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The official student newspaper of the University of New Haven since 1938. Volume 95, Issue 25 | April 30, 2014 | West Haven, CT
Potential smoking ban sparks mixed reviews from students By LIANA TEIXEIRA
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LTEIX1@UNH.NEWHAVEN.EDU
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he University of New Haven may be the next university to join the smoke-free/tobacco-free campus trend sweeping the nation. In an email sent to all students and faculty on Wednesday, April 23, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Rebecca Johnson, announced that the university is considering revising its regulation to become smoke-free and tobacco-free. However, before any final decisions can be made, the email requested the campus community to provide their input in an anonymous survey. The link to the survey can be found at the bottom of the email and is due by May 2, 2014, according to Johnson. News of the potential policy
change quickly reached students, who expressed mixed feelings about a smoking ban. “I think that the University of New Haven becoming a smokefree/tobacco free campus would be a good idea,” said hospitality and tourism management major Julia Gritzbach. “Sure, some people who smoke will be upset and won’t like that very much, but I think it would be a good and beneficial change to campus.” One student who preferred to remain anonymous said she believes this initiative is “awesome” for UNH, stating how many people stand too close to entrances while smoking, making it difficult for students who don’t smoke to avoid it. Meanwhile, other students took to Facebook, most suggesting that
the university not limit individuals’ choices and try enforcing the 20-feet rule they currently have in place, instead of banning tobacco and smoking altogether. The push for smoke-free/tobacco-free campuses is a growing national movement. A 2013 report from the Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights showed that almost 20 college campuses in Massachusetts were entirely smoke-free, including all four campuses of Northeastern University, University of Massachusetts – Amherst, and Harvard. A full list released by the Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation in January 2014 showed that there are at least 1,182 smoke-free campuses nationwide. Of these, 811 are also 100 percent tobacco-free. Quinnipiac’s North Haven Campus is the only college
campus in Connecticut that has a 100 percent smoke-free/tobaccofree policy in place at this time. “Health and wellness is important,” said Johnson. “However we decide to go, there will be an educational campaign.” Johnson explained that a committee was formed, consisting of various faculty and staff members at the university to discuss how to better address the smoke policy on campus. Several controversies with keeping a smoke-friendly campus include the visible collection of cigarette butts on the ground, as well as students disregarding the 20-feet rule outside buildings. “It’s the individual’s responsibility to follow the 20-feet rule,” said Johnson, but she admits it’s difficult to enforce. “I support UNH becoming a
smoke-free/tobacco-free campus, since it would reduce the amount of related litter on the ground. I also support it because the current rule of smoking 20 feet away from any building on campus is not enforced at all… I’m convinced smokers think the rule is really 2.0 feet,” said forensic science and chemistry student Stephen Shepherd. “Secondhand smoke is often worse for your health than regular smoking, if exposed frequently. Do we want to continue to force that on our students, especially the ones trying to study or get work done?” Johnson is hoping student surveys on the proposed smoke-free policy will help the committee bring feedback to the UNH administration.
Mindful Snacking Vendor Fair offers nutritious snacks for students, promotes healthy eating. By PATRICIA OPREA
STAFF WRITER POPRE1@UNH.NEWHAVEN.EDU
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n a fast-paced college life, eating nutritious food may not be a high priority for students. For some, work or class can interfere with dining hall hours. Other students might find themselves grabbing snacks such as Oreos, Doritos, or a Redbull just to keep them going; however, as shown during the Vendor Fair on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 has been a year of food-related changes. While some complain that the University of New Haven has minimal options for snacking, or no healthy snacks, UNH has been increasing partnerships with food quick companies. Last year, a pastry from Jazzman’s may have been the only source of food from an open location, however Jazzman’s now has yogurt, KIND granola bars, and a hummus and pretzels combo. Even the N-rgize café in
the Beckerman Rec center has a plethora of protein and power bars lining its counters, along with veggie smoothies. At 11 a.m., five companies began to set up their products outside of the marketplace, downstairs in Bartels. At the first table was Fresh Point, with baskets full of apples and facts about the many different types of apples. Originally, they were known as Fowler Produce Company, which had been passed down in a family for three generations. Now they are a country-wide produce, fruit, and dairy company. Their food comes from local farmers in states including Connecticut. “We desire to bring the highest quality of product; local produce to our customers,” said Representative Bob Kelly. Fresh Point provides food from local farms from May to October, and regular produce throughout the year for UNH. Apples, oranges, peaches, pears, and cantaloupes are just some of their products as an approved vendor through Sodexo. Next was Happy and Healthy Products, a company desiring
“to give people more natural, and healthier, snacking options.” They are at UCONN as well, and were invited to come sell at UNH in January. Products include Be Happy and Healthy breads like banana and zucchini, along with brownies and cookies. There are also Be Happy and Healthy Snacks including, trail mix, nuts, fruits, and Rocky Mountain Popcorn. The company also sells fruit bars called Fruitful, which are either cream-based with coconut flavoring, yogurt-based with blueberry flavoring, or fruitbased with raspberry flavoring. Their products are halal, kosher and fine gold approved, and can be found in front of the cashier tables in Bartels during meal times. Across from Happy Valley was the company Farmer’s Cow. They are responsible for providing various dairy products to UNH, such as eggs and milk, and ice cream for catering. Three years ago, Guida used to provide these things for UNH, but Farmer’s Cow is a local company, which prompted
CAMPUS
OPINION
ENTERTAINMENT
SPORTS
Misster UNH comands the German Club stage once more P. 3
Smoking controversy P. 4
The Grand Budapest Hotel delights audiences P. 9
Softball honors four seniors, sweep double header P. 11
See MINDFUL page 3
STUDENTS VISITING A VENDORS FAIR TABLE WITH FRUITS (PATRICIA OPREA/CHARGER BULLETIN PHOTO).