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TOBACCO-FREE COLLEGE


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

WHEN DOES THE TOBACCO-FREE POLICY GO INTO EFFECT?
January 1, 2015

WHY IS SJR STATE GOING TOBACCO FREE?
St. Johns River State College is dedicated to providing a healthy and productive environment for its college community. Research shows that use of tobacco products are a proven health and safety hazard both to smokers and to non-smokers. By endorsing this tobacco free policy, SJR State joins more than 700 colleges and universities around the country in establishing a culture of wellness.

DOES THE TOBACCO-FREE POLICY APPLY TO EVERYONE?
Yes. The tobacco-free policy applies to anyone who is on college property including all employees, students, visitors, contractors and vendors. This includes all buildings, walkways, sidewalks, parking lots, sports venues, as well as personal and College vehicles in these areas.

WHAT IS PROHIBITED UNDER THE TOBACCO-FREE POLICY?
Use of all forms of tobacco and smoking devices. This includes:

  • Cigarettes
  • Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes)
  • Cigars, pipes, water pipes
  • Snuff
  • Chewing tobacco
  • Smokeless pouches
  • Any form of loose leaf tobacco.

CAN I SMOKE OR USE TOBACCO IN MY VEHICLE WHILE ON CAMPUS?
No. The policy prohibits tobacco use in personal vehicles while on any College property.

HOW WILL THE TOBACCO FREE POLICY BE ENFORCED?
Violations will be reported just like any other policy violation at the College. Students and employees who violate this policy may be subject to college disciplinary action. Visitors who violate this policy may be denied access to College property.

WILL SJR STATE REQUIRE ME TO QUIT USING TOBACCO PRODUCTS?
The use of tobacco products is a personal choice and individuals may choose to use tobacco products off campus; however, there is no legal “right to smoke."

A tobacco-free campus policy is not an attempt to force individuals to change their lifestyle. It is; however, intended to reinforce the College's commitment to provide a healthy and safe College environment and protects those who choose to be tobacco free from the effects and distractions of secondhand smoke, loose leaf tobacco and similar products and assists those who are trying to quit tobacco.

WHAT DO I DO IF I SEE SOMEONE SMOKING OR USING TOBACCO?
Implementation of the tobacco-free policy will take the cooperation of all College employees, students and visitors. Any member of the SJR State College community may respectfully ask individuals to comply with this policy and report non-compliance when appropriate. Repeat violators may be reported to the SJR State Office of Safety and Security.

When approaching individuals who are in violation of the tobacco-free policy, you may find the following approach useful in your communications: “You may not have heard, but SJR State is now a tobacco-free college. Tobacco use, as well as electronic cigarettes, is prohibited on all college property. Information on cessation workshops, as well as access to Alternative Craving Stations, is available in the Viking Center."

HAVE OTHER COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES GONE TOBACCO-FREE?
Yes. As of 2015, 12 of the 28 state and community colleges will have transitioned to tobacco/smoke-free colleges.