Tobacco Policy
Purpose
Alma College is committed to the promotion of a healthy and safe learning, living and working environment. The college recognizes the increasing weight of scientific evidence that use of tobacco products presents a danger to both the user and those exposed to its use. The U.S. Surgeon General has determined that tobacco use in any form, active or passive, is a significant health hazard; there is no safe level of exposure. It is the policy of Alma College to achieve an environment that is tobacco/smoke-free.
Policy
For your health, tobacco use, e-cigarettes and vaporizers are prohibited across Alma College campus. This policy is applicable to all campus buildings and housing, both inside and out, facilities and grounds including but not limited to athletic fields, college owned vehicles, parking lots and surrounding college-owned properties. The policy applies to all persons, including students, faculty, staff, administrators, outside contractors and the public. Organizers and attendees at public events such as conferences, meetings, public lectures, social events and cultural events using Alma’s facilities will be required to abide by this policy. Organizers of such events are responsible for communicating the policy to attendees and for enforcing this policy.
Definitions
For purposes of this policy, tobacco is defined as all tobacco-derived or containing products, including, but not limited to, cigarettes (clove, bidis, kreteks), electronic cigarettes, vaporizers, cigars and cigarillos, hookah-smoked products and oral tobacco (spit and spit less, smokeless, chew, snuff).
Compliance
The success of this policy depends on the thoughtfulness, consideration and cooperation of all members of the Alma College campus community and guests. All persons share the responsibility for compliance. Any person who is continually observed in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action. Failure to comply with this policy should be reported to:
- Students – Director of Student Affairs
- Faculty and staff - Your supervisor and the Human Resources Office
- Community members and guests - Campus Safety
Assistance to Tobacco Users
If you would like assistance in quitting, please take this opportunity to contact the Wilcox Medical Center for a referral to cessation programs and other resources. Thank you for helping us promote better health in our community.
Effective Date: May 1, 2019
Click here to download a Tobacco Free Campus map.
Frequently Asked Questions
| When did the Alma College Tobacco Free Campus Policy go into effect? |
| May 2019 |
| Why did Alma College decide to go tobacco free? |
| Alma College is committed to providing the safest possible environment for students, staff, faculty, and visitors. Tobacco products, second hand smoke, third hand smoke, and vapors from electronic cigarettes are harmful to everyone, implementing the Tobacco Free Campus Policy is an important step in providing a safe and welcoming environment to everyone on campus. |
| Have other Colleges of Universities implemented tobacco free policies? |
| Yes. Many colleges and universities have already implemented tobacco free campus policies. As of October 1st, 2018, there are now at least 2,279 100% smoke-free campus sites. Of these, 1,910 are also 100% tobacco-free, 1,886 also prohibit e-cigarette use, 960 also prohibit hookah use, and 386 also prohibit smoking/vaping marijuana. This number is expected to climb rapidly as a result of the growing social norms supporting smoke- and tobacco-free environments, and support from the academic community for policies to improve overall campus health. |
| How did Alma College go about developing the Tobacco Free Campus Policy? |
| Alma College received a Tobacco Free Generation grant from CVS Health & the American Cancer Society to implement the tobacco free campus policy. The Tobacco Free Task Force was formed after receiving the grant, and the Tobacco Free Campus Policy was formed after researching other successful Tobacco Free Campus Policies. Surveys were conducted to students, faculty & staff on use of tobacco products and views of current policy. Once the tobacco free policy was created, additional input from the campus community was sought out by the Task Force through informing the campus community of the Tobacco Free Campus Draft Policy. Feedback was received, and the policy was approved by the Cabinet. |
| I am interested in quitting tobacco, what resources does Alma College offer to assist me in meeting my tobacco free goals? |
Alma College is committed to helping you meet your tobacco free goals. We understand that quitting tobacco is a difficult journey and that support on this journey is essential for your long-term success living a tobacco free life. Alma College offers students, staff, and faculty the option of enrolling in our Fresh Start Smoking Cessation Program. Please inquire at Wilcox Health Center for available class times and locations. In addition to Fresh Start Smoking Cessation Classes we have compiled a list of helpful resources for those that are on their journey to a smoke free life. If you are on this journey, we encourage you to visit the below list for additional support with smoking cessation.
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| Are there areas tobacco use is allowed on Alma College Campus? |
| The Alma College Tobacco Free Campus Policy indicates that Alma College Campus is 100% tobacco free. Tobacco Use of any kind is prohibited on any Alma College property. |
| If I see someone using tobacco on campus what should I do? |
When you encounter anyone on campus that is using a form of tobacco please approach them in a courteous and respectful manner. Assume that the individual is not aware of aware of Alma College’s Tobacco Free Policy. Explain that tobacco products are not permitted on Alma College Property. Examples:
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| Who do I contact with any questions or concerns that I have about the Tobacco Free Campus Policy? |
| Please contact Anne Lambrecht, Director of Counseling, Health & Wellness at (989) 463-7225 or lambrechtak@alma.edu |
Last Updated 2/25/19