The Lookout

• LCC hosts 'Day at Zoo'

• Adviser's Blog: Caribbean Festival

New LCC smoking policy proving effective

By Rich Tupica
Editor in Chief

MAIN CAMPUS — Crowds of smokers huddled together outside of LCC buildings taking nicotine-breaks was once common place on campus — those days are over due to a new tobacco-free policy enforced by the college.

The policy prohibits any smoking on LCC property. The college is encouraging people to smoke on sidewalks that border the school. Capitol, Grand, Shiawassee and Saginaw Street sidewalks are all fair game for smokers to light up.

The new “LCC Tobacco Free Policy” went into effect May 12 and, according to LCC Police Officer Natasha Chappel, it seems that students and faculty have adjusted to the new rule. She said there have been minimal problems enforcing the new policy.

“I’ve just had one girl give me a hard time,” Chappel said. “Other than that they put (the cigarette) out or go to the sidewalk,” Chappel said.

She added that it has been mainly new students that have been talked to about smoking on campus — ones who were unaware of the policy.

Georgia Owens, 24, a non-smoker and LCC student, said she agrees with the new policy and has medical reasons to back it up.

“It really bothers me because I have a breathing problem, so to walk into smoke makes it really hard for me to breath,” Owens said. “I agree with the rule. They should be in another area. They shouldn’t be able to smoke right outside of the doors.”

Caleb Hawkins, 32, an elementary education major at LCC, said that while he doesn’t smoke, he does chew tobacco. He does not agree with the policy.

“I’m against it,” Hawkins said. “I think it’s the people’s choice. If they are in public and not bothering anyone, it shouldn’t be regulated.”

The new LCC smoking policy went into effect May 12, 2008. Non-compliance with the policy will be addressed by LCC public safety officials as follows:

* First incident: warning notice;

* Second incident: meeting within five days with the dean of students, or in the case of an employee, with their supervisor;

* Third incident: disciplinary action per college policy or employee contract.

For more information, visit www.lcc.edu/tobaccofree.

LCC hosts ‘Day at Zoo’

Lansing Community College’s Alumni Association hosted the fourth annual “Day at Zoo” Sunday, June 29 at Potter Park in Lansing.

Hundreds of alumni and their families, as well as many current LCC employees, enjoyed the day’s activities. They included face painting by the American Marketing Association, chair massages by LCC massage therapy students, fingerprinting by the Lansing Police Department, a petting zoo, popsicles and much more. All of the events were free.

At top left, Potter Park docent Katie Shuster holds an armadillo in the petting zoo. Above right, a hungry goat devours a program that fell into his pen. At left, young zoo visitors enjoy a camel ride. Below, LCC massage therapy students help alumni visitors to get the kinks out.