Tobacco-Free Campus Policy
I. Policy
As of July 1, 2019, the use of all tobacco products is prohibited on all property that is owned, operated, leased, occupied, or controlled by the College. “Property” for purposes of this policy includes the farm, forest, buildings, athletic venues, grounds, sidewalks, parking lots, and vehicles, as well as personal vehicles in these areas. This policy will be followed as a standard rule of conduct in the Student and Employee Handbooks.
II. Rationale
Berea College acknowledges and supports the findings of the Surgeon General that tobacco use in any form, active or passive, is a significant health hazard that can lead to premature death, heart disease, and lung cancer, even among non-tobacco users. The College further recognizes that environmental tobacco smoke has been classified as a Class A carcinogen and that there is no safe level of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, a recognized toxic air contaminant.
In light of these health risks and the College’s commitment to providing a safe and healthy working and learning environment for its students, employees, and visitors, Berea College has adopted a TOBACCO-FREE campus policy.
III. Definitions
“Tobacco Products” means all forms of tobacco, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water pipes (hookah), bidis, electronic nicotine delivery systems, electronic non-nicotine delivery systems, smokeless tobacco products, and any product that produces smoke or vape. “Tobacco products” do not include any cessation product specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in treating nicotine or tobacco dependence.
“Electronic nicotine delivery systems” include vapes, vaporizers, vape pens, hookah pens, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes or e-cigs), and e-pipes.
“Electronic non-nicotine delivery systems” include devices labeled as not containing nicotine.
“Smokeless tobacco” includes chewing tobacco, dip, snuff, snus, and dissolvable products including lozenges, orbs, sticks, and strips.
“College community” refers to faculty, staff, students, contractors, volunteers, customers, and visitors working, learning, or visiting a Berea College owned property.
IV. Entities Affected
This policy applies to all members of the College community.
V. Exceptions
Tobacco use may be permitted on College-owned rental properties according to the provisions of the applicable lease agreements managed through the office of the Vice President for Operations and Sustainability.
VI. Implementation
Consistent with the eight Great Commitments, we must treat those who use tobacco products with respect, dignity, and care as we seek to implement and enforce this policy. The health and wellness education programs at the College perform an important function by demonstrating and promoting healthy lifestyles through activities such as the curtailment of the use of tobacco products. For those seeking assistance, tobacco cessation programs are available to faculty, staff, and students, and the College encourages participation in these programs. For more information, contact Thrive! Wellness at Wellness@berea.edu or (859) 985-3968.
VII. Compliance and Enforcement
All members of the Berea community share in the responsibility of adhering to and enforcing this policy. The success of this policy depends upon the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of those who use tobacco products and those who do not. Informational rather than punitive enforcement is the intent of this policy. However, violations of this policy will follow the standards set forth in the Student and Employee Handbooks.
Approved by the General Faculty Assembly, April 3, 2018.