The Professional and Scientific Council met Thursday to discuss upcoming issues, including one widespread controversial topic- a smoking ban on campus.

The motion was put forth by the council’s policies and procedures committee, in an effort to encourage ISU President Gregory Geoffroy to extend the smoke-free policy to within 25 feet of all occupied ISU building entrances and exits, to be effective as of Jan. 1, 2007.

Discussion centered on the question if the policy would be going “too far.”

“A total ban would meet heavy resistance. University administration is not willing to fight this battle yet, so I don’t know if we want to stand this front alone,” said committee and board member Lynne Mumm.

Council member and administration specialist in biotechnology Teresa Peterson said she would like more feedback on the issue before making a decision.

“A policy would be the way to go,” Peterson said. “Outlining a 25-foot perimeter is a healthy thing to do.”

Several board members agreed that even a partial smoking ban would be a positive step, but felt a final decision would require more feedback to implement.

Peterson also worried how this ruling could interfere with campus visitors.

“Eventgoers are major sources of income, therefore it is difficult to tell such people not to smoke,” Peterson said.

The 25-foot regulation provoked questions from board member Andrew Alt, program assistant for the Dean of Students Office.

“Who would one report to upon witnessing someone smoking at 23 feet from an entrance?” Alt said.

Committee member Malisa Rader, program assistant in human development and family studies, said she has received numerous complaints from parents in ISU childcare.

“I have no right to tell a smoker to move, as there is no grounds or policy to stand on,” Rader said.

The council finally decided to postpone a decision and move on to other business.

The policy will be readdressed in a meeting on Nov. 3.

Until then, a task force under committee member Michael Miller is working on proposing a recommendation, and the committee will be soliciting feedback from faculty and students.

Further information on the Professional and Scientific Council’s actions can be obtained at www.pscouncil.iastate.edu.