Tobacco-Free Policy
Purpose
Columbia College values and is concerned for the health and well-being of its students, employees and visitors. The College is committed to providing a healthful and productive educational and employment environment for members of the College community. Consistent with this commitment and in the interest of the general health and welfare of the College community, the College prohibits the use of all tobacco products and related devices on all College property and premises.
Scope
This policy applies to all members of the College community on College premises, including, but not limited to, students, employees, third parties and visitors.
Policy
The use and/or consumption of all tobacco products is prohibited on all College properties, premises, facilities, in College vehicles, and in personal vehicles while on College property. For purposes of this policy, this prohibition includes, but is not limited to:
- Traditional tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco; and
- Electronic smoking devices, which includes any product containing or delivering tobacco and/or nicotine or any other substance intended for consumption that can be used by a person in any manner for the purpose of inhaling vapor or aerosol. This includes any such device, whether manufactured, distributed, marketed, or sold as an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pip, e-hookah or vape pen, or under any other product name.
Additionally, no tobacco-related advertising or sponsorship shall be permitted on College property or premises, at College-sponsored events, or in publications produced by the College, with the exception of advertising in a newspaper or magazine that is not produced by the College and that is lawfully sold, bought or distributed on College property. For the purposes of this policy, "tobacco-related" applies to the use of a tobacco brand or corporate name, trademark, logo, symbol, motto or selling message.
No tobacco products, tobacco-related products or tobacco paraphernalia shall be sold or distributed on College property or premises.
Because the College is tobacco free, signs prohibiting smoking and the use of tobacco products are posted at many points of entry to the College and at building entrances as reminders to members of the College community. No ashtrays shall be provided at any College location.
Smoking cessation assistance and resources will be made available to assist and encourage individuals who wish to quit smoking and/or using tobacco.
Questions or inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the College's Human Resources Office via phone at 573-875-7495 or via email at HumanResources@CCIS.edu, or by filling out the form .
Enforcement
This policy is a community health initiative and therefore, the entire College community bears responsibility for implementing and enforcing this policy. There may be instances when outside third parties, contractors, vendors, guests, visitors, etc. on College premises subject to this policy may be unaware of this policy. In these situations, a violation of this policy should be reported as soon as possible to the Campus Safety Department or the College department responsible for the outside third party, contractor, vendor, guest, visitor, etc. being present on College premises.
College students and employees are responsible for compliance with this policy.
In the event a student violates this policy, a report should made as soon as possible to the Office for Student Conduct in the Office of Student Affairs or the Campus Safety Department.
In the event a College employee violates this policy, a report should be made as soon as possible to the Human Resources Department or the Campus Safety Department.
Consequences for violating this policy include, but are not limited to, removal from campus, and student and employee discipline, up to and including dismissal or termination.