Why have a tobacco-free campus environment?
Florida SouthWestern State College is committed to providing a healthy working and learning environment and recognizes the increasing weight of scientific evidence that smoking is harmful not only to the active smoker but also to the "passive" smoker who is exposed to others' smoke. The purpose of this policy is to reduce harm from the use of tobacco products and from secondhand smoke, provide an environment that encourages persons to be tobacco-free, establish a campus culture of wellness, and promote a tobacco-free future.
Florida SouthWestern State College is invested not only in academic achievement, but also in developing life skills that will promote individual and civic wellness. Higher education prepares students to cope with the reality of living situations. One emerging reality is that fewer and fewer spaces permit smoking and tobacco use. In growing numbers, worksites, restaurants, public buildings, shopping malls, healthcare and transportation facilities are 100% smoke-free.
Florida SouthWestern State College has a responsibility to its students and employees to provide a safe and healthful environment. Research findings show that tobacco use in general, including smoking and breathing secondhand smoke, constitute a significant health hazard. In addition to causing direct health hazards, smoking contributes to college costs in other ways, including potential fire damage, cleaning and maintenance costs, and costs associated with absenteeism, health care, and medical insurance.
What is the difference between smoke-free and tobacco-free?
Tobacco-free means the personal use of any tobacco product, whether intended to be lit or not, which shall include smoking as well as the use of an electronic cigarette or any other device intended to simulate smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco, including snuff; chewing tobacco; smokeless pouches; any other form of loose-leaf, smokeless tobacco; and the use of unlit cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco.
Whom does this policy affect?
This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, contractors, vendors and visitors.
Will there be cessation programs available for students, faculty and staff?
Yes. Florida SouthWestern State College is committed to providing assistance to all students, faculty and staff who want to quit using tobacco. Information on smoking and the use of tobacco products and cessation information can be found on our Tobacco Free webpage.
How will Florida SouthWestern State College address compliance of this policy?
Compliance with this policy is the shared responsibility and the right of all Florida SouthWestern State College staff, students, and faculty members. The success of this policy depends upon the courtesy, respect, and cooperation of users and non-users of tobacco products. Any member of the Florida SouthWestern State College community may respectfully ask individuals to comply with this policy and/or report non-compliance when appropriate. Anyone who observes a possible violation may inform the individual of the tobacco-free policy. Campus Police is responsible for determining policy applicability and will answer policy related questions. Campus Police will work to remind persons on our campus that tobacco use is prohibited. Patrolling for smoking in cars will not be a Campus Police enforcement priority.
If a student repeatedly violates the policy, the student will be reported to Campus Police. A student who is given more than two warnings by Campus Police will be referred for disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct. Similarly, if an employee repeatedly violates the policy, the employee will be reported to their supervisor for action in violation of college policy.
How will this policy be communicated to students, staff and visitors?
Education regarding Florida SouthWestern State College’s tobacco-free policy will be included in formal orientation for all incoming students. Sufficient signage will be posted to inform members of the campus community and its visitors, including contractors and vendors, of the policy. All administrators, deans, directors, department chairs, and supervisors will communicate the policy to everyone within their areas of responsibility.
How many colleges and universities have gone 100% smoke free?
At least 260 campuses nationwide have 100% smoke free campuses - inside and out.
Isn't smoking a personal, legal right?
There is no "right to smoke" under any federal, state or local law. The college owns its buildings and grounds and has the right and responsibility to enact policies to reduce injury and illness by eliminating hazards and unsafe acts and conditions from its premises. Tobacco-free environments are not about forcing individuals to change their lifestyle or behavior. Rather, they intend to protect the greater campus community and college interests.
Aren't college students adults who can make their own decisions about tobacco use?
Just as college students can make their own decisions about tobacco use, Florida SouthWestern State College has a right to make decisions about tobacco use on campus and has an obligation to provide a safe environment for students, staff and visitors. This includes curtailing the use of known carcinogens such as secondhand smoke.
Why should I comply?
We realize that this policy may be taxing for tobacco users, but we hope that smokers will respect the right of their fellow members of the college community to breathe smoke-free air. We also hope that non-smokers who remind violators of the tobacco-free policy will do so with courtesy and civility.
Why not ban other unhealthy substances, like high-fat foods?
In accordance with its mission as an institution of higher education, Florida SouthWestern State College is continually seeking ways to create a healthier environment. In recent years, for example, we’ve added healthier food choices in our cafeterias and vending machines and sought to create a more sustainable environment through our recycling efforts. However, the health risks and damaging effects of tobacco use - including the harm to others from second-hand smoke - far surpass those of other unhealthy substances.
Do I have to quit using tobacco?
No. The College cannot compel you to quit using tobacco. You are encouraged, however, to use the resources found on our Tobacco Free webpage to learn more about the health risks associated with tobacco use and smoking cessation resources.