as a smoke free campus. I dont enjoy walking to class everyday and having to hold my breath, due to the fact that people are smoking EVERYWHERE.
  • It would be nice for it to be smoke-free for the non-smokers, but the added cost to enforce it or build the smoking shelters might bring the tuition up and I really don't believe that other people should have to pay to convenience the smokers.
  • It would be nice to come back to class after a bathroom break and not have the whole class smell like cigarettes. It would be nice to walk out of a building and not have the first breath to be a cloud of smoke!
  • It would be nice to the smokers away from the doors going into nmu buildings so people dont have to walk through the smokey haze to get in the building, but parking lots would not bother me
  • It would be nice to walk to class w/o a smoker blowing smoke in my face!
  • It would be wonderful if NMU were smoke-free. I think that we should somehow be supporting the 30 feet from doors rule a lot more until then. Walking out of the building into a cloud of smoke is not too pleasant. I appreciate the time and effort put in to getting the opinions of the student body! Thanks!
  • It would just be nice to be able to walk into an academic building without have to find my way through a crowd of smokers.
  • It'll will never work, you really think people won't smoke they'll just do it in their room! Furthermore, you can't ticket them because that's just wrong, so how are you going to enforce it. Remember I was a smoker when I got here and I know if I needed a cigarette I was getting a cigarette.
  • It's a good idea, it's just going to take time to work out. Don't give up.
  • It's a great idea. I hate being around cigarette smoke.
  • It's a public university. I understand smoking is detrimental to other folks health, however cars are too. What's next, banning motor vehicles over the entire campus because of exhaust emissions?
  • It's a sign of the times. Cigarette smoke has invaded other people's privacy too long. It's time to support non-smokers and a healthy lifestyle. Why is this such a hard decision? Are you really afraid to hurt the feelings of one group of people. Do students come here to smoke or to learn?
  • It's about time that this campus either bacme smoke-free, or that we enforced the policies that are technically in affect now.
  • It's annoying to walk through a group of people standing right outside any of the building's doors smoking.
  • It's disgusting, and poses health risks to others.
  • It's good because I don't like the smell of smoke, but I can deal with it. I'm afraid this would have more of a negative impact on enrollment than positive. How many smokers are at NMU? You'll most likely lose over half of them even with the designated smoking areas. It's a noble thing to do for NMU, but I don't know if it'll help it in the long run unless you have data that proves otherwise. If you do than I gladly support it 100%
  • It's not a good idea to completely ban smoking from campus, as you may have noticed, there are a lot of smokers at NMU and I really think it is a major slap in the face towards them. I think that if people are having such a hard time with smoking by the buildings, the rules should just be enforced and with a larger penalty if it is violated. I really think that people should be able to smoke on campus however because this, for many of the students, is home, and at home they should be comfortable. If we ban smoking, do we ban chewing, do we ban protein shakes...if its "bad" do we ban it? Do we ban other things like atheists or certain religions? It's a persons choice to smoke just like it is a person's choice to be who they are, I don't think it is right to ban smoking nor constitutional to ban it. It violates a person's freedom, as long as they are staying with 20 or 30 feet from the buildings I think they are just fine.
  • It's not so much that I want to make life harder for smokers, but I'm thinking about the health and well-being of EVERYONE on campus.
  • It's people's choice if they choose to smoke or not. It's not against the law and it's not becoming a huge ordeal that would even necessitate a survey of this size. If you want to change this university why don't you consider changing some things that would matter to the general student body. I have several proposals.
  • it's really annoying that all the smokers congregate right outside doorways of buildings, I have asthma and there have been one or two times where I've had an attack after walking out the door of my dorm building.
  • It's really gross to be sitting in class or studying in my apartment and then suddenly I smell smoke. I don't care if people smoke, but I don't want to have to smell it, especially when I have mild allergic reactions (coughing, watery eyes, headache). I wish this would have been put into effect before I came here.
  • It's segregation.
  • it's so gross to walk behind someone who is blowing smoke in your face. i think campus should be completely smoke free.
  • It's unfair to discriminate against people on the basis of their personal choices. This ban comes too close to telling people how to live; if you do this, you won't be able to come and be comfortable on campus. People would have to walk off campus to smoke a cigarette? The idea of a smoking shelter could be explored further, but if they were placed too far away, I feel it would be another form of discrimination. We all know smoking isn't good for us, but for a government institution to say "You can't do this on campus anywhere" is arbitrary, and enters into the realm of Big Brother. Let people make their own choices; move them away from buildings maybe, build them shelters, but don't ban smoking on campus. Not only would it make it difficult to attend classes or work on campus for both faculty and students here, it is an arbitrary government control which is completely unnecessary. Tell students to politely ask smokers to not blow smoke in their faces. Personal lives should not be the business of a government institution.
  • It's unreasonable to do this and it's impossible to enforce. How are you going to stop students from smoking? They're already outside in wide, open air. Are you really going to have PS pull people over or talk to students who are just smoking tobacco?
  • It's very disgusting when you go to walk into a class and there are people smoking outside the doors. It's disgusting and smells horrid. Not to mention a student who has just been smoking reeks of it when they enter the classroom. Please do away with it, you'll only be helping their health
  • its a persons choice
  • Its a problem... and the only problem is at doorways of building in the winter time. Students get cold and don't want to be in the wind so they stay close to the building. I'm not sure if shelters are the answer(high cost), but more enforcement. Its not enforced too much as is. There should be a penalty for not listening, much like parking in a handy-capped parking space. What would NMU do if it was smoke free? Fine students? Thats rather stupid, keep it the way it is and fine the ones that dont listen to the current rule/code of conduct. Enforcers should carry a tape measure if there are arguments.
  • its about dang time
  • its not like NMU would be telling people who smoke to stop, they would be asking the smokers to respect the right of people who dont want smoke in their lungs. as of right now we (non-smokers) have no choice. smokers blow their smoke with uder disregard of people passing by, its not to much to ask of them to smoke in a designated area so that they are destroying their lungs and not ours (non-smokers).
  • Just get the smokers away from the door ways. but I think building shelters is a waist of money, because the money for them will come from the pockets off all students not just the smokers. I don't mind if they smoke in the parking lot, but they always stand next to the door.
  • Just keep smokers away from the building because it smells up the dorms and also smoking is a bad choice and perhaps makign the school smokefree would make the students a higher caliber and more focused on school.
  • just keep the smokers outside.
  • Just one more way to encroach on a persons rights. way to go.
  • just think smoking should be kept outdoors. outside of building.
  • Keep campus smokefree but let smokers be able to smoke in their vehicles.
  • keep Northern the way it is. If you want smokers away from the buildings that do up smoking huts at the 30 ft mark because seriously the only reason why this is an issue is the wind and cold. Also, I think that yes smoking is bad for ones health and all but it is is a choice and if you start making choices for people then you might as well tell us what our majors are going to be, when we should go to bed, etc. plus, this would affect parents, there are people in the world that if they had to stop smoking even for a few days while visiting their kid,would become ill because they are at a point where to quite smoking would be even more detrimental to their health. And to include no smoking in private cars while on campus is ridiculous. also there are people on campus who, when it is warmer, smoke hookah [basically a candy tobacco] as a leisurely get together with friends, ultimately hookah smells and taste better than actual cigarettes. what about these people. and the last comment would be what would the university do with the people caught smoking on campus, because if this ridiculous notion goes into affect then there will be blatant disregard for it out of spite and anger. one last comment, the tobacco tax that Michigan has in some way paid for parts of the Michigan resident students of NMU's tuition.
  • Kids smoking on campus has not affected me in one way or the other. I do believe that there should be a place for them to smoke if you are considering a smoke free campus. We all know that smoking is an addictive habit but it is really hard for some to quit and use smoking asa vice for relaxation other than drugs or alcohol.I would be willing to offer a fundraising event for the smoking shelters so that it would come at the cost of the students.
  • Knowing that there are hundreds of potentially lethal levels of carcinogens in cigarette smoke alone, I choose to not be a second-hand smoker. That makes more logical sense that smoking. I hate the fact that cigarette companies have increased the levels of nicotine and other addictive substances in order for people to have a harder time quitting. It is everyones responsibility to stop smoking in public. Thank you
  • Last semester I noticed that every time I walked out of a building I encountered smoke. It made me sick. I couldn't even sit outside and enjoy the nice weather because it wasn't nice when every 10 seconds or less you get a big whiff of cigarette smoke.
  • Last semester I was above a doorway in the dorms, on the second floor and when it was sweltering outside we had to endure nasty smoke coming in the window at all hours of the day and night. It even seeped through the window when it was closed. For the smokers it might've been one smoke a day, for my roommate and I it was smoke all day, whenever one of the many smokers had the urge. I completely support a non-smoking campus, I am just sad that this wasn't proposed sooner. I will be graduated by 2010 and unable to see, or rather breathe the benefits of this.
  • Last year I attended Delta College, which has recently gone smoke free (with the exception of vehicles w/ windows closed). The new smoke free policy seemed to be supported very well by the majority of my fellow students.
  • Legalize it!
  • Let smokers smoke outside, just do something about it so that they aren't smoking RIGHT at the doorways. it makes the stairwells of the dorms and buildings smokey.
  • Let the smoker's smoke in smoking shelter, and keep it away from building entrance at least 50 ft.
  • Let the smokers smoke
  • let the smokers smoke, they get taxed harsher than most other groups, don't let the state (who earns revenue from their habits) add more restrictions to their lives. Michigan smokers already suffer a draconian fiscal punishment for their addictions, give them a break.
  • let them do what they want
  • Let them smoke
  • Let's make campus completely smoke free right now... it is nasty and bad for everyone's health.
  • Let's stick to the rules that are already in place.
  • Lets be honest, the positioning of the smoker stations in front of buildings is silly, and is part of the problem. Moving them would be a simple solution. Smoking on campus should be allowed, plain and simple. Students are aware of the health risks and it is a personal choice. The fact that Northern Michigan University would so callously dictate which civil liberties are appropriate and warrented is simply dissapointing to me. This is the United States of America, where the selective pursuit of happiness is a staple of the very philosophy of our founding fathers. Please NMU, though not a smoker myself, it pains me to see our university act against selected individuals who merely want a little personal liberty. Thank you for your time
  • Lets do it!
  • Lets get it smoke free!!
  • Lets set the right tone and be sure that we take ALL students health into consideration. BAN SMOKING ON CAMPUS!
  • Lets worry about parking, lower tuition/fees, or getting Jamrich fixed up rather than a bunch of smokers outside killing themselves. Some of this smoking nazi stuff is getting a little out of control.
  • Look in to the Human Centered Design program in the School of Art for a possible design source for the smoking shelters.
  • Love NMU & having a smoke free campus would make it even better!
  • Make central campus smoke free i.e. between the library, science buildings, jamrich, the u.c., taking the policy into parking lots and cars crosses a line i'm not willing to cross even as a non-smoker who gets annoyed by smoke
  • making it smoke free is stupid. if you have designated places it would be better but still seems wrong as if northern is trying to control students. whats next making designated places and times for eating
  • making it smoke free is unrealistic
  • Making NMU smoke free might drive away potential students who do smoke and would feel restricted by attending a smoke-free campus.
  • Making Northern a Smoke Free Campus would be one of the best things that NMU could do for the health and respect of its students, staff, and faculty!
  • Making the campus smoke-free is a great idea, but sounds more like a marketing ploy to draw in students of richer families who are looking for a "green" school. You're going to piss off a lot of students by going smoke-free, if that's what will happen. I would say more of the general population smoke than the upper socio-economic percentile. What is your motive in going smoke free? Let students know your intentions and they may understand.
  • Many MGH employees come to the UC parking lot to smoke in groups...this practice should be stopped.
  • Many people may say that smokers have the right to smoke, but non-smokers also have the right to breath clean air.
  • Many smokers disrespect NMU's campus by smoking by doors despite the posted signs and leaving cigarette butts all over the sidewalk despite the proximity of waste cans. Banning or controlling smoking on campus would not only be better for the health of non-smokers breathing in second-hand smoke, but would also help NMU look cleaner.
  • Many smokers don't abide the 30 ft rule when smoking near buildings. I always hate walking through a puff of smoke on my way to class. Going smoke free is a positive for the university!
  • Many smokers hug the doorways of buildings due to the cold and wind. Smoking shelters would encourage these individuals to do so away from heavy traffic areas. Even if the campus were smoke free, it is already obvious that most smokers don't care about the rules (ie: standing away from buildings). The shelters would be a compromise for the smokers and non-smokers.
  • Many smokers would say that this new policy would take away their personal rights, but what about those of us who do not wish to inhale their second-hand smoke? If they want to destroy their lungs, by all means that is their choice, but I also have the right to keep my body as healthy as possible. Another point I wish to make is that our rules for 30 ft. away from doors and windows is not upheld, especially on lower campus near the dorms; I would hope that this new policy's rules will be better enforced.
  • many times i have had smoke blowing on me from people who are walking in front of or by me on the pathways. it makes be cough and gag!
  • Maybe going a little over the line as too smoking in parking lots. having a dart before/after class is common. enforcing smoking in (outdoor) parking lots will probably be a problem in the making. im not a smoker so i support a smoke free campus, but if your too strict, i'd imagine you'll have further problems/concerns down the road.
  • More and more cities, buildings, and universities are going to become smoke-free. It's only a matter of time before this issue comes up again, so you might as well start the process now.
  • More and more of our rights are being taken away, this will just add to it.
  • More cities are becoming "smoke-free", and while smokers may be opposed at first- I know of some smokers who were eventually grateful for the "smoke-free" atmosphere, because it got them to quit smoking. NMU going smoke-free may be a hard transition at first for smokers, but I feel in the long run, it will be the best for everyone on campus.
  • Most people who come to NMU, are over the age 18; it is their choice as an adult to harm their own body if they want to. Making NMU a smoke free campus displays northern as a school with many rules and regulations. In time everywhere in Michigan will be some free any ways, don't worry about it now. If New York, Chicago, and all of Ireland can become smoke free it's just time before the rest of America will become smoke free.
  • Most smokers stand at the entrance to a building and it is not pleasant walking through that when entering or exiting. Also, many cigarette butts are just snuffed onto the cement and that looks awful! MGH has gone smoke free and it's wonderful--please get this going! Thank you!!!!
  • my biggest concern is the litter. smokers should not be confined to their cars because not everyone has there car at school. i think the best idea is the shelters but why should the university have to spend money to accomidate smokers? Promote Chewing tobacco
  • My biggest concern is the smoking near buildings, even though there is a 30 feet limit, no one really follows it and as a non smoker walking in or out of a building, I don't want to be greeted with a overwhelming cloud of smoke. As far as walking to or from classes, I am fine with that, as long as they don't gather right outside of the building. I also think that if people have their car on campus and go to their car it should be allowed that they can smoke there, if no where else on campus.
  • My biggest concern with smoking on campus is that the 30 feet from any building doors is never enforced. I don't appreciate walking though plums of smoke going to class. If they want to poison themselves then by all means go ahead. But when your personal choice interferes with my health then I have an issue.
  • My biggest problem with smoking on campus is that smokers are consistently right out side the doors of buildings. I don't want to have to walk through smoke, which isn't healthy to me.
  • My concern is how are you to punish those who are caught smoking on campus. I am VERY supportive of NMU going non-smoking. I choose to be a non-smoker but have the privilage taken away when those people who choose to smoke, are smoking right in front of me.
  • My health should not be at risk because someone else doesn't care about theirs. I'm from Lexington, KY, essentially tobacco capital of the US and they went smoke-free successfully. Outdoor smoking (minimum of 30 feet from buildings I think) and smoking rooms with completely separate ventilation units are the only public places where smoking is allowed.
  • My main problem with smoking on campus is the litter it causes. If the policy is like what is stated in question three, I think there would still be a problem with littering so that is why I would not like people to be allowed to smoke in their cars on campus either. I know most smokers are respectful and there are plenty of places to dispose of cigarette butts, but there is still an enormous amount of cigarette butts on the ground. I think Northern would set a standard for other Universities. I think other Universities will move toward this anyway but who better to start first than Northern.
  • My old school had a so-called "smoking shack." It wasn't a shack at all. It wasn't anything, besides the only place where people were allowed to smoke. One interesting unintended consequence of the policy was that it (restricting smoking to this one area) built camaraderie between smokers. It was easy for them to commiserate, after all, because they dislike (as a general rule) being forced to have their smoke in one specific spot, especially if they happen to be in a hurry. Unless people have severe asthma, they should consider taking a longview at things and just getting used to people smoking. (Maybe smoking could be banned in the buildings of the highest concentration of small children, like Jacobetti and the PEIF.) Smoking rates in the US are really low compared to most every other country. Southern Europe, the Middle East, Korea: all of these are places where smoking rates are much higher. My cousin used to live in Egypt and he claims that he barely met a nonsmoker his whole them there. They say a great gift for Americans to give their Turkish host is a carton of Marlboro Reds (because it's distinctively american, and of universal appeal).
  • My only hope is that NMU continues to foster a campus that is conducive to healthy living and enrichment. I think that making NMU a smoke-free campus would absolutely be a positive in this vein, but I think there also needs to be more action in terms of the food program and general health awareness.
  • My primary concern with smoking on campus is the careless littering of cigarette butts. Cigarettes are not biodegradable, and I couldn't begin to count the butts I see scattered across campus. Not only does this pollute the environment but also it makes our campus look trashy. I have attended NMU for two years now and the outlook on the cigarette crisis has not changed. The only place that I have seen cigarette outpost is by the Art buildings. If smoking does continue to stay on campus I (and I’m sure many other students and faculty at NMU) would like to see more smokers outposts around campus, and to have stricter rules for those students and faculty who continue to litter. Littering, as promulgated by the legislature of the state of Michigan, is illegal; therefore, throwing cigarette butts on the ground is also illegal. I’m sure making such regulations and having the manpower to make sure these laws are not ignored will be costly and time consuming, but I truly believe it is worth it. Assuming that NMU already pays someone to clean and pick up the sidewalks, it will be one less thing that person has to do, giving them more time to take part in more important activities. Further, if the only possible way to get such littering to end is banning smoking all together, then so be it.
  • My thought about making NMU a smoke free campus is that it really is not a good idea. I am a non-smoker so I will be the first to admit that I am not fond of walking through clouds of smoke. But, being 18, I don't believe it is the school's job to play mommy and daddy and tell adults whether or not they can smoke.
  • n/a
  • N/A
  • Neutral to number four because I would prefer it to happen before then. I'm supportive if that is the only option, but I think it should happen sooner. Private vehicles with closed windows simply wont happen, people will have their windows open and it is impossible to say we are a smoke free campus if we still allow smoking to some degree.
  • NMU as a smoke free campus would deter more people from coming to NMU that it would bring in. I have never had a problem walking into a campus building and feeling overwhelmed with smoke. Even if there was an instance where I saw 20 smokers in front of a doorway at Jamrich I could easily go to the west end of the building. There is hardly ever anyone there. And in the part of side affects, I feel if someone is smoking outside I won't be breathing in that much smoke, it will not stand in one place long enough and neither will I to have that much of an influence on my health.
  • NMU being a smoke free campus would cause more problems than it would solve
  • NMU going Smoke-Free would provide a healthy atmosphere for learning. This could be a big selling point for NMU. "Live in a Superior environment on the shores of Lake Superior.
  • NMU needs to enforce its current policy on smoking 50 ft away from the dorms right now because people are not following that rule.
  • NMU portrays itself as a leader in many ways. Why would we want to be seen as lager in such an important social issue as smoking and health. Don't wait until 2010 do the right thing now. As for shelters for smokers...do we supply shelters for any other vices? Of course not.
  • NMU promotes strongly the ideas of health and keeping the environment clean, and smoking on campus negatively impacts on that. I think it would be great as a step in the right direction to get rid of smoking on campus. In addition, eliminating smoking would get rid of the problems that classrooms have with ventilating the outside air inside the rooms that contains the stench of cigarette smoke.
  • NMU should be a smoke-free campus. It will put an influence on students to stop smoking, and help keep NMU a healthy environment.
  • NMU should be dedicated to the health and wellness of its students. Going smoke-free would be a positive step in helping us live happy, healthy, and better lives.
  • NMU should be smoke free by fall 2008, not 2010.
  • NMU should be smoke free, but to say you cannot smoke in a private car is a little extreme. I hate cigarettes, but people can do what they want in their car.
  • NMU should definatly become smoke-free, I hate walking out of class and getting a cloud of smoke in my face and breathing it.
  • NMU should definitely be a smoke-free campus, because I should not have to breath cigarette smoke every day going in and out of buildings for classes. It is not fair for the non-smokers. Smoking shelters would at least shield the smoke. Please allow NMU to be a positive example for students and other universities.
  • NMU should go completely smoke free (no smoking shelters either). I shouldn't have to pay tuition for you guys to build a smoking shelter that I'm going to walk by disgusted every time. Smoking is a problem at NMU right now because people don't obey signs saying not to smoke by doorways, etc. I shouldn't have to smell smoke as I'm walking to class for my education I paid for. A copmletely smoke free campus is a great idea and would promote the good health of the students. People look stupid with a butt hanging out of their mouth--just think of how much smarter NMU would look if no one was allowed to do that? Hooray for Norhtern going smoke free!!
  • NMU will never be able to go entirely smoke-free. As nice as it would be, we'd be loosing a lot of good students because of this. True, some students make quit so they can stay at NMU but how many would make that kind of sacrifice (to fight their addiction) to stay at this university? I think tougher enforcement of rules already in place in addition to others would suffice without loosing a major part of the student body. Additional smoke shelters would keep the smoke with the ones who choose to smoke and away from those who do not, and would also somewhat keep them out of the cold. Everyone shouldn't suffer because of their choices, but we can't forget about their rights altogether.
  • NMU's proposed smoke-free campus policy is invasive and extreme. I am not a smoker but I do not support this proposed policy.
  • No doubt about it NMU should become smoke-free immediately!
  • No one currently abides by the rule of not smoking within so many feet of campus buildings so I wonder how and who would enforce this.
  • No prob with people who want to sit in their car and smoke with the windows up, just don't blow it in my direction. Second hand smoke kills.
  • No smoking inside is understandable, but amid the open air, why should I care. More corncern should be placed upon other more direct pollutants to the air, such as higher grade filters upon smoke stacks.
  • NO SMOKING, YAY!
  • No-smoking policy will lower enrollment imo
  • Non smokers shouldn't have to bear second hand smoke from smokers. I totally support the idea of going completely smoke free.
  • Non-smokers & smokers trying to quit shouldn't have to suffer walking through smoke clouds outside campus buildings on the way to our classes. We are choosing not to for one reason or another and shouldn't have to endure being around it because it's someone else's bad habit. I am very pro a smoke-free campus, but i do think that it should be a gradual thing because it will be an easier adjustment that way and more likely to succeed
  • Non-smokers have the right to breathe fresh air, but smokers also have the right to smoke. I used to smoke but i have recently quit. I dont believe that smoking is a problem on campus, most people are smart enough to stand atleast 30 feet away from any entrance to a building when they are smoking. Making this a smoke free campus would be completley unfair to those who do smoke and cant quit. Its an addiction and some people cant fight the urge and quit so they need to continue to smoke. Think about everyone that this would affect and not just the non-smokers please.
  • Non-smokers should not have to pay for smokers with there private little smoke shacks...I don't smoke but I don't care if other people are smoking on campus just let it be how it is!
  • None
  • None of the rules that we have now about staying 30 feet away from the doors of buildings work at all. There are always smokers leaning against buildings and non-smokers, including people who are allergic to cigarette smoke, have to walk through it. I think getting rid of smoking on campus altogether is a great idea. It's a bad habit that isn't good for ANYONE's health, and I think that inconveniencing a few smokers for the health of the campus is well worth it.
  • None.
  • Northern going smoke free would be great. Almost everyday on the way class one will encounter people smoking and as a non-smoker I do not want to breathe that in.
  • Northern is a public university, not a private one. I am completely opposed to smoking however, I don't believe that you can tell people what they can and cannot do in their private vehicles.
  • Northern Naturally- this means without the butts!
  • Not even allowing students to smoke in their cars is stupid. I'm all about not-smoking, but students are going to do it anyway. The smoking shelters will never get used.
  • Not everyone smokes so not everyone wants to smell like smoke!
  • not only am i in complete support of this, but would like to see it implemented right away!! --i'm sick of seeing campus trashy and not being able to breath, and its even worse for me because i am allergic to smoke. one thing i would like to see addressed is what the consequences are going to be for those that choose not to follow the rules? will there be several public safety officers arround to issue tickets? how exactly will that work?
  • Number 3) Smokers should not be treated like NMU’s bastard secret hidden away in cars. They are college adults with rights. Also by smokers marinating themselves in their cars with their own smoke, we’ll have to sit next to someone that smells like a lit cigarette all class long (you think you’re class is giving you a headache now, you just wait). NMU should not baby-sit college adults, NMU should instead guide us as an intuition of higher education. Smoke brushing a passerby’s nostrils as they walk outside will not shorten their life or lessen their life’s enjoyment unless they chose to allow it to. Adults should not be taught that they are porcelain dolls. Number 5) I don't want to spend money on people destroying their heath by building smoking shelters, but I do want them to get away from doorways and blocking entrance into buildings. I don't mind the brief smell of smoke as I pass by. I’m bother by smokers seemingly not knowing how to dress for the cold and clinging to the doors as if it gives them the illusion they’re warm inside. If they choose to smoke they either need to learn to bundle up and step away from the building or they need to not smoke. All in all I find the smell of car exhaust much more offensive than the smell of a pack of smokers. But we can’t make the campus car free can we?
  • On question 3 if that was allowed, it probably wouldn't bother non-smokers; however, it might leave parking lots a mess with cigarette butts all over the place.
  • On-campus prohibition seems unnecessary. I really don't see the point of prohibiting parking-lot smokers, as no one is ever in the parking lot for a long period of time. Further, the cost consideration for effectively enforcing such a rule (i.e., smoking allowed in you car, but only if the windows are rolled up) would be very high.
  • One of the most frustrating things about my day is the walk in the academic mall. Not only am I freezing cold from the temperature and the wind, but nine times out of ten I get stuck walking in close proximity to a smoker. The smoke blows in my face a lot, and I hate the smell. I've also passed smokers and actually had the smoker blow smoke in my FACE before. I find this to be extremely rude, and I feel that a smoke-free campus would be beneficial to everyone's health, well-being, and happiness: smokers and non-smokers alike.
  • Only would see it as a positive because I am a non-Smoker --- I could see many of my peers who are smokers driven away because of a no smoke campus.
  • Our world is changing. So many cities and facilities are going smoke free and never looking back. NMU needs to follow suit for the good of all parties involved. In respect to the smoking shelters: They are a terrible idea. NMU should NOT accommodate smokers in any way. Unfortunately, smokers have abused their privilege of smoking on NMU's campus. NMU: Smoke free. No conditions, no exceptions. In it to win it.
  • Outside, while NMU property should not be included in any smoking ban. Why don't you mandate solar panels on all backpacks to power laptops. At least that might help keep tuition in line by reducing energy costs. (I'm kidding) I don't know who gets paid to dream this stuff up but their salary could be put to better use suppling rubbers to poor people at no cost.
  • Overall I think No smoking would be nice. As for smoking shelters, I would be afraid that the school would spend a lot of money on them and students would not use them. As for smoking in parking lots and in cars, I don't see this a large problem. The biggest times smoking is a problem is just outside buildings and walking up to campus from the lower campus dorms.
  • Overall I think that this would be a very positive thing for NMU. Smokers will definitely make a big fuss about this, but personally I don't see an issue with this at all. I quit smoking in June, so I was a smoker for all my years at Northern up until now - I rarely ever smoked on campus anyways. As a side note, a possible positive side effect of this policy - it may affect the smoker's smoking habits and perhaps they will be convinced to quit. One of the main reasons that I quit smoking was due to the fact that so many people hate it, and treat you like a second class citizen if they see a cigarette in your hand.
  • Overall, I don't think that the campus should go smoke free. I feel that it would be against the rights of those who do smoke. Smoking shelters and keeping smokers away from the building entrance seems like the best option for all involved.
  • Overall, I would like to see any action that the university sees fit to reduce the amount of smoke on campus. I think the designated smoking shelters would be quite effective.
  • Paying for a shelter is not an option, If they don't want to be cold outside, they can quit smoking. Also, I already pay to come to a campus that is safe, "free" of crime, but yet I still am being slowly killed outside near the doors. I really feel the solutions is as simple as enforcing the current 30 foot rules. This could easily be done by less than 20 students. Paying for these positions would be easy, Charge greater than $50 per infraction, not just to students but staff, and faculty. Also there needs to be some sort of marking that shows how far away 30 feet is that is visible from inside the 30 foot line.
  • People addicted to smoking find it difficult to concentrate if they crave a cigarette. Preventing smoking altogether would be detrimental to the ability of faculty, employee, and student smokers to be cognitively productive (which is a prime concern for an academic setting). Do we want to drive away these people and the important knowledge they contribute? I want to create a campus image that discourages people from smoking (my dad started smoking as a student here in the 60s and has regretted it ever since), but at the same time we should have some type of release for those who exercise their right to smoke.
  • people are going to smoke mo matter what and out lawing it completely would not be ethical because you are takeing a persons right to smoke away from them. building shelters would be a nice thing and would really make winters easier on smokers it might also make people view this school better because it shows that we are excepting of all people
  • People are going to smoke on campus no matter what is done. Who would be going around the parking lots to make sure that no one is smoking there? For example, if Public Safety is going to be on look out for smokers on campus, they aren't keeping us safe from the more avoidable dangers on campus, they already have hard enough time keeping up with alcohol in the dorms and whatnot else. As for smokers smoking in their vehicles with the windows up, the smoke is going into the atmosphere anyway, whether it is from people off campus smoking outdoors or when the smoker leaves the vehicle after the cigarette is finished. There are a lot of smokers on campus and they aren't going to stop smoking just to continue attending NMU, they will find somewhere else to go. I believe that if NMU becomes Smoke-Free they will find out that it was a poor decision.
  • people choose to smoke, theres no good reason nonsmokers should have to pay through tuition hikes to build these smokers pavillions or whatever. If you're going to make the campus smoke-free, do it at no cost to nonsmoking students.
  • People do have the right to smoke, however I don't believe that it is fair for smokers to jeopardize the health and well being of non-smokers with second hand smoke. It is for this reason that I think smoking shelters are an excellent idea.
  • People do not follow the limits of smoke-free areas on campus. Every doorway seems to smell like an ashtray due to the fact that students and faculty smoke close to the door ways and don't extinguish their cigarettes when finished. Entryways on campus do smell like cigarette butts and smoke. I understand people have a right to smoke, but shelters that would be secluded from entryways and sealed off would be great for campus. They were given a chance and it didn't work, people smoke within the 30 or so feet of entrances and buildings smell like smoke. This may even discourage people from smoking. I do not believe that the smoke-free vehicle aspect is realistic, because you would have to pull people over for smoking and that is too far, but get it away from buildings and people will be satisfied. Thank you for listening to the students.
  • People don't follow the smoking rules now that are imposed at NMU, so how do you expect them to follow these new ideas or policies, and who is going to be actively enforcing them? I mean, I never see anyone doing anything about the people who are constantly smoking right next to the buildings where the signs clearly say 30ft away. I do however think this idea is wonderful as I CANNOT STAND walking to class behind someone that is puffing away on their cigarettes.
  • people have a right to smoke if they want, if they are outside why bother them...keep the buildings no smoking but campus should not be, i don't think the campus would benefit and unless you are ready to spend money enforcing such an act good luck because students are going to smoke whether they are allowed to or not and they are going to find a place to do so even on campus.
  • People have a right to smoke if they want. Even though I am a non-smoker, I believe that if NMU makes the campus smoke free, students freedom of choice will be taken away. Let students decide if they want to smoke or not. The decision should not be made for students. If our freedom of choice is taken away, what other rights will gradually be taken away from students?
  • People have the right to choose whether or not to smoke... I have never seen smokers outside as a problem, they're very respectful and they stay a long way from the entrances. A lot of people work at NMU and I think that making campus a smoke-free environment will negatively impact those people, their work and their attitude toward NMU in general. I don't think making a rule like this is intelligent or fair. I am not a smoker, but I see personal freedom as more important than a few complaints. I haven't seen signs posted about smoking a certain distance from the doors - perhaps placing ashtrays a set distance from the doors would help keep smokers away from entrances. Furthermore, I feel as though a non-smoking campus is simply unenforceable and a waste of campus resources. People are going to smoke -- the best idea on this survey is the smoking hut.
  • People have the right to do what they want with their own bodies. Smoking however effects more than just them. When I exit a building I can tell if someone has reciently been smoking and it stinks. I have walking behind a smoker when I am trying to get to class because I not only have to make it to class, I have to deal with the gagging stench of the smoke. I respect the fact that people have the right to smoke, they should respect my right to not smoke which includeds being exposed to second hand smoke which has adverse health affects. I have the right not to be poisoned at school.
  • People ignore the "No smoking past this sign" signs next to the entrances all the time. I think this is an excellent way to help cut down on the amount of toxins that students passing by have to put up with. I've had asthma attacks from smokers and the attacks are all the harder during the colder weather
  • People make a choice to walk behind someone who is smoking so if it bothered them then why don't they just not walk behind them
  • people make choices everyday about their health good or bad. smoking is a personal choice just as much as the food someone chooses to consume, would you put a ban on fatty foods because obesity is rampent in the US?
  • People should be able to smoke outdoors.
  • People should be allowed to do what they please. If smoking bothers people do more to emphasize the No Smoking within 30ft. of entrances. University money could be spent on better things than banning smoking.
  • people should be allowed to smoke outside its their right to do so regardless of weither or not other people approve
  • People should be free to smoke if they want to as long as they don't smoke indoors or anywhere else non-smokers would have to severely be exposed to the smoke, I see no problem with smokers smoking on campus.
  • People should be free to smoke on campus if they wish to. The rule of 30 feet from buildings in fine. Even though I am not a smoker, as an American I feel this would infringe on their right to smoke if they so chose.
  • people should have the choice, even if the choice is to do something that would harm them.
  • People should, at the minimum, have the right to smoke in their private vehicls. After all they pay for the parking pass and the cost of the vehical. Smoking is also not illeagal if you are over 18. I don't know why NMU would be so concerned with it being done on campus. It is like saying, since I am a vegitarian we are going to ban all meat eating on campus. I would hope that NMU would be more tollerant of others preferances than that.
  • People smoke next to the doors no matter what signs you post or what "vestibules" you give them to smoke in away from the door. A smoke free campus would be wonderfull, but will only be sucessful if you ENFORCE it!
  • People smoke outside the dorms and we can smell it inside our room even though the windows are closed. It is super annoying and when we ask them to move, they don't.
  • people smoke too close to the doorways
  • People smoking in their cars in the parking lots shouldn't be included in the policy of a smoke free campus. Do you really want students to be smoking with the windows rolled up? I think that is getting a little too technical . Directly on campus by the buildings where people walk in and out is where it shouldn't be allowed.
  • People smoking is thier business! There is no need to control someone. Stop the professors from protesting downtown first.
  • People smoking to close to the buildings is the problem. Trying to control people outdoors is just asinine and I think we are making enough rules to restrict our freedoms as is. If everyone who bitches to authority had the balls to say something to the actual people that are affecting them there would be no problem. Don’t make rules to help out pussies that won’t do the dirty work of telling the smokers themselves.
  • People want to see a less poluted universe. So why not start with smoke free campuses. Alot of people are concerned with their own health such as asthma. Second hand is worse then smoking so protect ourselves and make it a smoke free campus
  • People who don't smoke shouldn't have to suffer for the CHOICES of others. No one is forced to smoke, why should non-smokers be forced into the negative results
  • People who smoke should be allowed to smoke in their own vehicle. It is thier own private property.
  • People will always smoke, and find ways to do so. If the campus goes smoke free, there may need to be some middle ground because a lot of students, including faculty, aren't going to walk off campus just to have a smoke between classes (although that would be ideal). I am a huge non-smoking advocate. But there are repercussions that will need to be addressed. We have rules that say a person must smoke 30 feet from any building. Yah, like that ever gets followed. If it truly happens, and the campus goes smoke free, then i think that would be a huge milestone in Northern's "naturally" statement, as well as show how NMU supports healthy life choices.
  • Personally I believe that making NMU a smoke-free campus would be one of the worst decisions the school could ever make. I am a non-smoker with a liver disease which makes me extremely prone to emphysema, and even I am against making NMU a smoke-free campus. There are several reasons why I feel this would be a terrible idea. First and foremost, once smoking becomes banned, more people will rebel and instead of quitting their habit. They will chose to smoke indoors, and attempt to hide it. Not only will this waste the millions of dollars the school has put into renovating the dorms, but this will also pose a larger risk to my health, and the health of many others. In addition, the faculty and student populations will decrease significantly. I have personally spoken to several students and faculty who have stated their loyalty will be placed elsewhere if this unjust rule is indeed passed. In summary, the negatives of this proposal heavily out weigh the positives.
  • Personally I can't stand second hand smoke, its harmful to others and disrespectful of the smokers who light up around campus. They made a choice to inhale toxic chemicals, I'd prefer not to.
  • Personally i feel that the current policy of being 30 ft from the building is sufficient. I am a non- smoker and people smoking outside dose not bother me so long as they are not smoking indoors. I don't feel like it is necessary to tell people what they can and cannot do inside of their own vehicles as well, it surely is not bothering or harming any but themselves.
  • Personally, I am not a smoker, but people should be allowed to smoke on campus, especially in their own vehicles. That is private property, it'd be the same thing if the state gov't came in and said that I couldn't smoke in my house. I believe before anything further is done with the "smoking ban" Northern needs to first enforce the 30ft rule from building entrances. 2nd, Northern needs to provide smoking shelters, because the entire reason smokers smoke beside building entrances is to get out of the wind that is so prominant in Marquette.
  • Personally, I am not a smoker. I actually have asthma and find it annoying/bothersome to walk behind other students that are smoking. However, I do not believe that a total ban on smoking at NMU is a wise decision. I feel it would lead to increased smoking within the dorms as well as numerous other results. Banning smoking on campus seems like an action a private school would take, not a public school. The reason I chose NMU was because they boasted of a campus ran by students and an administravtive that listened to students. I feel the smoking ban, although started with the best of intentions, would only yeild negative results.
  • Personally, I never have had a problem with smokers around me. They are generally polite enough to keep their distance. Only when I am walking downwind of someone going to class. I think the real issue is however that a ton of kids start smoking when they get to college. Hopefully a smole-free campus would help prevent them from starting. Smoking shelters would cost a bit of money, and also completely eliminate the point of making the campus smoke free.
  • Personally, I've never encountered being around as much smoke pollution as I am here before I came to NMU. It's sickening to have to constantly walk through a wall of smoke every time I enter the dorms, even when there is no one smoking at the present time. The constant smell of it lingers in the doorways and consumes the doorway entrances and stairways. It's also annoying and a hassel to have to dodge unseen smoke clouds on your way to class. I hope that in the future we can try to take steps toward a smoke-free environment.
  • Please come up with a way to keep smokers the 30 feet from doorways. I don't mind them smoking but when they are standing in a doorway and I have to walk directly through them to get to class it doesn't start my learning experience off well. I would also like to see a punishment for littering, as in throwing butts on the ground. I don't mind if someone wants to kill themself but it isn't fair that I have to look at thousands of the remnants of slow suicides lying all over the ground. I think that a smoke free campus is a good idea but not an attainable goal. Start with ticketing smokers standing to close to the doorways. (Public safety can make a litle extra money on this - maybe a $10 ticket.) With the money made from the tickets the smokers will eventually pay for the shelters that were proposed.
  • Please continue on this smoke-free campaign as I believe it will encourage other campuses to do the same. Many smokers will not appreciate the change however the non-smokers will benefit and appreciate the fresh, clean air that we deserve.
  • PLease disregard question #6
  • Please firmly push for a completely nonsmoking campus, we all must have clean air to breathe. Thank you for undertaking this necessary initiative.
  • Please go smoke free as soon as possible!!! There is trash from smokers everywhere you look on campus and the people who smoke STAND right by the doors even when there are signs that say there is no smoking within 30ft of the buildings.
  • PLEASE go smoke free on the entire campus! This is SO exciting! I am tired of putting my own health at risk because of smokers and tired of having to smell like cigarette smoke. It is disgusting and unhealthy for ALL of us ... second hand smoke is just as bad (if not worse) than first - hand. PLEASE implement a smoke free campus as fast as possible... I am entirely in support!
  • PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Institute some type of smoking shelter if making NMU otherwise smoke-free. I don't smoke, never have, am allergic to smoke, and think its a dirty habbit. But it is legal and for those who do it, lets not criminalize it. Let's give them a good place to smoke and hopefully everyone would be happy.
  • Please rid our campus of smoking. Second hand smoke kills.
  • Pretty much any effort to move people away from buildings would be appreciated!
  • Pretty stupid idea i think, i like the smoking shelters idea though. Its a good happy-medium.
  • Preventing smoking on campus will drive away a majority of students and may influence many students to live off-campus sooner. I would suggest adding more places to dispose cigarette butts - which may prevent littering.
  • Preventing students from exposure to second-hand smoke is a noble quest, but robbing students of their legal rights is going overboard. The idea of smoking huts is probably the best alternative, especially since the University is not at all shy to waste money in most other areas.
  • Prohibiting smoking in privately owned vehicles is ridiculous. Expecting a person to smoke in a vehicle with closed windows is equally ridiculous. The smoke coming out of a persons car window does not negatively impact pedestrians. Prohibit smoking in all buildings and within a certain distance of buildings if you think it will help. I don't feel that NMU should construct smoking shelters. If a person chooses to smoke they should be able to do so outside, away from buildings, and cigarettes butts should be disposed of properly instead of on the ground. Public Safety could issue tickets for littering the ground with cigarette butts if preferred.
  • Providing a proper disposal of cigarette butts for smokers outside, I think would be OK. Smokers are going to smoke no matter what. I think there's other more important issues for Northern to focus on. Get real!
  • Providing smoking shelters gives smokers the message that it is okay to smoke, when it is something that should be discouraged. Smoking should never be okay. It is very inconsiderate to human life and the well-being of others.
  • Question #3 is a bit unclear. I would not want smoking at all, even in cars! It is very discouraging when I am walking to and from campus, and smell the smoke of smokers. The smoke does leak out even with shut windows. The 30 feet from doorways rule that is on campus now is very ineffective. Students do not listen to it, and on the beautiful fall days I would try to study outside on the benches provided for us, and then get "booted away" as smokers came to sit there. I couldn't find a place on campus to sit outside to do my homework. This I see as a problem, as NMU is a very beautiful campus and we should be able to enjoy the outdoors even when studying, not be stuck inside because of smoke. I was unable to attend any of the campus meetings last semester as there was always a conflict of schedule. I appreciate you sending out this survey. Thank you! :)
  • Question 3 is unclear; yes, I support the smoking ban, but no I do not support the exception to the ban that smoking would be allowed in private vehicles. It should be banned there as well.
  • Right now they should enforce 30ft. from buildings!
  • School is very stressful. Some individuals feel the need to relieve stress before and after exams, and on the way to class. While only 13% (or something) of students smoke, it is certainly more bothersome to some individuals than others, and we all know that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Since tuition is paid by all who attend this university, basic common property laws should be upheld and freedom should not be compromised. Implementation of smoke free areas (or designated smoking sidewalks) and entryways should be looked into. By doing so, those offended by smoke odors may take an intrusive free path to their destination. Groundskeepers and outside clean-up personnel should, however, do more to help clean up littered butts near entryways.
  • second hand smoke is just as bad as smoking. being in a smoke filled room makes me feel sick to my stomach and makes my eyes all itchy and red, and the next morning I'm caughing and have a stuffed nose. if you want to smoke thats great, but the smoke should be completely and entirely away from us non-smokers
  • Second hand smoke is not a fun thing to breathe in, however since smoking is legal it would make sense if there were designated areas where smokers could go.
  • Second hand smoke kills thousands of people every year. I think it is a great idea to go completly smoke free. I had a sweet mate my freshmen year that smoked all the time even though it was a smoke free dorm. Her smoking didnt just affect her it affected both me and my roommate and those around us. The RA and RD knew about it and did nothing about it because of the fact that you could smoke other places around the dorms. I don't think it's fair that i got subjected to that and i don't think that anyone else should be subjected to it either. All of the resturants in Marquette are smoke free why can't our campus be smoke free too. It will cut back on not only smokers continuing to smoke but it may prevent students from even starting to smoke which could possibly save their lives and the lives of the people around them.
  • Second hand smoke needs to be reduced. When entering or exiting a building no one should be placed in a position to pass thru a smokers' exhale and smoke. The choice to smoke is one that should be available, yet the responsiblilty is on the smoker to keep public areas free of their smoke. I'll make the choice to stand next to the smoker's car if I care to get second hand smoke. Thanx for the concern & hopefully the course of action that is suggested with this survey.
  • Second-hand smoke is VERY dangerous. People come to college to learn, not to maintain their habit or force others to adapt to it therby endangering the health of others as myself who dont smoke and wish not to be exposed. Smokers can enjoy their habit off-campus in their homes, cars, etc. Should not be permitted publicly at all. It's not an issue of discriminating against them but one of protecting the health of many others who are not smokers.
  • Seems fine by me now. Don't want people smoking inside. I've got friends that smoke, they only do it in a couple of spots, a smoking shelter would be more money to spend, don't need that, besides, it is still cold outside, and they'd stink.
  • Seems like a civil rights infringement.
  • Seems like an infringement on smokers' rights. I get that NMU owns the land, but I don't understand how the university owns the air.
  • Shelters for smokers would be a perfect way to make the doorways smoke free and keeping the smokers happy too.
  • shelters should be heated if people are to be forced to huddle to one specific place like a cow to water. I think this policy is beyond the scope of reasonable behavioral control and falls on the side of a civil liberties violation.
  • Since we don't know the cost and placement of smoking shelters on campus, we can't take them into consideration, as question 5 requests us to do! We also don't know what resources will suffer a lack of/lower funding because monies will have been channeled into building smoking shelters instead. If we are to be a smoke-free campus, then putting up smoking shelters is a rather contradictory move. Why not require the smokers to go to their private vehicles and smoke inside of them instead of blowing carcinogens on the natural environment? Smoking is a choice, not a right. Likewise, addiction or habituation is a personal ramification to tolerate or change, not a public responsibility to support. Smokers smoking inside of their private property--their own vehicles--reduces the risk of freely flowing airborne carcinogens. Smokers smoking underneath a publicly funded shelter on public property increases the risk of freely flowing airborne carcinogens.
  • Sitting in class smelling smoke from lazy smokers outside the door is really annoying. I hate walking through a cloud of smoke just to get to CLASS. It's quite gross.
  • SMOKE
  • smoke free around the builldings as much as possible, parking lots shouldn't be a concern.
  • Smoke free by 2010 is a awesome idea. What an opportunity to be an example to the rest of the country.
  • Smoke Free is a good idea. However, people should be allowed to smoke in their cars or parking lots. I don't however think they should be allowed to smoke right by the doors entering buildings. It's pretty stinky. I was a smoker for 11 years and recently quit. I think a smoke free university would be a good idea. Hopefully more people will quit.
  • SMOKE FREE is the WAY TO BE
  • Smoke free is the way to be!
  • Smoke Free is the way to be! I hate going to my class and having that be the first thing I smell before I'm about to learn. It's discusting.
  • Smoke free is the way to be!!!
  • Smoke free is the way to be.
  • Smoke free is the way to go
  • smoke free nmu. period.
  • Smoke free!!! its so gross walking behind someone smoking and them blowing the smoke back towards you.
  • Smoke outside just wafts into the air it's not a pressing issue. smoke free buildings are good enough.
  • SMOKE SHOULD ONLY ENTER THE BODY'S OF THOSE WHO HOLD THE CIGARETTE I hate when I am entering or exiting a building and as soon as I get to the door I get a woof of someone's leftover smoke even if no one is there. I think it is inconsiderate of smokers to plant themselves right out side of an entrance. It happens almost every time I go to or come from classes. Is it not a campus regulation that smokers are only to light up 30 feet away from any campus building entrance? I do not think smoking shelters should be constructed for smokers. If bad weather helps a smoker to quit, so be it. Quitting will help students save more money for tuition when he or she is not wasting money on a pack of cigarettes. Before this project takes way, I suggest you get the Health Promotion Office involved. Perhaps the HPO could give out free quit-smoking kits and offer group meetings to boost the moral and success of students giving up smoking. If the proposal for smoking shelters pass, the time it takes to use these facilities need to be considered. The average smoker may take longer than five minutes, in any season, to travel from each building on campus to each shelter, smoke one cigarette, and walk back to class, especially if the facilities are placed far from entrances. Most three hour courses allow for only a five minute break for students to stretch or use the restroom. Usually, smokers go outside for a cigarette during this time. If you take only the smoker's rights into consideration, classes may have to be extended. The average smoker may take longer than five minutes to get out of a building, walk to the shelter, have a cigarette and stride back to class. As a result, break time may need to be extended so that smokers will have enough time to get their fix. Consequently, extending break time means class time will be extended as well. All students, including non-smokers, may be required to sit in class for an extra five or ten minutes, to make up for lost time because of a smokers' addiction. Also, should the proposal for smoking shelters pass, I suggest when placing each on campus the doorway(s)/opening(s) should face away from non- smokers passing by. For example: | | _____ | | | | | | | doorway | | |____| ^ sidewalk Thank you for taking the time to read my opinion on this issue.
  • Smoke-free, please!
  • Smokers are a small minority in todays days world. This policy would help make smokers even a smaller minority.
  • Smokers are going to smoke... there's no point in making it another ticketable offense.
  • smokers are going to smoke...no matter what. As i walk around campus, i observed smokers smoking next to signs that state "no smoking within 30 feet of building" if NMU goes smoke free, who is going to enforce it?
  • Smokers are people too. We can't just ban smoking or shuttle them away to secluded areas. That won't fix anything. People will still smoke all the time, because a smoke-free campus is rediculous. I think it will also push people (smokers and non) away from this school, seeing that it has such strict rules.
  • smokers create a dirty earth in many ways
  • Smokers do not comply with the 30' rule outside doors and the smell gets trapped in the building entryways and stairwells. I also hate having to smell it walking to class.
  • Smokers do not comply with the 30ft rule away from the doors.
  • Smokers do not heed signs placed on buildings regarding safe smoking distance for building air intake, and nobody likes to walk through a crowd of smokers congregated around entrances in order to get to classes.
  • smokers don't follow the rules of staying the correct amount of feet away from entrances, and I don't think that would change with smoking shelters
  • Smokers don't smoke as far away from the buildings as they should now! Work on that first!
  • Smokers have a right to smoke and nonsmokers have the right to not be affected by smoke. That being said we should focus our energy on a way that accommodates both sides instead of bickering over to go smoke free or not. Justin Reed
  • Smokers have civil liberties too!
  • Smokers have damned themselves by being rude and standing 5 feet from doors that say 30ft away. When you ask them to move, they get mean. Also smoking on sidewalks in be crowds of people shows how stupid they are (besides the fact of smoking in the first place). It's time to show we don't like it, and we won't let it effect us any longer.
  • Smokers have no rights. Non-smokers have the right to a smoke-free environment since they have chosen to protect their health by not smoking.
  • Smokers have rights. That's my opinion. We've already made it so they can't smoke inside the buildings. To make it so they can't even smoke inside their own vehicles or in the parking lots is just silly. I'm sure the momentary discomfort of breathing smoke when exiting a building is something us non-smokers can tolerate. It can't be a serious second hand smoke risk if we keep moving. As for the smoking shelter, I feel it would be an unnessary expense that all students would have to pay for that would only benefit the ones who smoked. As a final point, by making NMU unfriendly to smokers by banning it in such a ruthless fashion, NMU would lose students or experience a decline. I know that if I were a smoker, I wouldn't want to go to a campus that is insensitive to my needs. And as a non-smoker, I would not have come to NMU if I knew that a whole group of smoker's rights were denied to them.
  • Smokers near the doorways are the biggest problem for me. It would also be nice not to sit next to stinky smokers though.
  • Smokers need a place to do it but i think it could turn alot of people away from coming to NMU.
  • Smokers often ignore the rule that they must stand 30 feet away from doors while smoking outside. When this happens (especially outside of residence halls), the entire entranceway (and often adjacent hallway) smells like smoke and is very irritating to non-smokers.
  • Smokers on campus still smoke right outside the doorways...they don't care what the signs say!!!! I cannot stand all the cigarette butts around campus...ICK!!!! Bottom line is PEOPLE SHOULDN'T BE SMOKING ANYWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! That would be great if NMU went smoke-free!!!!! Thanks for the survey
  • Smokers on campus take advantage of the NMU smoking policy. They smoke right next to building doors, which then causes smoke to filter into sclasserooms. They are also careless about throwing away cigarettes and for the other people aroudn them. I have been burned twice by smokers on campus not watching what they are doing when students are walking by. They break the rules all of the time so they should lose the priveledge.
  • smokers should be allowed to smoke but they should not be accomidated with shelters. if someone wishes to smoke that is their choice and i must dea with their faults. it is legal to smoke so it should be on campus
  • Smokers should be allowed to smoke, it's their personal choice, more sould be done to enforce current rules, than to institute a campus wide ban, it's not fair to those who have been following the rules all along.
  • Smokers smoke near doorways and the smoke will come into the classrooms through the vents....very gross
  • smokers walking to class infect everyone who is walking behind or next to them, something needs to be done. Also, the rules about the distance that smokers must be away from buildings while smoking is NOT enforced at all...this is a HUGE problem for me.
  • Smoking affects so many people, even if they are not smoking. I have been to smoke free states and enjoy eating and going out more there than places that allow smoking. It's just better for everyone. Why should I suffer if you are choosing to kill yourself?
  • Smoking and obesity are the bane of this country. You can't do much about choices in regards to diet but a person standing near me with a poor BMI has little impact on my life. A smoker up to 25 feet away can negatively affect my life with the toxins cigarettes spew into the air. Tobacco is the one product that if used according to manufacturers design will cause ill health and most likely your death. Smoking is linked to almost every major disease we are plagued with. If I were to walk around with a small vial filled with the same chemicals in a pack of cigarettes and periodically took a swig, I would soon find myself committed for observation and labeled with suicidal tendencies and ideation. I smoked for 15 years before this epiphany occured and it makes me sad to see all the young students on campus puffing away between classes. This is a place of higher learning not a bar and the standards on campus should reflect this. If the decision is made to ban smoking please do everyone a favor and make it immediate not gradual. The smokers and can get by without cigarettes for short periods of time but no-one needs to live with them for any length of time, at least not while on the grounds of this University. Thank you for considering this option.
  • Smoking buildings will make the campus ugly!
  • smoking can bother others and I do not think it should be allowed in public at all!!!
  • Smoking causes many adverse effects to not only the smoker but everyone crossing their path. I HIGHLY support the university going smoke-free.
  • smoking delivers a dose of a dangerous drug that claims 500,000 lives per year. The answer is simple. Some people can't make the logical choice so others must make it for them. While your at it you should remove all soda machines with the name coke on them because they promote cocaine another abused drug after all this is a higher learning institution which should promote a more ethical society, at least that's what you've taught me so talk the talk and walk the walk!!!
  • Smoking does not bother me. I understand that some students and faculty members are bothered by smoking, but that still does not give this campus the right to become prejudiced against smokers. Oh yes, I said prejudiced. The moment you begin to talk about prohibiting an action that is in no way illegal, that is carried out outside the buildings on this campus, you begin to talk about prejudice. Smokers are being slowly forced out of this campus, being told that their opinions do not matter, and frankly this survey is a thinly-veiled way of saying to the smokers on this campus that they can quit smoking or leave. It seems to me, and to many of my peers that have discussed this issue, that the administration has already made up its mind. The common complaint I've heard from the administration and from its smoke-free supporters is that they do not like to have to walk through a "cloud of smoke" to get into buildings. The administration's own 30-foot rule is in place, but only sometimes do I see it followed. However, I never see it enforced. Common sense states to enforce a rule that you create, but I have not seen this happen. Instead of becoming stricter on the enforcing of this 30-foot rule, the administration is instead punishing all smokers by suggesting that their habits have no place on this campus. I guarantee that smokers at NMU would be willing to compromise to be allowed to continue their habits in peace while not disturbing the non-smoking population of this campus. Therefore, the idea for smoking shelters has merit, but must be carefully considered. I suggest that the administration discuss this idea with smokers, to understand if this is something smokers would agree to. As an at-times lazy college student, I guarantee you right now that if only one or two shelters are placed on campus, the idea will have come off half-cocked and the message will be plain and clear that smokers are not an important demographic to the administration of this campus. Moreover, those shelters will not be used, because no one wants to walk halfway across campus in the middle of the cold and snow, unless it's to get to class (and usually, nobody wants to walk across campus in the cold and snow, even FOR class.) Changes in the smoking policy at this campus could be a positive thing. If handled correctly, this situation could highlight the administration's willingness and ability to listen to and cater to both sides of the smoking argument. But I urge you to be fairhanded when dealing with this situation. Smokers are people too, and by no fault of theirs other than that they have a very bad habit, they are getting the message that they do not matter. Moreover, many smokers that I have spoken to have expressed concern that the administration has already decided to go smoke-free, their opinions be damned. I beg of you not to let this be the case - listen to these people with open ears, for the good of this university. All sides must be heard and represented, or else the ideals of this university have truly been lost on us.
  • Smoking doesn't bother me.
  • Smoking effects people around the smoker. Countless times i have been walking to or from class and have been behind a smoker. I wouldn't mind a great deal but i have seen a grandmother with Cancer and an uncle have a heart attack due to smoking. I put up with it when i was younger around people but I don't Smoke, Therefore why must i inhale the smoke from a cigarette that i have had no choice in saying if i want that. If tey want to smoke, they must be allowed to, however when that smoke comes into my lungs, or anyone's lings who did not want it there, is when i take a position on the matter.
  • Smoking has not really inhibited my life here on campus. As long as it stays outside of the buildings and a fair distance from the buildings, for both smokers and non-smokers, I do not have a problem with it. I think smoking around the dorms should be placed farther from the buildings, esp. for those who live on the first floor near doors. My sister went to school here, was allergic to smoke and it only bothered her when students would smoke too close to the building since she lived on the first floor.
  • smoking in a car with closed windows is much worse than being outside, this is also not fair to smokers, if you dont like smoke avoid smokers, but a desginated area away from doors seems like a smart idea, then if you dont smoke and go by those areas , it is your own fault.
  • Smoking in general is a nasty habit. The fact is that too many smokers stand right next to the buildings for a 'quick smoke'. This is unacceptable. Having to avoid a group of smokers away from the building is annoying but permissable. They have every right to be here, but having to walk through a group of them as they smoke outside the doors is nasty and always leaves me gasping for breath afterwards. The only alternative would be to take the long way out of a building which is time consuming and annoying. Nobody likes detours.
  • Smoking in the parking lots does not seem like a problem to me. I am not a smoker, but if people want to smoke, let them smoke. It sucks walking behind them while they are smoking but it is the outdoors. If people shut themselves in their cars with the windows up and smoke they will smell worse when sitting behind them in class than if we let them smoke outside. Also, this will make for a lot of people being late for classes!
  • Smoking in vehicles with windows and doors closed is absolutly terrible--you would force people to choke themselves out in their cars. Not all smoker allow smoking in their cars, and getting to your car inbetween classes would be a huge hastle, especially for people who walk or park in lots that aren't facilty designated. I started smoking at Northern, and I quit at Northern. Whether the campus is smoke free or not isn't going to stop smokers from smoking, it is going to get them spitting chewing tobacco all over the sidewalks and late for classes because they have to walk for blocks to find a place to light up. Smoking isn't healthy, and it quickly drains your money--yes. But don't peanalize someone for a personal choice that they aren't forcing you to be a part of. No one put a cigarette to my mouth, and no one took it away. It was all a personal choice. Don't deny people of that.
  • Smoking indoors is horrible, because then the buildings would smell like tar, like the dorms and what not. I dont mind at all if people are smoking on their way to class, it's their choice, and its in open air. most of the students go to bars on the weekends and there is ALLOT of smoking gong on there, and they dont complain, so we shouldn't deprive those students who need to chill for a second on their way to class because someone doesn't like it....walk around them.
  • Smoking is a big part of some individuals lives. I think if you took this right away from them the number of students here at NMU would decrease.
  • Smoking is a choice for each person - Having a place for people to smoke would make it easier on those that do not smoke. I think smoking is a terrible, dirty habit but I would much rather deal with it than be a part of taking peoples right to choose away. If there is going to be a ban put on smoking than also put a ban on all of the foul-mouthed banter. We have a right as individuals to choose what we want to say even if it makes someone else sick to hear it. We all have the right to choose to smoke also - medical conditions not withstanding. It is not the smokers fault that some have asthma. This is not about banning cigarettes it's about taking away freedom. After smoking than what are you going to take away??
  • Smoking is a choice of the students. I was a smoker for 4 years, and quit 9 months ago. Whenever I now smell smoke, I think of it as gross, and cannot believe I once smelled like that. However, I do not believe it is the university's role to step in and tell students not to smoke. I believe it would be the equivalent of the university putting overweight students on a diet. I attended a university previous to NMU while i was still a smoker, and that university had smoking shelters provided to students. It kept students away from the doorways/entrances, but still kept them out of the weather. I think smoking shelters should be seriously considered for NMU students.
  • Smoking is a choice.
  • Smoking is a choice. I, personally, am not a smoker, and I find the habit disgusting. I still think people should have the choice to smoke on campus within reason: so far away from buildings, etc. Where will the peopl who live on campus go to smoke? Bad idea to ban smoking.
  • Smoking is a deadly activity. Why endanger other students by allowing smoking on campus?
  • smoking is a disgusting habit. I think it should be banned, but you can still smoke in your car.
  • Smoking is a major health problem, and making a smoke free campus would be on the way to a healthier environment for both students and staff!
  • Smoking is a nasty habit and the people who smoke are not always respectful of the people who do not smoke. The people who smoke on campus do not stay 30 feet away from the building, and I do not like getting a face full of smoke before I enter a building.
  • Smoking is a part of a persons personal life. That is what they choose to do, and a great number of people do it. It is legal to smoke if you're over 18, and I don't understand why making it illegal to smoke on campus would solve anything. I think it would make people mischievous, and sneaky; many people will jones for a cigarette who are stuck on campus all day. Are they suppose to drive off campus, and waste time that could be used to study, to smoke an innocent cigarette? I'm a non-smoker, and I'm not bothered by smokers. Being thirty feet away from any campus building should be sufficient.
  • Smoking is a personal choice and for those who choose to smoke and think that they deserve a covered shelter or some sort of support that is harmful for those with allergies, asthma, and other health issues is rediclious. Smokers don't even follow the current rules of 30 feet from building doors so why give them special treatment. A smoke free campus would be an amazing way to make a statement regarding the health issues smoking creates and this could be a great stepping stone for the city of Marquette to think of going smoke free in more establishments; ie. restraunts, bars, etc.
  • Smoking is a personal choice but it effects everyone that has to live around it. I would be completely supportive of a smoke free campus, and I would not like to see any University funding go to making concessions for smokers (smoking shelters, kiosks, etc.). If you wish to smoke, go right ahead, just not anywhere near me.
  • Smoking is a personal choice, to make campus smoke free would discriminate against smokers and thus make the majority view them as doing something wrong. This is a university, not a hospital, highschool or Restaurant. Even though I am not a smoker, I feel that banning smoking will make people view smokers negativly. Even though it is a health hazard, it is ultimatly a personal decision and is not illegal.
  • Smoking is a persons choice, we dont need to ban it from the campus..as long as its not inside who cares!...we should try to enforce the rules we already have in place such as no smoking thirty feet from the doors instead of making new rules.
  • Smoking is a problem on campus as most students smoke in their rooms or within 30 feet of the doors/windows of students rooms.
  • Smoking is a right but not when you abuse it! I do not want smoke blown in my face as I walk in and out of doorways. Also, cigarette butts litter the ground all over campus. This detracts from the beauty of Northern and makes the campus looks trashy. I completely support the ban.
  • smoking is a truly disgusting habit, and by making the campus smoke free will keep it out of the way of those of us who don't want to die from lung cancer....
  • Smoking is annoying and there are no benefits to allowing it. It is a hinderance to sit in class next to a kid who smells like smoke. Also, cigarette butts look trashy laying all over around entrace ways. I think a smoke free campus would be looked upon in a good way by most scholars. And I don't think that not allowing smoking would decrease admissions, if anything it would encourage kids to quit smoking.
  • smoking is bad
  • smoking is disgusting and it should be banned.
  • Smoking is disgusting and NMU should be smoke-free.
  • Smoking is disgusting and unnecessary. I hate running the "smoke gauntlet" (the line of people outside the doors smoking) on my way to class I shouldn't have to put my health in jeopardy for my education. I would completely support a smoke free campus. I do think though that if NMU goes smokeless maybe you should have free classes or support groups to help students and faculty quit, because it is an addiction.
  • Smoking is Disgusting!
  • Smoking is disgusting, and a large cost to everyones health. Smokers are a dying breed, and should get no extra funding for their smoke shelters.
  • Smoking is disgusting. We have learn in Health class that second hand smoke is worse than smoking. It smells and smokers are inconsiderate and drop their butts all over campus. Is that supporting our beautiful campus we take pride in.
  • Smoking is everywhere. When I walk to class, its usually behind someone smoking. They smoke right outside of buildings so you walk into a cloud of smoke every time you leave class. I can even smell smoke in my dorm room (on the third floor) when people smoke right outside. I originally come from California and am sickened by the amount of smoking in Michigan. It is really one of the worst things to come back from vacation to.
  • Smoking is gross, I hate having to walk through it on my way to class or in and out of the dorms. My window is right above the doorway, smoke drifts into my room all the time and I hate it.
  • Smoking is gross. Students should not have to breath other peoples smoke.
  • Smoking is harmful to everyones health. Let's help take weapon out of the hand of smokers.
  • Smoking is legal, so the rights of the smokers should be taken care of. BUT the role of the non smoker NEEDS to be viewed too. If the current rules are inforced, which they are not, and some kind of shelter to be erected for the smokers comfort so they don't have to be so close to the buildings (maybe one in the courtyards in between the dorms?) then maybe we could reach a comfortable compromise.
  • smoking is nasty.
  • Smoking is not a right. It is a choice. Thousands of people fall victim to second-hand smoke every year. The choice to smoke should not be given on our campus.
  • smoking is not only bad for a smoker but it's harmful for non smokers, I can't stand smelling smoke on other's clothes which transfers to my clothes. I completely support a smoking ban.
  • Smoking is one of the elements associated with health related problems... which impact the costs of providing health care.
  • Smoking is one of the top 3 causes of death in this country, so why dont you do the whole country a favor and ban smoking.
  • Smoking is only as bothersome as you let it be. Yes, it stinks, but people are going to keep doing it. As long as they're outside buildings, they will see nothing wrong with it. Are tickets going to be distributed like parking tickets if you're caught smoking outside, or smoking in your car? That's ridiculous.
  • Smoking is smelly.
  • Smoking is still legal so please do not infringe on people's personal liberties
  • smoking is terrible and smells, get rid of it
  • Smoking is the right of the person smoking. Being outdoors should be enough to not bother people. Smokers have rights too!
  • Smoking is too dangerous and dirty and seems counterintuitive to be condoned at a institution of higher learning. It is very annoying to walk through a cloud of smoke coming out of the buildings because students do not respect the distance policies in place. Cigarette butts extinguished on top of garbage cans in the snow, now that is REALLY attractive. Not very environmentally friendly. A very ugly form of pollution and inconsiderate behavior.
  • Smoking is very bad for anyone's health and especially if I see Nursing student's smoking, it breaks my heart because they are the same people that will say is bad for you.
  • Smoking is your personal choice if you want to do it then thats fine. Id agree with smoking shelters as long as they are not placed in a spot that is just stupid spot. I am not a smoker but the rules on smoking are becoming so intense that they are like racial segregation rules
  • Smoking isn't illegal and its a persons choice to smoke or not. I think that if the campus is smoke free, NMU may lose alot of enrollment. I also think that the whole you can only smoke in your car with the windows up is rediculous.. thats not even healthy.
  • Smoking Kills, figure it out.
  • smoking not only affects the people smoking, but those around it who do not smoke. it is a terrible thing that shouldnt be allowed in public.
  • Smoking on campus has never bothered me at all, but i think if the entire campus went smoke-free it would have a negative impact on the enrollment.
  • Smoking on campus is fine, but it is too close to the buildings.
  • Smoking on campus would not be bad, if people actually followed the 30 feet away from the door rule. Instead when walking out of on-campus building you get bombarded with smoke.
  • Smoking or not smoking is a personal choice. Though I agree it's unhealthy and would never participate myself, I do not believe smokers should be punished for choosing to smoke. I believe this desire to make the campus smoke-free is a violation of an individual's rights. I would fully support the building of smoking shelters. If the university wishes to have a healthier student body then they should develop a program, group, (or give some direction to such) to help those who wish to quit smoking do so. If this movement to make the university smoke free is to appease a group of people, then I am wholly against it. I say this with a full realization that asthma attacks can be triggered by smoke. Those with asthma also know this and should be wise enough to avoid it.
  • Smoking outside buildings is all the smokers have anymore. You shouldnt try to push them even further away. Plus with the smoking shelters its going to cost not only NMU more but also the students because i am sure that NMU will find a way to raise the tuition.
  • Smoking outside of buildings, in designated areas, should be allowed to continue.
  • smoking rehabilitation centre can be set up to encourage smokers who is willing to quit...some of the health issues due to smoking can be made known to all the students.
  • Smoking shacks are stinky and unsightful. People can stink up their cars if they want to. What I would most like to see is that smokers who *don't* follow the rules now get ticketed or forced to follow the signs outside of the buildings regarding the distance smokers must stand. Their cigarette butts everywhere tell their own story. I fully support a smoke-free campus, mostly for the health benefits for the students and faculty. Thanks for looking in to this matter.
  • Smoking shelters are a good idea but who is to say that they will actually use them. It will be hard to regulate a smoke free area, I hope a plan can be implemented to ensure people do not smoke in front of the doors. I work at a hospital that went smoke free this summer and it continues to be a problem with smoking outside.
  • Smoking shelters are a ridiculous idea. Let's raise tuition in order to pay for these things while condoning smoking.
  • Smoking shelters are an reasonable solution. I don't think it would be possible to enforce an entirely smoke-free campus, but the thought is nice and if possible, I support it whole-heartedly.
  • Smoking Shelters sound like a great idea...as long as our tuition costs will not be affected.
  • Smoking shelters would allow future and current students a place to smoke without poisoning non-smokers. There should also be fines for students and faculty who are smoking at building entrances where the only way in or out the building is through there smoke.
  • Smoking Shelters would be ignored by smokers, unless the no-smoking rule was very well inforced which would cost way to much.
  • Smoking shelters would be money not well spent, it is catering to an unhealthy lifestyle. I am amazed and sad at the number of students that continue to smoke. I am also mad that an employee at the Berry Event Center smoked frequently inside (winter 07).
  • Smoking should be allowed in private vehicles whether the window is open or closed. Banning smoking outside of campus-affiliated bulidings is understandable. Smoking within a private vehicle is a person's right and shouldn't be taken away.
  • Smoking should be outlawed everywhere but the government gets too much in tax $ from it so they won't. NMU is taking the sensibile, healthy steps if they outlaw smoking on campus. I commend you on the attempt
  • smoking should definitely be prohibited on campus, it is very harmful to others who have to be around it, or walk behind smokers on their way to class.
  • Smoking should fall under moral obligations to the individual. However, when the individual fails to see the problems of his/her actions, then someone must step in and do something about it. Smoking on public grounds is wrong. It affects more than just the smoker. Smoking can affect people around the smoker, as well as buildings. Northern Michigan University may even get a "bad" reputation for it. Imagine a prospective student and his/her family pulls up for a campus visit and there is a group of students/faculty standing around smoking. What impression does this leave with the prospective student? What about the family? People should be able to see that smoking is a bad thing, especially when it affects others.
  • Smoking should not be a part of Northerns Campus
  • Smoking should not be banned on campus. I do support smoking in designated areas, such as certain parts of campus. I wouldn't go as far as making people smoke in their vehicles, but farther away from entrances from buildings would be a start.
  • Smoking stinks! Making campus smoke free would only support and encourage those to quit smoking. It is an addiction that can be beat. I'm sick of having to hold my breath when walking in and out of buildings. Northern is supposed to be a place of natural beauty. When the campus smells like cigarettes, it is not a beautiful place.
  • SMOKING SUCKS!!
  • Smoking, whether detrimental to a person's health or not, is a personal choice. I feel that college is supposed to be a time in one's life when he or she can experience the world. My negative experiences as well as positive ones help to shape my character. I do not feel that an isolated, smoke-free utopia is realistic, or desirable.
  • Smoking, whether disgusting and indecent, is a right. I understand that others have a right to a smoke-free environment, so installing smoking shelters to keep smokers at bay and allowing other non-smokers to keep their distance and their health is the only feasible option. Taking away legal rights, no matter how indecent the right may be, is wrong.
  • SO many areas and campuses around the nation are doing this and it's wonderful!! The biggest cities in the country are adopting these policies. Having visitors from a big city come into Marquette, I usually hear feedback about how smoke-filled the bars are, etc. Having a smoke-free campus is a wonderful way to start improving our community that is filled with supposedly "eco-minded" citizens!
  • Something has to be done about the smoking on campus since all of the people smoke obviously can't read the signs posted all over saying you have to be 30 feet away from all buildings when smoking.
  • Something really needs to be done. Especially about people smoking so near to doorways.
  • Sometimes I enter a building and it smells like smoke from people smoking outside and it is disgusting.
  • sometimes when people go outside on breaks and smoke they don't follow the distant rules for smoking and you can smell it in the doorways and stairwells, people who smoke need to realize that they are infecting others and not just themselves. for example just the smell of smoke gives me headaches and a cough. i just feel its in the best interest of everyone to make the campus smoke - free.
  • Somking is a personal choice. If someone choses to smoke its shouldnt be up to the university to go against it. having the campus smoke free will only push people away from coming here for an education and with people not enrolling it will then cause tuition to go up because of the drop of students! either way its not going to help to go smoke free!
  • Sounds like a good plan...but how will this honestly be enforced?
  • Speaking as a non-smoking individual, I believe a smoke-free campus would be a benefit for students, faculty, and visitors. It is a forward-thinking initiative that greatly benefits the health of all individuals on campus. However, my parents and close friends are smokers, and such a measure seems to alienate people who smoke or are contemplating smoking. Despite its health consequences, smoking is a habit particular to many current NMU students and potential students, and the establishment of a smoke-free campus could dramatically influence student morale. Furthermore, as a former RA, I wonder how the smoke-free policy would be monitored and implemented. It seems more cost-effective and practical to institute greater health-education regarding smoking and allow it to transition out of NMU culture voluntarily, as opposed to administratively. We need to allow RA's and campus police to focus on bigger health concerns such as alcohol consumption and drug abuse.
  • stop complaining about cigarettes.
  • stop paying to kill yourselves...
  • Student tuition dollars should NOT go towards smoking shelters. I should not have to pay to make someone's bad habit more comfortable. However, smoking out doors is NOT a big deal. Students should be given as many freedoms as possible in the university setting. Students should be allowed to do any legal activity in their own vehicle on campus!
  • Students currently never smoke inside any buildings on campus. Is the administration planning to ban car exhaust also. Enough is enough. Only if this administration is willing to forego any of it's funding from cigarette tax will I ever support such a policy. Otherwise to support such a measure is very hypocritical
  • Students LIVE on campus- smokers or not- and to go completely free would isolate smokers and fracture the home environment strived for in the dorms. I wouldn't go into a non-smokers house smoke, and a non-smoker wouldn't go into a smoker's home and stop them from smoking. I strongly support the idea of shelters to move smokers away from doorways and windows.
  • Students obviously don't follow the 30 feet away from buildings rule. Since they cannot follow simple rules I think their priviledge should be taken away. I don't think we should build special buildings for them to smoke. It is their choice to smoke and they have to deal with the consequences and if that is standing out in really cold weather then that is tough. I hate smelling the smoke from someone smoking in front of me as I walk back from class. I would totally support NMU going smoke-free.
  • students should be allowed to smoke in their vehicles but as a non-smoker it is very annoying when I have to walk through a cloud of smoke to enter a building.
  • Students should have the choice to smoke or not. I am not a smoker and I think this is a very bad idea. This is not high school and students should not be treated this way. We are getting to a time where everything is so restricted and decisions are made for you, our choices are becoming very limited. Students pay lots of money to go to school here and banning smoking from campus would be like going back to high school. Students need to be given the chance to make decisions and not have decisions made for them. Making your own decisions teaches responsibility and helps people mature. This is giving students less decision making power. I think this is a horrible idea. If you want to smoke you will deal with the consequences of smoking yourself.
  • Students smoking on campus have never affected my learning, or comfort level here.I believe that everyone has their right of choice, but I am not a smoker, and I do not support those who smoke- that is why I would be in favor of a smoke free campus.
  • Switching to a smoke free campus would be great trying to improve health would make NMU stand out from other universites.
  • Taking away the right to smoke is just wrong. I don't smoke but I don't support such a repeal of any human right. To force smokers