Tobacco and Smoke Free Campus Policy

Policy

It is the policy of Tacoma Community College that smoking or the use of tobacco products is prohibited on all college premises.

Smoking materials must be extinguished and properly disposed of prior to entering college premises or exiting a vehicle. Improper disposal includes, but is not limited to, spitting smokeless tobacco product, littering (e.g., discarding cigarette butts, throwing cigarette butts out of windows, leaving spit containers), and anything that creates a fire hazard.

The sale of tobacco products or tobacco related merchandise is prohibited on College property. This includes the free distribution (sampling) of tobacco products and associated products. Sponsorship of campus events by organizations that promote tobacco use is prohibited. Advertisement of tobacco products at campus events is prohibited regardless of sponsorship. Additionally, TCC shall neither solicit nor accept any grant, gift or anything else of value from a manufacturer, distributor or retailer whose principal business is tobacco products.

Exceptions to this policy for cultural or artistic purposes require prior written approval of the college president or designee.

Purpose

Tacoma Community College acknowledges the findings of the United States Surgeon General that tobacco use in any form, active and passive, is a significant health hazard. The College further recognizes that the United States Environmental Protection Agency classifies environmental tobacco smoke as a Class A carcinogen. In light of these health risks, and in support of a safe and healthy learning/working environment, Tacoma Community College establishes the following tobacco and smoke free campus policy.

To Whom Does This Policy Apply

This policy applies to all employees, faculty, students, student workers, visitors, and contract employees. No one is excluded from this policy.

References

Executive Order 88-06 – Establishing Governor's Policy on Smoking in State Facilities

Chapter 70.160 RCW – Smoking in public places (formerly Washington Clean Indoor Air Act)

Definitions

College premises - include all land, buildings, facilities and other property in the possession of or owned, used, controlled, or leased/rented by the college, and agencies or institutions that have educational agreements with the college.

An exemption to this policy is allowed for college properties that are long-term leaseholds and occupied by community agencies that are not affiliated with the college, i.e., Pierce Transit, Tacoma Area Coalition for Individuals with Disabilities (TACID), etc.

Smoking - includes the inhaling, exhaling, or burning of any kind of pipe, cigar, cigarette, e-cigarette, vape, or any other lighted smoking equipment.

Tobacco/tobacco products - include cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, clove cigarettes, vapes, and smokeless or spit tobacco, also known as dip, chew or snuff.