Southeastern Community College (SCC) is committed to providing its employees and students with a safe and healthful environment. SCC recognizes the use of tobacco products on campus grounds is detrimental to the health and safety of students, staff, faculty and visitors. SCC also recognizes that it has the legal authority to prohibit tobacco use pursuant to G.S. 143-599. (Policy 2.09)
Based on Southeastern Community College Board of Trustees approval (November 2009), the college has established the 100 percent tobacco free campus policy to be implemented on August 1, 2010.
- Use of tobacco is prohibited by students, staff, faculty or visitors in all campus buildings, facilities or property owned or leased by SCC and in vehicles that are the property of the college.
- For the purposes of this policy, tobacco is defined as any type of tobacco product including, but not limited to: cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, bidis, hookahs, smokeless or spit tobacco or snuff which includes smoking, chewing, dipping or any other use of tobacco products. This policy also applies to e-cigarettes or any product simulating smoking instruments.
- The sale or free distribution of tobacco products, including merchandise, on campus or at college events is prohibited.
- Student organizations are prohibited from accepting money or gifts from tobacco companies, including: a. Parties sponsored by tobacco companies and allowing them to distribute free, reduced-price, or fully priced tobacco products (t-shirts, hats, etc.) on campus. b. All tobacco advertising, such as billboards and signs in/on athletic facilities owned and operated by SCC.
- Tobacco advertisements are prohibited in college-run publications and on grounds or facilities, including athletic facilities, owned or operated by SCC.
- SCC will provide accessible resources for tobacco cessation programs. These tobacco cessation programs shall be publicized in student, faculty and staff publications, emails, through the SCC website, student services, and other appropriate means.
Enforcement of Tobacco Policy
First Offense
Any student observed smoking or using tobacco products will be asked in a non-confrontational manner to obey the college policy and to stop using the products. Faculty or staff members will identify themselves to the student and ask to see the student’s identification card to verify their student status and to identify the name of the student. Students without a student identification card should produce some form of official picture identification (e.g. driver’s license) and shall be instructed to take the necessary steps to acquire an official student identification card. The faculty or staff member will explain the college’s tobacco-free policy and the possible consequences for violating the policy and will file a report with the campus police giving the student’s name and the date and time of this policy violation. The report shall be made as an e-mail or memorandum. The campus police will keep a record of violations identifying the student, date, time, and name of the faculty or staff member reporting the violation.
Second Offense
Faculty and staff members will follow the procedures identified in “First Offense.” When the campus police determine that this is the second reported offense for a student, the campus police will give the student’s name to the dean of student services. The dean of student services will send the student a first-class letter and/or Rams mail, if available, warning the student that this is the second violation of the tobacco-free policy and that the student will face suspension or expulsion with any further violations.
Third Offense
Faculty and staff members will follow the procedures identified in "First Offense." When the campus police determine that this is the third reported offense for a student, the campus police will give the student’s name to the dean of student services. The dean of student services will suspend the student for the remainder of the current term. The student may re-enroll, subject to any specific program limitations, following the suspension period. A student who disagrees with the decision may appeal the decision by following the Student Grievance Process.