Administrative Guideline 840

Adopted: July 8, 2008
Approved:
Reviewed: November 9, 2010
Revised: January 26, 2016

ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINE TYPE: Physical Facility Functions

ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINE TITLE: Tobacco/Nicotine Free Guideline

DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBLE:

I. Statement of Purpose

Southeastern Community College is committed to providing its students, employees, partners and visitors safe and healthy environments. Tobacco and nicotine products are a proven health and safety hazard, both to the tobacco user and non-smokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke. In addition to causing direct health hazards, smoking and other tobacco use contributes to institutional costs in other ways, including fire damage, cleaning and maintenance costs, and costs associated with employee absenteeism, health care, and medical insurance.

II. Policy

In compliance with the state of Iowa’s Smoke Free Air Act as of July 1, 2008, the use of tobacco and nicotine products, which includes smokeless and smoking tobacco (cigarettes, cigars and pipes to include but not limited to products such as dissolvable, spit less, snus, chewing, and electronic cigarettes), is prohibited:

• In all areas within Southeastern Community College buildings.
• On all property owned or jointly owned, leased, or operated by Southeastern Community College.
• In all vehicles owned, leased, or rented by the school.
• In all private automobiles parked on college property.

This policy applies to all employees, students, partners and visitors.

All persons in non-compliance of the Smoke Free Air Act and SCC’s policy will be considered in violation and subject to disciplinary action.

III. Procedure

1. No tobacco or nicotine products shall be sold or distributed on Southeastern Community College property.
2. Campus organizations are prohibited from accepting money or gifts from tobacco companies that promote use of their products.
3. Tobacco advertisements are prohibited in college publications and at any athletic or other campus events.
4. Signs stating that the entire campus is tobacco free will be prominently posted at all campus and building entrances and other conspicuous places. All ash receptacles will be removed from the school grounds.
5. People who wish to consider employment at Southeastern Community College will be notified of its tobacco-free environment through information provided on the school’s website and job applications.
6. Employees will be advised of the provisions of this policy during new hire orientation. Supervisors will be responsible for notifying their employees of the provisions of this policy and assisting with enforcement.
7. This policy will be communicated to the public through signs, announcements, newsletters, media events, advertisements, the school website, and job applications.
8. Employees may attend tobacco cessation counseling. The state and national tobacco quit lines will be promoted as well.
9. Employees or students smoking or using tobacco products on Southeastern Community College property are in violation of the stated policy and subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the employee handbook or student handbook as applicable.
10. Employees and students will be educated on the tobacco policy and opportunities for cessation counseling throughout the disciplinary action process.
11. All Southeastern Community College employees are authorized and encouraged to communicate and reinforce this policy with courtesy and diplomacy to any person whom they see violating the policy. Individuals who refuse to comply with the policy should then be reported to your immediate supervisor, Human Resources, or Student Services as appropriate for immediate follow-up action.
12. Students, partners and visitors will be notified of this policy prior to arrival whenever possible.