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Tobacco-Free/Smoke-Free Campus
Policy 014

 

Introduction

Nicolet Area Technical College is committed to being a leader in promoting the safety and health of its staff, students, visitors and general public (including contractors and vendors). This policy was adopted for the following reasons:

  • A belief that employees have the right to work and students have the right to learn, in an environment free of the hazards of tobacco products.

  • A desire to eliminate exposure to second-hand smoke at building entrances/exits and to assure clean air on college property.

  • The presence of underage students.

  • An interest in eliminating tobacco products littering the campus.

  • Safety concerns.

To protect the health and safety of our staff, students, and visitors, the following policy is effective January 21, 2009.


Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a tobacco-free/smoke-free environment for our staff, students, and visitors, thereby fostering and supporting a commitment to health and wellness. This policy also establishes parameters for staff members who choose to continue to smoke or use tobacco products.


Policy

Use of tobacco and smoking is prohibited on the Nicolet Area Technical College Lake Julia and Lakeland campuses. This includes the following:

  1. All structures, buildings and grounds, sidewalks, roads, pathways, and parking lots.

  2. All Nicolet Area Technical College owned and leased vehicles.

  3. All personal vehicles on Nicolet Area Technical College property.

Sacred Use of Tobacco

On occasion, there may be a group that requests to use the campus for an event which includes the sacred use of tobacco. This will require advanced notification to the President. A request form must be completed and submitted to the President. The President or designated individual will gather detailed information on the request. The President or designated individual will determine the legitimacy and approve or deny the request.


Tobacco Cessation Assistance/Resources

To the extent feasible, and utilizing available college and community resources listed below, the Nicolet Area Technical College Board of Trustees will encourage all staff and students to choose a healthful, non-tobacco use/non-smoking way of life. Emphasis will be placed on educating and referring faculty, staff, and students to available resources/services that provide tobacco cessation assistance.

Tobacco cessation programs and resources are available for faculty and staff through:

  • Security Health Plan (www.securityhealth.org)
    Medication coverage up to 180 days per calendar year

  • Other personal health care plans

  • Oneida County Public Health Department (call 369-6111)

  • Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line (www.WiQuitLine.org or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW)

  • UW Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention (www.ctri.wisc.edu)

  • American Lung Association's "Freedom from Smoking" individual online program (www.ffsonline.org)

  • American Cancer Society website (www.cancer.org)


Enforcement

The primary responsibility for enforcement rests with Administrators and Student Campus Security Officers. Employees who are comfortable approaching other staff, students, or visitors who are using tobacco products are encouraged to remind the individuals of our tobacco-free policy.

During the winter/spring 2009 semester of this policy implementation and during the 2009 summer session, voluntary compliance will be emphasized. Employees found to be in violation of this policy will be given a verbal reminder and their compliance will be requested.

However, repeated, willful and documented disregard for the policy by an employee will result in appropriate corrective action, up to, and including termination from employment.

Starting in the fall of 2009 sanctions will be put in place enforcing the tobacco-free policy on campus. Employees found using any form of tobacco on campus will be subject to the following:

  • First offense—Employees will receive a written warning from the Director of Human Resources reminding them of the policy. They will also be required to meet with the Dean of Instruction / Campus Security or the VP of College Services to discuss the ramifications of willful disregard of policy adherence.

  • Second and subsequent offenses—Employees found in violation of the policy will receive a $15.00 fine and will be required to meet with the Director of Human Resources. During these meetings, an action plan will be developed to help employees create a strategy that will assist them in adhering to the policy.

Repeated, willful and documented disregard for the policy by an employee will result in appropriate corrective action, up to, and including termination from employment.

Visitors who are smoking or using tobacco products will be informed of our policy and asked to cease smoking or using tobacco products while on campus.

It is each person's responsibility to help carry out the spirit of the policy in a way that fosters good student and employee relations. Employees are encouraged to contact their supervisor if they have any questions regarding this policy.

This policy relies on the consideration and cooperation of tobacco users and non-tobacco users. Tobacco users will be treated with respect and dignity at all times. In turn, it is expected that tobacco users will respect the effect of their use of tobacco on others by complying with this policy.

No employee shall be subject to any form of retaliation for reporting violations of this policy.

DATE ADOPTED: March 1, 1995
DATE(S) REVISED: January 20, 2004; December 2008
DATE(S) REVIEWED:


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