Tobacco and Related Product Restrictions on University Property

Policy 303.25

Introduction

1.1 Appalachian State University (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 the University 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. The University supports employees' and students' efforts to quit smoking and offers resources for smoking cessation. For all employees (state health plan information) go to: http://www.shpnc.org/pdf/tobacco-cessation-benefits.pdf

1.4 For anyone interested in quitting smoking (a compilation of smoking-cessation resources) go to: http://www.ihhs.appstate.edu/Outreach%20Programs/cessation.html

Scope

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

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.

Policy and Procedure Statements

4.1 Smoking is prohibited within any University Building except in designated areas in parking decks.

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

4.3 Smoking in University Vehicles is prohibited.

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

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

4.6 All Appalachian groups and organizations are prohibited from accepting event sponsorship from tobacco 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 Violators of this policy are subject to a $25 fine pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 143-598(b. Repeated or intentional non-compliance with the policy will be managed according to the following guidelines. Faculty members who violate this policy will be subject to the same disciplinary actions that accompany infraction of other university policies. Staff members who violate the policy will be subject to the same disciplinary actions that accompany infraction of other work rules or polices. Students who violate the policy will be subject to sanctions outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.

4.10 Map of Smoking Policy Affected Areas [insert hyperlink]

Effective Date

The policy is effective August 15, 2013