Skating on campus

Story 2

            Campus authority is cutting back on leniency when it comes to skateboarding on campus. More student skaters have been regulated in the past month since the beginning of the semester for skating on campus. Skateboarders are berated more than other means of transportation because the municipal code of Cal State Long Beach actually specifies towards skateboarding.

            Over the years, students have found other efficient ways of getting to class. Students have used scooters, tri-cycles, roller blades and more. However it is the skateboarders who are more than likely to get cited. “I think it’s a little annoying that I get told to get off my board from a cop when there’s a person who zooms by in a bike. But I mean I get it skating’s not allowed.” (Ryan James, 22)  James has yet to actually be cited for a skating ticket but has received one or two verbal warnings. He claims he now follows all regulations and refrains from skating in congested areas or places where he may hurt other students.

            Some students argue that if there must be rules established for using wheels on campus, it should be applicable to all means of transportation and not directed to just skateboarding. “Times are changing… so should the rules.” (Mia Reyes, 21) Means of getting to class are getting more and more creative. Students say it is unfair to chastise one means of transportation just because it has historically been subjected. “I understand these are rules and we have to follow them. But rules should also be consistent.” (Andrew Sun, 22)

Although it can be dangerous, skateboarding is known to be the most efficient due to its maneuvering ability and compact size. “I used to ride my bike on campus but that was even more time consuming. Walking it through congested areas then finding a place to lock it. With my board I can take it straight to class without having to worry if it’s going to get boosted.” (Jerel Goltiao, 23) Some skaters think they are more of a target than others due to their reputation of illegal skating. Goltiao lost his bike to theft, which was his original means of transportation.

            Campus security understands that skateboarding is one of the most efficient ways to get to campus but rules are rules. Law enforcements say they have been lenient but must lay the law down every once in a while to remind the university community of the rules and regulations.

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Resources

Fernando M. Solorzano

Chief of Police, University Police Department

Campus Police Resources

Jour 311 Reis

Rachel Nisperos

September 22, 2011

Story  1 Resources/Questions

-Campus Campaign Organizer- Tobacco Control Campus (COUGH)

Natalie Whitehouse

(562) 985-5740

-Health Education Assistant

Jennifer Barrera

jlayno@csulb.edu

(562) 985-2520

Health Educator: Alcohol, Tobacco, & Other Drugs

Linda Pena

lpena@csulb.edu

(562) 985-1732

Questions for Tobacco Control Organizer

1.     What are the numbers of smokers vs. non-smokers on campus?

2.     How often are these students smoking?

3.     What are the concerns for student rights when implementing tobacco control on campus?

4.     Positive effects of a tobacco-free campus?

5.      How can the rules in effect regarding smoking be improve?

6.     What are some of your new ideas/regulations  you would to implement/enforce?

Health Educator

1.     Who has a higher rate of smoking on this campus male or females?

2.     Ratio of student who enter the university as smokers vs. who begins smoking due to college environment

3.     What are the effects of smoking at an early age/ what most students aren’t aware of?

4.     Success difference between smokers & non-smokers

5.     How should students regulate their smoking?

Students Smokers

1.     When did you start smoking?

2.     How/Why did you start the habit?

3.     How often do you smoke on campus vs. off campus?

4.     How does smoking help you?

5.     Are you aware/concern for the effects of smoking?

6.     How do you feel about the enforcement of tobacco regulations for the university?

Quick Breathers

         As midterms start to pile up so do the cigarette buds in the smoking section. California State University, Long Beach is a smoker friendly university. Throughout campus one can find many designated smoking areas for those who need a “quick breather.” There are many smokers on campus, students and staff alike, however efforts have been made to try and remove these privileges for a better academic environment.

         In 2001, 420 billion cigarettes were smoked, 26% of those smokers were from the ages of 18 to 24. Many smokers declare they began smoking during their college years. There is a higher percentage of smokers on campus with males than females. 90% of adult smokers started smoking at the age of 21 and half of them became regular smokers by the age of 18. However, most of the individuals from 18 to 24 are more non-smokers than smokers. There has been a huge decrease in smokers over the last several years.

            When talking to non-smokers students, most are not disturbed when it comes to the smoking policy on campus. “As long as they stay in their smoking area I can care less. We’re all adults here.” (Mia Reyes, 21) Smoking is prohibited 20 feet from any window or building and is only allowed within the designated areas. Non-smoking students say the allowance for smoking neither interferes or is problematic to their learning ability. Many non-smokers admit they would not even notice the change if smoking were to be completely banned from campus. Many say they avoid the smoke all together regardless if permitted or not.

        

            On campus smokers are a little indifferent when it comes to the possibility of Cal State Long Beach being a smoker-free campus. “It’s not even just students who are smoking, so are the professors.”  (Rob Bond, 21) Many student smokers believe that smoking on campus is a privilege and is one that they are not abusing and therefore should not be taken away. Most smokers do abide by University regulations when it comes to smoking and admit to only breaking the rules when they are already leaving campus. Some students actually encourage the restrictions to smoking because it helps regulate their intake. Almost all students admit it is a bad habit they are trying to kick. For most smoking students it is a way to relieve stress from the pressure of their studies. Although some do admit they use smoking as a time passer for breaks in between classes. 

           Recent studies have shown that the overall number of young smokers have decreased dramatically since the 70s, where daily smokers had 24 cigarettes a day, a number even current student smokers admit is outrageous. “I do it because it helps me get through my studies… I already know it’s bad. I don’t plan on doing it forever besides it’s too expensive.” As long as those rules and regulations stay in effect and cooperation from tobacco users are under control, learning in an environment with smoke in the air is possible.