Debra Bryant
by Joe King
Those wishing to smoke on campus soon will have to walk a bit further to do so.
A statewide law that takes effect Jan. 1 bans smoking within 15 feet of any entrance, air intake or operable window on any public building, which would include all buildings on the NIU campus.
The law, which also prohibits smoking in or near bars, restaurants and other public workplaces, is intended to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, which proponents of the law estimate is a contributing factor in about 2,900 deaths each year in Illinois.
To ease compliance with the law, employees of the Building Maintenance and Grounds departments have begun moving the large ash urns found outside of most campus buildings to locations at least 15 feet from entryways.
“Essentially, if you are standing near one of the ash urns anywhere on campus, you can be confident that you are in compliance with the law,” said Debra Bryant, chair of the Campus Safety and Environmental Quality Committee. “It is recognized that this policy revision will be successful when people cooperate and live within the spirit of the policy. While there are procedures available for enforcement, good will and respect for the rights of others are the keystones of the successful implementation of this policy.”
The law stipulates that violators can be ticketed by local police or the public health department, and could be subjected to fines of between $100 and $250. Employees or students who violate the rule on campus also could face disciplinary actions through Human Resources Services or the Judicial Affairs Office, respectively, just as they might for violating any other state law while on campus.
Should any smokers decide that the latest restrictions on smoking provide an impetus for giving up the habit, NIU Employee Wellness can organize a class based on the American Cancer Society’s Freshstart Stop Smoking Class. A minimum of six people are required for a class. Groups of friends or co-workers interested in taking the class can pick the days and times they wish to attend.
Freshstart consists of four one-hour, small-group sessions, and is designed to provide the tools and information needed to make the smoking cessation experience positive and successful.
For more information, contact Employee Wellness and Assistance at (815) 753-6000 or via e-mail at HRSTraining@niu.edu.