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Westchester Community College
Tobacco-Free Policy FAQ’s
Policy
When does the tobacco-free policy start?
The
new policy went into effect on January 1, 2012 and will be strictly enforced
as of September 1, 2012.
What is the college’s tobacco-free policy?
For further information, please
click here .
What is a Westchester Community College facility?
A college facility is defined as any facility or property that is
owned, leased, used or occupied by the college, including but not limited
to: classrooms, restrooms, auditoriums, offices, lounges, dining areas,
recreational facilities, storage areas, service shops, garages, walkways,
thoroughfares, facilities operations areas, athletic facilities, extension
locations,
all college vehicles (owned or leased), and personally owned or
rented vehicles when used to transport College faculty, staff or students on
any school-related business, academic or student life activities.
Who does this policy affect?
This policy applies to the entire college community including but
not limited to: students, employees (faculty, staff, and
administrators), trustees, visitors, volunteers, vendors, and contractors
who are on property and facilities owned or operated by Westchester
Community College.
How does this policy differ from the previous policy?
Whereas the previous policy prohibited smoking in specific areas,
this policy promotes a healthy environment by eliminating any form of
tobacco use anywhere on campus.
Boundaries
Are outdoor areas covered by this policy?
Yes. All outdoor areas are covered by this policy.
Are there designated smoking areas on campus?
No. There are no designated smoking areas on campus.
Can I smoke in my personal car?
At this time, the college chooses not to enforce the tobacco-free
policy for those who choose to smoke in their personal vehicles with closed
windows.
Are the off campus extension locations tobacco-free?
Yes. The free standing extension locations, Ossining, Mount Vernon,
Peekskill, Center for the Arts), and Yonkers/Cross County are all
tobacco-free. The Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) is also
tobacco-free. All high school sites are tobacco-free in accordance
with New York State Law.
Are other colleges tobacco-free?
Yes. There is a growing trend of tobacco-free campuses both
nationwide and locally. Westchester Community College is proud to be
among them.
Cessation and Education Programs
What is Westchester Community College doing to assist those who use
tobacco and want to quit?
As
part of Westchester Community College’s initiative to become a tobacco-free
campus, we have held a number of informational sessions, smoking cessation
workshops, and public events during which we shared
a variety of resources for students, faculty and staff who would like to stop using
tobacco.
Enforcement
How will this policy be enforced?
Westchester Community College’s primary goal is to achieve 100%
voluntary compliance with the tobacco-free policy by educating students,
faculty, staff, and visitors about the policy. Voluntary
compliance is strongly preferred, however, it should be noted that the
policy will be enforced. Violation of this policy could result in
disciplinary actions. .
What should I do if I see someone smoking on Westchester Community
College grounds?
Members of the campus community who see individuals using tobacco
on college grounds are asked to inform these individuals politely that
college policy prohibits tobacco use anywhere on campus grounds.
Faculty and staff who do not feel comfortable approaching someone violating
the policy should contact the administrator in charge of the nearest
building or a security officer. We expect all members of the college
community to treat each other with dignity and respect, support each other,
and embrace a spirit of having a healthy living, learning, and working
environment.
Rights
Don’t I have a right to smoke on campus?
No. There is no “right” to use tobacco under either state or
federal law. Additionally, court rulings maintain that smokers do not
have the legal right to expose others to secondhand smoke, a Class-A
carcinogen, and they are not entitled to protection against discrimination
as “addicts” or as “disabled persons.” (http://www.dath.org/pdf/constitutional-right.pdf).
Establishing a tobacco-free campus preserves everyone's right to
breathe smoke-free air in a cleaner campus environment, while allowing
adults who choose to use tobacco to continue to do so off-campus. The
college’s policy is based upon respect for others and for the environment,
and supports the rights and privileges of both tobacco users and non-users
alike.
Does the policy prohibit me from bringing cigarettes or other
tobacco products to a WCC facility?
No. Only the actual or apparent use (e.g., ‘smoking’ an unlit
cigarette) of such products on campus is prohibited.
Why should I comply?
Civility and respect for others are what guide us in establishing
and maintaining a tobacco-free campus. While this policy may be difficult
for tobacco users at first, we hope that all members of the college
community will respect each other and the environment.
Faculty/Staff Concerns
How should managers/supervisors talk to employees about the policy?
The tobacco-free policy is a quality of life issue for all members
of the campus. Managers/ supervisors should inform all employees of
this policy and employees are expected to comply.
I supervise several employees who smoke. How will they manage under
the new policy?
Should they choose to do so, employees may use their allotted meal
periods to travel off-campus to smoke. However, employees will not be given
additional meal or break time for smoking. Supervisors must be clear with
employees on this matter.
What should managers/supervisors do if one of their employees
violates the policy?
As with all policies, violations of this policy should be
routed through the progressive discipline process.
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