Tobacco Use Policy

TOBACCO USE POLICY

Policy:

Tobacco use and smoking are not permitted on the college campus including college facilities, on college grounds, and in college vehicles and personal vehicles. It is the policy of Robeson Community College to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations regarding tobacco use and to provide a learning and work environment that promotes productivity and the well-being of its students and employees.

Criteria:

1. The College recognizes that tobacco use in the workplace can adversely affect employees as well as students and other patrons. Research shows that smoke-free policies reduce secondhand smoke, the prevalence of smoking and heart disease morbidity. Smoking and tobacco use, including smokeless tobacco products, are prohibited on campus including inside all College facilities, on College grounds and in all vehicles on College grounds. These products include but are not limited to cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, hookah smoked products, oral and smokeless tobacco products, electronic smoking devices, and any additional products that meet the definition of a smoking and/or tobacco product as defined herein and/or by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The President of the College is responsible for implementing and monitoring smoking/tobacco use regulations, and all administrative and supervisory personnel are expected to enforce the regulations.

2. The smoking/tobacco use policy applies to employees, students, and visitors while on the College premises.

3. Employees, students and visitors are expected to exercise common courtesy and to respect the needs and sensitivities of individuals regarding the smoke-free/tobacco free policy.

4. Complaints regarding smoking/tobacco use should be resolved at the lowest administrative level possible but may be processed through 3.3.3 Policy - Employee Code of Conduct and/or the Student’s Code of Conduct procedure. Employees and students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

5. The College does not discriminate against individuals based on their use of legal products, such as tobacco.

6. Employees and students may contact Student Support Services for information regarding the effects of smoking/tobacco use and the availability of smoking cessation programs.