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Policy Number: 8.2.89
Effective Date: August 13, 2025
Revision History: April 18, 2023; 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 providing a safe, healthy, and amicable environment for employees, students, and persons visiting the GGC campus.
In accordance with the Georgia Smoke-Free Air Act of 2005, Title 31 Chapter 12A, and the policies of the Board of Regents, the use of all forms of Tobacco Products on GGC Properties is expressly prohibited. Further, the advertising, sale, or free sampling of Tobacco Products on GGC Properties is prohibited unless specifically stated for research purposes. The use of Tobacco Products is also 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 GGC Properties, as defined below, 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
GGC Properties: Property owned, leased, rented, in the possession of, or in any way used by Georgia Gwinnett College or its affiliates, including all areas indoors and outdoors, buildings, and parking lots.
Tobacco Products: For purposes of this policy, Tobacco Products is defined as cigarettes, cigars, and 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. This definition includes smoking devices which create an aerosol or vapor or the use of any oral smoking device for the purpose of circumventing the prohibition of smoking in this policy.
IV. Exceptions for Tobacco Use
Any exceptions to this policy must be approved in writing by the President of Georgia Gwinnett College. Exceptions should be limited and reflect the intent for the Georgia Gwinnett College campus to be tobacco and smoke free unless needed for educational purposes or the advancement of research.
V. Enforcement and Violation of Policy
- The overall enforcement and authority of this policy lies with 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/or subject to other student conduct 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 may 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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