January 9, 2002

Contact: Todd Cohen, University Relations, (785) 864-8858.

KU to establish no-smoking policy for all student housing facilities in fall 2002

LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas will establish no-smoking policies for all its student housing facilities starting this fall, student housing director Ken Stoner announced today.

Currently, smoking is permitted only with the consent of roommate(s) in a limited number of private rooms in five of the university's eight residence halls. Smoking already is prohibited in any residence hall's common areas, including lobbies, hallways and stairwells, study rooms and computer labs, restrooms and lounges, and any private room designated as nonsmoking.

Smoking has been banned in KU's 10 scholarship halls for nearly 20 years, and all cigarette vending machines were removed more than 10 years ago. All residential cafeterias and dining commons became smoke-free in 1992. Two residence halls, Templin and Lewis, have had no-smoking policies for several years, and Ellsworth Hall became smoke-free in fall 2001.

"Most campuses that have previously moved to nonsmoking facilities have reported overwhelmingly positive reactions," Stoner said.

He added that campuses that have adopted a nonsmoking policy have not reported any decrease in applications for accommodations. Nine Big 12 institutions have implemented non-smoking policies in their residential facilities. KU will become the 10th Big 12 institution to eliminate smoking in residential facilities.

Stoner cited the effects of secondhand smoke, workplace exposure to smoke, allergies, respiratory ailments and sensitivities, and an overall decline in requests for smoking privileges in making the decision.

Presently Stoner said fewer than 7 percent of incoming students identify themselves as smokers, and fewer still ask to live in a designated smoking residence-hall room or wing.

"Smokers want to live with their friends or in the facility of their choice, even if they're not allowed to smoke there," Stoner said.

The nonsmoking policy will affect McCollum, Hashinger, Oliver, Gertrude Sellards Pearson and Corbin residence halls.

About 3,600 students live in KU's residence halls, and 485 live in the scholarship halls.