Proposed Smoke-Free Campus

Last Friday, the USU Commercial Operations Director and I met with University staff to discuss the future of the Smoke-Free Environments Policy. It was a valuable opportunity for us to discuss exactly what a smoking ban on campus would mean for the University community, and we were therefore very pleased to be a part of the process as representatives of the student body.

The final smoking policy will be taken to Senate for consideration on Monday, 31 October. The University has told us that the online polls and submissions will inform the final policy. Their research showed that approximately 83% of respondents approved of the current policy, which includes smoking exclusion zones on campus, while around 78% approved of a complete ban on campus.  

As operators of Hermann’s and Manning Bar, two on-campus venues popular with both smoking and non-smoking patrons, the USU has suggested possible exclusion zones for smoking patrons in the bars during ticketed events. Under the University of Sydney Liquor Accord and venues’ licenses, ticketed events must be enclosed for the safety of patrons, minimising the risk of alcohol and drug-related violence. Prohibiting smoking within enclosed events will force patrons to leave the premises and detract from this licensing condition. In addition, the University’s proposed policies are pushing for a complete ban on the sale of cigarettes on campus, which the USU (as sole vendors of tobacco products on campus) will duly comply with if enacted.

Following these discussions, we expect that a comprehensive University policy will be taken to Senate next month. The USU has been assured that we will be consulted with again in mid-October prior to the policy being finalised, and we will keep you updated when that occurs.

The USU is committed to a healthy campus environment, and we’re very pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the proposal with the University and work together with them to ensure the best outcome for the University community.

What do you think of the proposed ban? Let us know your thoughts by posting a comment below.  

Sibella Matthews

President

Smoking on Campus - have your say!

While the USU has been organising a forum for our members, the University released their draft smoking-ban proposal to which they are now calling for submissions. We believe that students should have a say in the way their campus life develops, and strongly encourage you to submit a response to the proposal directly to the University by clicking here.


There will be a panel of experts at the next Tuesday Talks to discuss the issue of smoking and smoking bans on campus, which we invite everyone to attend.


Location: Manning, Level 2
Time: 1-2pm
Date: Tuesday, 23rd August 2011


See you there!


Jacqui Munro
Honorary Secretary

Smoking on Campus Forum

Date: TBA

Location: TBA, Manning House

This forum is an opportunity for students to voice their opinions on the University's proposal of a campus-wide smoking ban. As the Union Board understands the proposal has not yet been finalised or approved, but we would like to take this opportunity to hear your thoughts on the banning of cigarette sales, smoking exclusion zones and the health impacts of campus smoking.

While details of the forum are being planned, students are invited to submit personal responses to the board by emailing treasurer@usu.usyd.edu.au

Keep up to date with the board by also following us @USUBoard through twitter