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Tobacco-Free Campus Policy

I. Policy Statement

In order to provide a healthy working and learning environment for the campus community, SUNY Canton will become a Tobacco-Free Campus in 2014. To help the campus prepare for this change, the College will transition to a tobacco-free environment, starting Fall 2012. During this time, designated smoking areas on campus will be reduced and the campus plaza and other areas declared tobacco-free. Tobacco use is permitted only in parking lot locations that are at least 50 feet away from all campus buildings or in specifically designated areas. Tobacco use in other areas of the campus, including inside all campus-owned vehicles, is prohibited. Designated tobacco and tobacco-free areas can be found at: http://www.canton.edu/map/tobacco.pdf 

II. Reason for the Policy

In order to provide a healthy working and learning environment for the campus community, SUNY Canton will become a Tobacco-Free Campus in 2014. To help the campus prepare for this change, the College will transition to a tobacco-free environment, starting Fall 2012. During this time, designated smoking areas on campus will be reduced and the campus plaza and other areas declared tobacco-free. Tobacco use is permitted only in parking lot locations that are at least 50 feet away from all campus buildings or in specifically designated areas. Tobacco use in other areas of the campus, including inside all campus-owned vehicles, is prohibited. Designated tobacco and tobacco-free areas can be found at: http://www.canton.edu/map/tobacco.pdf 

III. Definitions

For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

“Tobacco” is defined as all tobacco and tobacco-derived products intended for human consumption, including, but not limited to: cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars, hookah-smoked products, clove cigarettes, bidis, kreteks, synthetic marijuana, smokeless tobacco and snus. This definition does not include any product that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for sale as a tobacco use cessation product.

“College” is defined as SUNY Canton.

“SUNY Canton property” is defined as any property owned, leased or operated by SUNY Canton.

IV. Components of the Policy

Cessation

The College will make every reasonable effort to assist those employees and students who wish to stop using tobacco. The campus will promote and provide evidence-based cessation resources. Students can access cessation treatment, including counseling and nicotine replacement therapy, at the Davis Health Center. Employees can access support through the Employee Assistance Program.

Compliance and Communication

This policy applies to all College employees, students, visitors, and vendors and is driven by respect for others and the environment. Enforcement is the shared responsibility of the entire campus and relies on the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of tobacco users and non-users for its success.

SUNY Canton will inform members of the campus community about the tobacco policy by widely disseminating information about the policy on a regular basis. Policy non-compliance will prompt an initial educational response which will include information regarding the existence of the policy, the rationale for the policy, and the availability of tobacco cessation support services both on and off campus. Repeated non-compliance will be referred to the appropriate campus student conduct or employee supervisory system for resolution. Employees and students will be treated respectfully in the consistent observance of the policy.

Additionally:

  • The sale of tobacco products or tobacco related merchandise is prohibited on College property.
  • The free distribution (sampling) of tobacco products and associated products is prohibited on the College properties.
  • Sponsorship of campus events by organizations that promote tobacco use is prohibited.
  • Advertisement of tobacco products at campus events is prohibited regardless of sponsorship.
  • Organizers of public events on campus are responsible to communicate this policy to attendees.

Policy Review

SUNY Canton will maintain a broad-based Tobacco Advisory Committee to identify and address needs and concerns related to this policy, implementation, compliance, enforcement, and cessation. The Tobacco Advisory Committee will review this policy on a regular basis to ensure that it is sustained, effective, and up to date.