USC eyes ways to enforce new smoking policy
USC is cracking down on smokers and cigarette litter on campus since smoking was prohibited in and around buildings owned or operated by USC.
Students and faculty members can't smoke within 25 feet of the entrance of a university-owned building.
The Tobacco Free USC endeavor is a program undertaken by the Department of Healthy Carolina. Healthy Carolina's goal is to clean up the campus and to allow for a healthier commute for students on their way to class.
Michelle Burcin, director of Healthy Carolina, said she and her staff are working toward the next step in a plan to eventually have a completely smoke-free campus.
W. Scott Lewis, director of judicial affairs, said the new policy has for the majority been well received, but questions have arisen about what the ramifications would be for a violation of the new anti-tobacco policy.
"The university is expecting that the tobacco-free USC policy will be enforced by students and that this policy will change the norm and culture around tobacco use on campus," Burcin said.
Lewis said a mobile police force would not be in charge of stopping smoking on campus, adding that students will not be arrested or ticketed if they violate the smoking policy.
Lewis said violations will be handled as any other violation of a USC policy would be handled.
Students who continue to smoke will be dealt with and punished by the Judicial Affairs Department, and faculty supervisors will be responsible for their employees who violate the rule.
Lewis said the policy is a matter of courtesy, and that in his experience most smokers are courteous people.
"We expect a smooth transition and not some sort of smokers rebellion," Lewis said.
Brian Habib, a third-year criminal justice student and smoker, said he will obey the policy.
"It seems inevitable that more and more institutions will continue to become less tolerant of smoking, and as a smoker I'll just have to adapt to future constraints as they come," Habib said.
