The authorities are mobilizing. Kristen Sylvester, Associate Director of the Office of Residential Programs sent out the following email earlier today:

Dear East Campus Residents,

I hope this message finds you well in full swing of the semester.  I am writing to clarify the smoking policy as it relates to East Campus, specifically our courtyard.  Our campus policy explicitly states smoking is prohibited in and within 20 feet of campus housing (this is also New York State law).  As such no smoking is allowed in East Campus (or any University building at Columbia) which includes the East Campus courtyard.  East Campus residents who choose to smoke must do so at least 20 feet away from the East Campus vestibule/entrance (on to Ancel Plaza).

To read the smoking policy in its entirety visit:

http://housingservices.columbia.edu/content/smoking-policy

And see the attached flier [click for pdf].

Please also know that you are responsible for your guest’s actions.  For any guest/visitor coming to East Campus to visit you, you are responsible for informing them about this policy.  If you observe such issues please call the East Campus Resident Adviser on Duty at 646-763-0745 or Public Safety at 212-854-5555.

Cheering? Jeering? Voice your opinion—There will be a town hall meeting to debate a potential campus-wide smoking ban this upcoming Monday, October 10th, in 104 Jerome Greene Hall from 4:30 to 6:30. Be there or be indifferent.