Tobacco and Related Product Restrictions on University Property

Policy 303.25

Introduction

1.1 Appalachian State University ("Appalachian" or the "University") is dedicated to maintaining a healthy work and learning environment. Research findings show that tobacco use in general, including smoking and breathing second-hand smoke, constitutes a significant health hazard. In addition to causing direct health hazards, smoking 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.

1.2 While Appalachian has prohibited smoking inside its buildings and facilities since January 1, 2008, the policy now prohibits smoking in outdoor areas except those places where smoking is expressly allowed.

1.3 Specifically, this policy is intended to eliminate the potential for exposure to secondhand smoke and the practical effect of this policy is that the campus should be smoke-free. Appalachian supports employees' and students' efforts to quit smoking and offers resources for smoking cessation. For all employees (North Carolina State Health plan information) go to: https://www.shpnc.org/wellness/your-health-wellness-resources#TobaccoCessationResources-458

1.4 For anyone interested in quitting smoking (a compilation of smoking-cessation resources) go to: https://healthpromotion.appstate.edu/special-services

Scope

2.1 This policy applies to all students, university employees, visitors, and guests of Appalachian.

Definitions

Smoking

Smoking is defined as the use or possession of a lighted cigarette, lighted cigar, lighted pipe, or any other lighted tobacco product.

Building

A building is defined as any permanent or temporary structure utilized for the support, shelter or enclosure of people, animals, or property. A "University Building" is defined as any building owned, supervised or occupied by Appalachian State University.

University Property

University Property means University Buildings and grounds owned, leased, operated, controlled, or supervised by Appalachian State University. "University Buildings" include, but are not limited to: residence halls, classroom and office buildings, workshops, gymnasiums, AppalCart stops, athletic fields, parking decks, stairwells, inside and outside dining areas, vending areas, breezeways, and connectors.

University Vehicle

A University Vehicle is defined as a passenger carrying vehicle owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the University and assigned permanently or temporarily to a University employee or to the University for official University business.

Electronic Nicotine Delivery System(s)(ENDS)

Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) include, but are not limited to e-cigarettes, personal vaporizers, and any other devices which emit aerosols, gases, or vapors with the intention of delivering a smoking-like experience, regardless of the use of tobacco or other substances. ENDS are battery-powered vaporizers which simulate tobacco smoking by producing an aerosol that resembles smoke without the use of a spark or flame. ENDS generally use batteries to warm up a heating element (known as an atomizer), which in turn heats up liquid in a chamber. The warmed liquid forms vapor and aerosol, some of which is inhaled and some of which exits the device, creating an experience similar to smoking.

Vaping

Vaping is defined as use or possession of an activated ENDS or similar device that emits aerosols, gases or vapors.

Policy and Procedure Statements

4.1 Smoking, any other use of tobacco products and vaping are prohibited within any University Building except in designated areas in parking decks; provided, however, that vaping may be substituted as a safer alternative to smoking, without invoking the requirement for an open flame permit, in university-sanctioned theatrical productions involving on-stage smoking.

4.2 Smoking and vaping are prohibited on University Property except where expressly allowed (See map.) (Affected areas).

4.3 Smoking and vaping in University Vehicles is prohibited.

4.4 The sale of tobacco products and ENDS on University Property is prohibited.

4.5 The free distribution of tobacco products and ENDS on University Property is prohibited.

4.6 All Appalachian groups and organizations are prohibited from accepting event sponsorship from tobacco and ENDS brand companies.

4.7 Littering is prohibited on campus. Smoking materials must be disposed of properly.

4.8 Enforcement of this policy will depend upon the cooperation of all faculty, staff, and students not only to comply with this policy but also to encourage others to comply with the policy in order to provide a healthy environment in which to work, study, and live.

4.9 With respect to smoking, violators of this policy are subject to a $25 fine pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 143-598(b). Repeated or intentional violation of this policy will be managed according to the following guidelines: Employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with applicable employment policies. Students who violate this policy will be subject to sanctions outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.

4.10 Map of Smoking Policy Affected Areas - See maps in Additional References below.

Additional References

Main Campus Smoking Map

Off Campus Smoking Map

Authority

N.C.G.S. Chapter 143, Article 64.

Original Effective Date

July 1, 2009

Revision Dates

April 26, 2018 (Smoking Map Updated)

October 20, 2014

June 10, 2013

March 12, 2020 (Smoking Maps Updated)