Q: What does “Tobacco-Free” mean
exactly?
Q: Why did SCC decide to go tobacco-free?
Q: What happens if you are found smoking or
chewing tobacco on campus?
Q: How do college students feel about giving up
smoking?
Q: Does SCC sponsor any on-campus smoking
cessation programs or seminars?
Q: Is there a permanent location on campus
where I can find smoking cessation information?
Q. Do I have to quit using tobacco products?
Q: Whom should I talk to if I have questions or concerns
about the new policy?
Q: What does “Tobacco-Free” mean
exactly?
A: Tobacco-free means that SCC strives for a
100 percent tobacco-free campus. Tobacco use has not been allowed
inside college buildings for many years. As of Jan. 1, 2007,
no tobacco use will be permitted anywhere on campus; the Board
of Trustees approved this policy in July 2006. This includes
all common areas, building entrances, athletics fields, walking
trails, and parking lots.
Q: Why did SCC decide to go tobacco-free?
A: In 2005-06, an SCC task force composed of
faculty, staff, and students explored the possibility of the
campus going tobacco-free. After concluding that the benefits
of eliminating tobacco use on campus far exceeded any disadvantages,
the Board of Trustees set Jan. 1, 2007, as the date that SCC
would go tobacco-free.
Local and national trends in public health policy support the
prohibition of tobacco use. Given the desire to provide a healthy
working and learning environment, many institutions
of higher education are beginning to prohibit tobacco use on college
campuses. Ozarks Technical Community College and State Fair Community
College were the first community colleges in Missouri to go tobacco-free.
Q: What happens if you are found smoking
or chewing tobacco on campus?
A: If anyone on campus is seen using tobacco
products, he or she will be given a tobacco-free policy reminder
card and asked to comply. Repeat offenders may be subject to
fines and/or further disciplinary action. Students who repeatedly
violate the policy may be referred to the Vice President for
Student Services and may be disciplined under the student code
of conduct. Employee discipline is handled through established
supervisory procedures under the SCC Disciplinary Actions Policy.
Q: How do college students feel about
giving up smoking?
A: Recent student surveys on other local college
campuses showed that more than 83 percent of tobacco-users (smokers
and those who use chewing tobacco) have tried to quit at least
once in the last year, and 45 percent say they would like to
quit soon.
Q: Does SCC sponsor any on-campus
smoking cessation programs?
A: During Feb. 12-16, 2007, SCC will host a
Smoking Cessation Week. During this week, guest speakers will
be invited to present demonstrations and lectures on the importance
of a tobacco-free lifestyle. For more about Smoking Cessation
activities at SCC, see "How to
Quit" or call Kelley Pfeiffer,
student activities coordinator, at 636-922-8544.
Q: Is there a permanent location
on campus where I can find smoking cessation information?
A: Literature and other resources to help you quit
using tobacco products can be found near the Fitness Center help desk
in the College Center.
Q. Do I have to quit using tobacco products?
A. No. It is not about whether you smoke or use tobacco, but when
and where. This policy does not require anyone to quit using tobacco.
It just says you cannot use tobacco products on the SCC campus.
Q: Whom should I talk to if I have questions
or concerns about the new policy?
A: Your feedback is very important to us. We
want to help you understand the policy and answer your questions.
Please contact Jim Benedict, Vice President for Student Services,
at 636-922-8272. |
