Hempstead, NY Vol.77 | Issue 09
The Hofstra
Chronicle
Thursday
November 10, 2011
Keeping the Hofstra Community informed since 1935
Cody Heintz/ The Chronicle
The Student Government Association met in the greenhouse on Tuesday. SGA President David Zuniga announced the results of a survey conducted regarding on-campus smoking.
SGA Conducts on-campus smoking survey
By Ben Suazo
ASSiStAnt newS editor
Kemi Ajisekola, 21, smokes cigarettes on campus between classes a few times a week. “it’s convenient for me when i have a day with a full schedule and i don’t have time to go back to my house every time i have to smoke,” said Ajisekola, a senior. Ajisekola’s habits would have to change if a campus wide smoking ban were instituted. President david Zuniga reported the results of an SGA survey on campus smoking on tuesday. the survey found that, of 643 students surveyed, 8.5 percent identify themselves as smokers. in regards to campus smoking policies, the survey found
that 39.2 percent of students support a 20-foot smoking buffer, 22.4 percent support the minimum regulation required by state and federal law and 22.2 percent support a campus-wide ban. A 20-foot smoking buffer is currently the official university policy, as mandated by new York state law. “i could see why [a smoking ban is being considered] but i think it’s infringing on students’ rights a little bit because nowhere does it say students can’t smoke; nobody signed up for that,” said Ajisekola. “to ban smoking all together is a little bit ridiculous.” Rand Smith, a first-year Film major with A.P. Statistics fresh on his mind, questioned whether the survey was valid.
“it’s a convenient sample if they’re walking up to people [to survey]...it’s biased by what people they see,” said Smith. “Certain people stay in dorms.” to account for surveys taken through Facebook, Smith added that “the only responses will be highly negative or highly positive. [For example,] if you felt really strongly about the issue, you would respond on Facebook.” ross nikides, a sophomore Chinese major, found the number of students who encouraged an absolute ban unfair. “i’m not entirely surprised by the survey’s results, although i feel the percentage of people who want smoking banned altogether is rather high, seeing as it’s not
their decision to smoke or not,” nikides said. while he acknowledged that the harmful effects of secondhand smoke bother him, nikides remained an advocate for a more gentle policy towards smokers. “it is their choice to smoke, so they should not have to be punished too much for doing it,” he said. in other SGA news: tonight, according to Programming Chair Caitlin rauchle, Men’s Basketball Coach Mo Cassara will judge student-decorated cakes in the Student Center from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30. the event promotes Friday’s season-opening home game. Appropriations Chair nick Gomes reported that $1,991.99
was awarded to clubs this week. the remaining funds for fall appropriations are $24,267.15. the report of Comptroller Mike Hershfield noted that sports clubs will be paying “costs associated with the use of some fields,” beginning next year. Club relations and the rules Committee are working together to give clubs clearer policies from the Office of Student Leadership and Activities, Multicultural and international Student Programs Office and the Recreation Center. Student Services continues to work on expanding the dutch treats menu and bringing PridePrint to more residence halls. Addition reporting was contributed by Alexi Knock, Managing Editor.
Fraternities and Sororities volunteer for kids in Hempstead By Meghan Fitzgerald StaFF WRiteR
numerous fraternities and sororities, including Phi delta theta, Alpha Kappa Psi, Alpha Kappa Alpha, and theta tau, volunteered at the Hempstead Boys and Girls Club at Franklin
elementary School in Hempstead. “there were about 65 local kids, ranging from roughly 6 to 10 years of age, who were involved in the event and approximately 50 Hofstra students,” said Justin Schain, the President of interfraternal Council.
the group attended a Halloween party at the Boys and Girls Club in which students were asked to bring goodie bags and crafts for the children. “it was a very rewarding experience to see the smiles and excitement on all of the children’s
faces,” said senior Servio Urgiles. Many students saw the event as an opportunity to highlight their chapters. “Greek Life is working hard to change the stereotypical perception that students and faculty have. we want to show
that Greek Life works together to give back to the community at large, and this successful event illustrates our strong presence and our dedication to community service,” said senior natasha Puri, President of Alpha Kappa Psi.