THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE

                         FACULTY SENATE 

                   Senate Document Number    0993S 

               Date of Senate Approval     3/11/93


 
Signature of Senate Chair ________________________________ Date ________________

Action of Vice Chancellor: 

   Approval _________________________________________  Date ___________________ 
              
     Denied _________________________________________  Date ____________________
      
Reasons for denial and suggested modifications: 










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Statement of Faculty Senate Action:


                           Resolution


The Faculty Senate endorses Chancellor Schuman's proposed Non-Smoking Policy as
stated in his memo of February 24, 1993.  (A copy of the memo follows)









                           MEMORANDUM

TO:       Faculty Senate and Student Government Association

FROM:     Samuel Schuman

DATE:     February 24, 1993

RE:       Proposed Non-Smoking Policy


I am concerned about the increasingly persuasive evidence regarding the health
hazards of passive smoke.  A recent discussion by Dr. Rick Pyeritz, for
example, emphasized the statistically demonstrable dangers to non-smokers
occupying interior spaces in which smoking has gone on in both the near and
not-so-near past.

As I have thought about our institutional responsibility for the well-being of
our students, faculty and staff, it has become more and more clear to me that
this is an area in which administrative leadership may have to be pro-active. 
Accordingly, I am proposing that we ban all smoking in all inside spaces on
campus with the sole exception of student residential rooms.  This would
include, obviously, all public spaces, hallways, lounges, and classrooms, as
well as offices, recreational space in Justice Gymnasium and Highsmith Center,
etc.  I propose to put this plan in effect on July 1, at the beginning of our
new academic year.  Student Government Association, Faculty Senate, and
Administrative Assembly are invited to react to this proposal.  In particular,
I would welcome an endorsement, any proposed modifications, or alternative
plans.  In order to move this important health program forward, I will construe
the absence of reaction as acquiescence.  

In response to the needs of the smokers amongst us, I propose two additional
steps.  First, for those who continue to smoke, we will place attractive,
additional ashtrays outside on campus.  Second, and more importantly, I plan to
ask Dr. Pyeritz and his colleagues in the Health Center to intensify on-campus
programs aimed at helping those who wish to do so to kick the habit.  I myself
was a heavy smoker for nearly 20 years and I take no particular delight in
restricting the choices individuals may make regarding their own habits and
styles of living.  But I have also witnessed first-hand the tragic, final years
of a parent who died of lung cancer, and I feel a deep, personal ethical
obligation not to expose the non-smoking members of our community to an
increased risk of that terrible illness.  I am quite willing to speak to any
group of individuals about this matter and will look forward to hearing your
collective response.