Policy Number: 8.2.89
Effective Date: April 18, 2023
Revision History: Reviewed May 26, 2016
Policy Contact: AVP of Operations/Chief of Police
I. Purpose and Policy Statement
This policy reinforces Georgia Gwinnett College’s commitment to provide a safe and amicable environment for employees, students, and guests. The goal of the policy is to preserve and improve the health, comfort, and environment of students, employees and any persons occupying our campus.
In accordance with the Georgia Smoke-Free Air Act of 2005, Title 31 Chapter 12A, and the policies of the Board of Regents for the University of Georgia, the use of all forms of tobacco products on property owned, leased, rented, in the possession of, or in any way used by Georgia Gwinnett College or its affiliates is expressly prohibited.
Further, this policy prohibits any advertising, sale, or free sampling of tobacco products on Georgia Gwinnett College properties unless specifically stated for approved educational or research purposes. This prohibition includes but is not limited to all areas indoors and outdoors, buildings and parking lots owned, leased, rented or otherwise used by the Georgia Gwinnett College Community or its affiliates. The use of tobacco products is prohibited in vehicles - private or public vehicles - located on Georgia Gwinnett College campus and/or facilities within the operational control of Georgia Gwinnett College.
II. Scope
This policy applies to persons who enter the areas described above, including but not limited to students, faculty, staff, contractors and subcontractors, spectators, and visitors. Events hosted by Georgia Gwinnett College or its affiliates shall be tobacco-free. Events hosted by outside groups on behalf of Georgia Gwinnett College shall also be tobacco-free.
III. Definitions
Tobacco Products: For purposes of this policy, Tobacco Products is defined as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, all forms of smokeless tobacco, clove cigarettes and any other smoking devices that use tobacco such as hookahs or simulate the use of tobacco such as electronic cigarettes.
IV. Exceptions for Tobacco Use
Any exceptions of this policy must be approved in writing by the President of Georgia Gwinnett College. Exceptions to the policy will be very limited and on an as-needed basis. The intent of the policy is for the campus to be tobacco and smoke-free unless otherwise needed for approved educational purposes.
V. Enforcement and Violation of Policy
- The overall enforcement and authority of this policy lies with the authorized campus officials, but it is also a shared campus community responsibility, which means students, faculty, staff, and contractors share in the responsibility to help keep the campus tobacco-free.
- GGC employees who do not comply with the policy may be issued verbal and written reprimands and may be subject to other personnel actions. GGC students who do not comply with the policy may be issued verbal warnings and written student integrity memorandums of counseling and may be subject to other student integrity actions. Visitors refusing to comply with this policy may be asked to leave campus and are subject to additional actions, as deemed appropriate by campus officials and the Office of Public Safety.
VI. Resources Available for Tobacco Cessation
- From time to time, Georgia Gwinnett College will make available resources to assist employees and students with tobacco cessation as well as educational materials and other wellness information.
- Employees. Employees who are interested in any available tobacco cessation programs should contact the Office of Human Resources for updates at (678) 407-5070. This “Breathe Easy Initiative” may be expanded by the Office of Human Resources for the campus community from time to time. Employees should be aware of the Board of Regents policy and incentive programs for individuals who become involved in a cessation assistance program.
- Students. The Office of Student Affairs may offer Smoking Cessation programs to students from time to time. For more information, students may contact wellnessrec@ggc.edu.
VII. Related Regulations, Statutes, Policies, and Procedures
Any parties interested in additional cessation programs may wish to refer to the government website.
BOR Policy Manual 6.10 Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campuses
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