South Central College, with campuses in Faribault and North Mankato, are tobacco free as of Thursday, July 1, 2010. SCC is the eleventh Minnesota State College and University system institution to enact a smoke-free or tobacco-free policy (a copy of the MnSCU Smoking Policies is attached). Additional colleges, including the University of Minnesota, Duluth have instituted a ban on smoking. This is part of a national trend of colleges and universities.
“This is a decision that the college has sought input on for a long time, stated President Keith Stover. It is the college’s intent to provide for a clean, safe and healthier on-campus environment for our students and staff.”
Philosophy:
South Central College is committed to creating a clean, safe and healthy learning and working environment for all students and employees. The success of this policy will depend upon the cooperation of all faculty, staff, students to comply with this policy, and to encourage others to comply with the policy, in order to promote a clean, safe, and healthy environment in which to work, study, and live.
Policy:
As of July 1, 2010, smoking, tobacco use, and tobacco sales (including the use or sales of smokeless tobacco products) are prohibited on college owned, operated, or leased property.
Definitions:
Smoking: The burning of any type of lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, or any other smoking equipment, whether filled with tobacco or any other type of material.
Smokeless Tobacco Products: Smokeless tobacco including, but not limited to: snuff, chewing tobacco, smokeless pouches, or other forms of loose leaf tobacco.
Violations:
Violations of this policy by employees will be handled through the progressive disciplinary process as outlined in the employee’s bargaining unit contract.
Violations by students will result in a $50.00 fine and a hold will be placed on the student’s record until the fine is paid. Persistent offenders may be subject to additional sanctions per the Student Conduct Code.
Policy Exceptions:
1. All research, educational, and/or artistic purposes that involve the use of tobacco on campus, must be approved by the President or his/her designee. Such use must be preceded by reasonable advance notice to the public.
2. This policy does not apply to specific activities when tobacco is used in connection with the practice of cultural activities including those of American Indians that are in accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, 42 U.S.C. sections 1996 and 1996a. All ceremonial use exceptions must be approved in advance by the President of the College or his/her designee.
3. Tobacco use inside private vehicles is permitted.
Cessation Programs and Services:
To support South Central College students and employees who wish to reduce and/or quit using tobacco products, a variety of tobacco cessation resources and services are available through the Human Resources Office.