More UC Dorms Make Move to Smoke-Free

Cincinnati - The University of Cincinnati is answering student demand and joining a growing trend nationally in providing smoke-free student housing. Beginning fall quarter, smoking will be banned in Calhoun Hall, a coed residence hall, and Siddall Hall, a women's dorm. Janice Freehill, director of housing and food services, says the smoke-free policy is likely to affect the new Jefferson Hall Complex as well.

"We took the issue to the students and asked them," explains Freehill. "We asked for input from the UC Residence Hall Association, and the association supported our efforts to make Siddall and Calhoun smoke-free."

Before they're assigned housing, students are asked about their smoking or nonsmoking preferences. More than 80 percent of the 2,143 students who applied to live in UC dorms indicated they don't smoke. Only 264 of the nonsmokers said they could live with a smoker, according to Freehill.

Together, Siddall and Calhoun Halls have undergone more than $2 million in upgrades. Calhoun's new furniture was installed over the summer, with renovations costing $1.2 million. Siddall's 264 rooms and 484 bedroom units were upgraded with new furniture at a price of $800,000 before the Fall 2000 quarter. "Without the policy, the smell of smoke gets in the mattresses, the drapes, even the walls, and it's very hard to get out," says Freehill, who adds that's just secondary to the health threat of cigarette smoke, which can aggravate symptoms for students with asthma, allergies or other health conditions.

For the other residence halls, UC's policy bans smoking in any public area. Although smoking is permitted in Dabney, Daniels and Sawyer halls, smokers can light up only in their rooms with the mutual consent of fellow occupants and only in designated rooms. Furthermore, they must keep their doors closed. For nonsmokers, there are smoke-free floors available in Dabney, Daniels and Sawyer halls.

"We work hard with our staff and students to enforce the policies and to stress consideration for fellow residents, especially because of the health issues for people," says Dawn E. Wilson, director of residence education and development. "We'll also continue to include various health-related programs in the halls to help students develop or maintain healthy lifestyles."

Earlier this year a Harvard study reported that nonsmoking students are 40 percent less likely to start smoking if they live in smoke-free housing. The study followed 4,495 students at 101 colleges and universities that banned smoking in dorms. A second Harvard study found only 27 percent of American universities offer smoke-free housing to students. Freehill says there's a growing move now to ban smoking in dorms across the nation's college campuses.

The UC Wellness Center launched a smoking cessation program last winter and continues to provide group or individual counseling to students, faculty and staff who are trying to kick the habit.