July 24, 2013
Memorandum
To: Smoking Policy Implementation Review Team
From: Michael Ford, Associate Vice President for Campus Life
Chair, Smoking Policy Implementation Review Team, 2011-present
RE: Deconstruction and Removal of Platt DSA in August, 2013
As you know, since the creation of the Platt DSA in 2010, this particular location has proven to be very
problematic, particularly for residents of Platt and Howard, Resident Assistant and Area Director staff,
Grounds staff, and Campus Safety officers.
In our February 27, 2013 meeting, the Team stated: “While there was agreement to survey stakeholders as
noted above, there was also agreement that, absent some kind of workable solution not yet investigated and
proven workable by the Team over the past two years, it is the intent of the Smoking Policy Implementation
Review Team to close the Platt DSA at the end of the Spring semester, with Facility Services deconstruction
of the Platt DSA then to be scheduled to occur during the summer months.”
Given the results of the spring 2013 questionnaire by ASLC senators Sam Alexander and Tyler Church to
residents of Platt, Howard, and Copeland that supports re-purposing the Platt DSA; the history of ongoing
and unresolved problems with the Platt DSA (noted below by reference in meetings during 2011-13); the
concern from Team members that leaving the DSA as an enclosed bike rack would only invite smokers back
to the area that has historically attracted smokers even before the Platt DSA was built in 2010; the following
action is authorized by vote of the Team:
The Smoking Policy Implementation Review Team authorizes the deconstruction of the Platt DSA in
August, 2013 (at a time to be determined by Facility Services), with the panels to be maintained in
storage as replacements for panels that may be damaged over time at other DSAs on campus.
In the interest of transparency in the work of this Team, I have included in this memorandum references to
the Platt DSA in meeting minutes from 2011-13. The full minutes are found at the Smoking Policy
Implementation Review Team web site.
I have also included the results of the spring 2013 ASLC questionnaire by Sam Alexander and Tyler Church
to residents of Platt, Howard, and Copeland at the end of the meeting minute references.
February 27, 2013
Ongoing problems with Platt DSA were again discussed, as was the recent ASLC survey conducted by Team
member Tyler Church, ASLC senator (his survey was distributed and is appended to these minutes.) Related
to the Platt DSA, it is noted that 47% of the senators polled support removal of the DSA.
In the past, and continuing, these problems include the following: extensive graffiti, chairs placed on top of
the roof, burning of trash in trash can and burning of other unauthorized fliers that have been affixed to the
DSA, late night congregation of smokers with attendant noise and concerns about second hand smoke.
Page 1 of 8
Campus Safety officers have been asked by Area Directors to make more frequent stops by the DSA in the
late evenings and have done so. The problem has not subsided, and in fact, may be getting worse. A copy of
the February 15 Log editorial on the Platt DSA was distributed.
A number of suggestions have been made in previous meetings to resolve these issues, and in our discussion
today, it was agreed that, absent any other reasonable alternatives, it is the intention of the Smoking Policy
Implementation Review Team to eclipse use of the Platt DSA, as it has not proven to work in this particular
location.
Action Item Agreed relative to Platt DSA
In light of all these unresolved issues, the Team agrees to consult with ASLC--since ASLC was involved in
the original discussion of the Smoking Policy and construction of DSAs. Students Tyler Church and Sam
Alexander agreed to draft a survey to targeted stakeholders (residents of Platt, Howard, Copeland), as well as
staff members (both professional and RAs) as well as ASLC Senate and Campus Life staff, Campus Safety
officers, and Smoking Policy Implementation Review Team. They agreed to consult with Michael Ford on
their draft survey before sending it out, as it will need to be carefully worded to gather information in a nonbiased manner and will require coordination with Campus Living and other staff members in its distribution.
While there was agreement to survey stakeholders as noted above, there was also agreement that, absent
some kind of workable solution not yet investigated and proven workable by the Team over the past two
years, it is the intent of the Smoking Policy Implementation Review Team to close the Platt DSA at the end
of the Spring semester, with Facility Services deconstruction of the Platt DSA then to be scheduled to occur
during the summer months.”
November 30, 2012
On-going problems with Platt DSA have been brought to the attention of the Team by Campus Living staff
and also noted by photographs sent to the Team by Michael Ford. These problems include the following:
extensive graffiti, chairs placed on top of the roof, burning of trash in trash can and burning of other
unauthorized fliers that have been affixed to the DSA, late night congregation of smokers with attendant
noise and concerns about second hand smoke. Campus Safety officers have been asked by Area Directors to
make more frequent stops by the DSA in the late evenings. A number of suggestions were made to resolve
these issues:
Suggestions related to Platt DSA:




David Rosengard noted that, historically, students will smoke in that location, with or without a DSA.
He also suggested that, similar to other damage to community spaces within residence halls, that
Campus Living staff consider charging all residents a pro-rata amount to pay for the cleanup of the
DSA.
Sam Alexander stated that he has seen up to 25 students congregating at that DSA and suggested that
when quiet hours go into effect, we consider modifying the smoking policy, such that smoking be
allowed outside DSAs, thereby limiting the problem of noise/smoke being focused in specific
locations. This suggestion would require a re-write of the Smoking Policy.
Stacy Hallanzinni stated that a number of students who are attempting to quit smoking have
mentioned that the DSAs are making this more difficult for them.
Yueping Zhang asked if a specific DSA could be placed on a “probationary” status, to serve notice to
smokers using the DSA that continuation of conduct that is prohibited would close the DSA.
Page 2 of 8





Michael Ford suggested that, given two years of ongoing problems with the Platt DSA, the enclosure
be “re-purposed” and used as a covered bike rack.
Tim O’Dwyer noted that we are also experiencing problems with smokers who do not stay within the
Odell DSA and that they gravitate under a tree closer to the main road.
Tyler Church stated he would initiate a poll with ASLC Senate regarding this matter, including
posing the question about whether Lewis & Clark should go “smoke free”.
That sentiment was echoed by Gabe Bishop, who suggested we go “tobacco free”.
Michael Ford agreed to share these observations with Kelly Hoover, Director, Campus Living, and
invite area directors to make their suggestions. He will do so by copy of these minutes, once
approved.
March 22, 2012
Update on DSAs—Cessation signage placed on permanent DSAs by Facility Services, then stolen
January 25. 2012
Pioneer Log article about DSA change over break and response by one parent (to be sent via email to Team
members).
Update on Platt DSA during Winter Break—Larry Atchison





Removed east side panel per acoustician
Removed table; then removed second table that was moved to DSA by students
A number of chairs have migrated to Platt DSA
Quiet hour decals placed on residential DSAs
Cessation signs to be posted, pending confirmation from Melissa/Michael. They will have QR code.
December 13, 2011
Update on Platt DSA re sound mitigation and plan of action during Winter Break. Larry Atchison discussed
Altermatt Associates report regarding acoustical issues with current structure. The following options for the
DSA were considered with Team decisions indicated in BOLD:







To help mitigate/re-direct noise, remove east panel per discussion with Russ Altermatt,
acoustical engineer--YES
To discourage prolonged use of the DSA, remove table—YES. Note, the table was painted
with a red graffiti face, reported and documented by Campus Safety on December 20.
To reinforce the importance of posted quiet hours on the DSA (with decals)--YES
Close during quiet hours (inclined to do so, but unenforceable)--NO
Re-purpose DSA (to be a covered bike rack)--NO
Deconstruct--NO
Relocate—NO
Michael Ford agreed to work over the break to initiate these changes with Facility Services and will draft an
email for distribution in January through Campus Living listservs explaining to residents the reasons we have
taken these actions and requesting their assistance in mitigating noise at the Platt DSA, respecting quiet
hours, and for smokers to use DSAs that are at other locations in the residential areas.
Page 3 of 8
A draft of this message will be sent to Natasha Begin, Area Director in Platt-Howard for review. The
content will be similar to the initial draft Michael proposed earlier this term, but with references to the
difficulties associated with this DSA for residents, as well as RAs for the entire fall term (i.e. since it first
was constructed).
November 29, 2011
Update on Platt DSA re sound mitigation




Michael Ford read the written report (just received) from Russ Altermatt, consultant with
Altermatt Associates, regarding sound mitigation options for the Platt DSA.
Report appended to these minutes.
Team agreed with the recommendation from Larry Atchison, Natasha Begin, Nate Cohen, and
Michael Ford (each of whom was involved with the onsite consultation) that Facility Services
remove the east panel of the DSA to project sound into the ravine and away from the residence
halls.
This is the most cost-effective trial that can be made.
Panel to be removed temporarily prior to start of Winter term. Projected cost is $400.
November 15, 2011
Update on Platt DSA noise abatement and potential additional DSA site near ravine—Larry Atchison
 Acoustical treatment of DSA and other options to reduce structural noise amplification explored
with Russ Altermatt, sound engineer, Nate Cohen, Natasha Begin, and Michael Ford
 Initial ideas included removal of the east panel to mitigate sound toward Howard, redirecting it to
the ravine. Awaiting report from Altermatt.
 Site concerns for pilot DSA with table/umbrella raised by Gabe Bishop/Larry Atchison related to
elevations, slope, safety, and runoff.
 Agreed that no additional sites are workable near ravine, given recent addition of $15,000 in
plantings needed for storm water runoff per DEQ
November 1, 2011
Update on Platt DSA discussion with Natasha Begin, AD, Platt-Howard

Discussion of initial decision to locate Platt DSA in present site.
o Heavy use of area outside Platteau by smokers in violation of policy
o Hartzfeld option taken off table because of construction of residence hall
o Location convenient and can be avoided by alternative routes
o DSA orientated toward ravine and away from residence halls
o Other areas explored initially; not feasible
o Reason for panels/permanent shelter was to address wind/rain

Continuing challenges/options with Platt DSA—Nate Cohen/others
o Still heavy use on weekends and after-hours noise problems
o More smokers being drawn to DSA from other areas
o No matter what we do/have done, still a problem for residents/RAso Pulling table doesn’t solve noise problem
Page 4 of 8
o
o
o
o
Can we pull panels? Potentially, but additional problem with wind
Current structure amplifies noise from a few users.
Acoustical treatment of roof? Larry will secure estimates
Close DSA at 10pm? Difficult to enforce. Not RA responsibility to enforce smoking
policy.
o Move DSA to location further away from Platt/Howard and Copeland? Not cost effective.
$10K at minimum to move it.
o Smokers may not walk to a DSA further away from higher traffic area on paths
o LC created the DSA; people are using it. We built it and they came. LC community
problem to solve. Not simply about smokers using the DSA.

Committee decision--further explore pilot DSA in consultation with Facility Services and PlattHoward campus living staff
o If feasible in terms of site location, create additional “pilot” DSA site in Platt-HowardCopeland area.
o If site can be found, gravel as necessary, add umbrella and table (from current Platt
DSA)
o If possible, place closer to ravine to encourage smokers who want to congregate for
longer periods of time to do so there
o Via signage, convey new location and that Platt DSA is “Express DSA” for use
during day/early evening.
o Encourage smokers to use pilot DSA during quiet hours.
October 18, 2011
Platt DSA discussion (continued from earlier meetings):



Nate Cohen recommended removal of table, given continuing noise/smoke issues for residents
Committee concurred with removal.
Michael Ford directed by committee to consult with Natasha Begin, Area Director, Platt-Howard,
prior to formal request of Facility Services to remove table.
October 4, 2011
Platt DSA follow-up.



Initial recommendation from committee to remove table modified following conversations with
Campus Safety and Area Director.
Area Director sent email message to Platt-Howard listserv stating ongoing concerns.
Michael Ford noted that Platteau is gathering signatures to utilize DSA as student art space; no
formal request yet
Page 5 of 8
October 4, 2011 (continued)
Platt RA Nate Cohen noted the following re Platt DSA
 Campus Safety assistance has helped but problem not solved;
 Quiet hour signs removed, as were signs to use Copeland DSA;
 Interactions between RAs/smokers have improved;
 P-H community responsive to concerns raised, but other smokers coming from other residences;
 Presence of the table in DSA not the only issue: second hand smoke and noise remain problematic;
 Antagonism exists in P-H community re DSA, polarization of some in student community;
 DSA not being used as intended
September 20, 2011
Platt DSA—status.
 Nate Cohen, Howard RA noted that those students using the DSA are more cordial but that one or
more RAs have needed to respond to noise complaints from residents two or three times/night.
Campus Safety officers also stopping by. Numbers have reduced somewhat to 10-12, beginning at
about 9pm each night. 4-5 stay late. Initial signs from Campus Living staff vandalized, table is being
marked up, cigarette butts remain an issue; second hand smoke remains an issue for proximate
residents.
 Nate raised the issue regarding role of RAs re smoking policy. Up to community to enforce smoking
policy; up to RAs to address noise issues.
 Committee recommended removal of table with correspondence from chair.
 Michael Ford drafted email as agreed in committee.
 (Subsequent to meeting, removal placed on hold, pending further student initiative --prompted by
Camus Safety officer-- to manage the DSA more responsibly
 Follow-up email from Natasha Begin, P-H Area Director.
 Photos from Campus Safety--Mark Nisbett--on September 19, 2011 of Platt DSA
September 6, 2011
Report by Natasha Begin, AD, Platt Howard re Platt DSA problems
 Large crowds gathering at and around DSA, particularly between 10pm-2am
 Approximately four (4) times as many as other DSAs
 DSA is proximate to both Platt and Howard, with both noise and smoke problematic for residents
 Questioned whether location/design of DSA funnels noise/smoke rather than dissipates
 Copeland DSA perceived as “boring” and on periphery
 Very concerned, as smokers have not responded to repeated interventions by RAs
 RAs are growing weary of this, as are residents
Page 6 of 8
Email from Sam Alexander, ASLC Senator and member, Smoking Policy Implementation Review Team
July 10, 2013
Below is a rough snapshot of the data that we received back from our survey (spring 2013):
Responses: 174
18% from Copeland
44% from Howard
38% from Platt
Out of the respondents:
20% considered themselves to be smokers
68% considered themselves not to be
12% considered themselves to be somewhere in the middle
When asked whether or not students felt that the Platt DSA was an issue on campus:
58% said yes
42% said no
When asked what students hoped to see happen next year:
35% said that they wouldn't like to see any changes
31% said they would like to see stronger enforcement of Code of Conduct
44% said they would like to see the DSA removed or repurposed
I also left a comment section for students to leave additional thoughts, and the general comments were
focused primarily on the DSAs bad location and the obnoxious noise levels on weeknights. There were also a
couple of comments suggesting that the DSAs themselves were a bad idea regardless of location.
Here is what I gather from the results collected:
• A minority of students wish to have the DSA removed or repurposed, but considering plurality this
is the most popular option
• A majority consider the DSA to be an issue on campus
• When looking at individual responses, there is not a very strong correlation between smoking habits
and considering the DSA to be an issue or not. There is a stronger correlation between residence hall location
and feeling the DSA is a problem (the closer the hall, the more likely a problem)
It is my personal opinion that repurposing the Platt DSA is the best option we have before us. Considering
that this option was the most popular among students and that a majority of students (especially those living
closer to the DSA) felt it to be a problem, I feel that we have sufficient evidence to support our decision if we
choose to do so. Let me know what the rest of the committee thinks.
Hope everyone is enjoying the summer, and I hope that this was helpful.
All the best,
Sam Alexander
Page 7 of 8
On Jul 8, 2013, at 2:54 PM, Michael Ford wrote:
Hi Sam and Tyler,
In the crunch at the end of the year, I never received results from the survey you initiated and accomplished
with residents in Platt-Howard and Copeland. Please forward those results to me as soon as possible.
Should those results reinforce the prevailing opinion of the Smoking Polity Implementation Review Team,
RAs, Area Directors, Campus Living, Campus Safety, and Facility Service staffs, the Platt DSA will be repurposed this summer.
I will hold until I receive those questionnaire results from you.
In my notice regarding this matter, as well as other policy changes proposed in late February, I have received
no formal comments from any member of the Team or anyone else on the email list below regarding the
content of the draft minutes.
Thanks so much for your efforts in administering the questionnaire, and thanks in advance for sending me
the results.
Hope you both are having a very good summer.
Page 8 of 8