Smoke-free UCC campus reminder
UCC has been a smoke-free campus since September 28, 2009. As students and faculty return to campus for in-person learning, smoking in undesignated areas has been on the rise. Smoking or tobacco products have been defined to include cigarettes, pipes, vaping devices and smokeless products such as dips and pouches.
Picture by J.R. Williams / The Mainstream.
According to the UCC Student Code of Conduct and Administrative Procedure 308, “Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas located next to parking lots on the perimeter of the campus.” Guests seeking approved smoking areas should locate the parking lot perimeter where designated smoking signs and smoke shacks are visible. Students using tobacco products in undesignated areas can face a $25 fine or administrative action.
One site of particular concern where unapproved smoking is occurring is the new Oct. 1 riverfront memorial site located behind Jacoby Hall. At this time no signage is available to indicate the intention of the memorial site to honor victims of UCC’s Oct. 1, 2015 shooting. While new students may be unaware of the significance of the site, it is also not labeled as a designated smoking area for faculty or students.
“Besides violating student conduct and campus policy by using the memorial to smoke, students are using it for their convenience in not having to walk to another part of campus; this is disrespectful to the memorial,” Savannah Peterson, a UCC student says. This feeling is echoed by many who were strongly affected by the events of 10/1/2015.
Violations of this policy and administrative procedure may result in disciplinary action and/or a $25.00 citation.
As a reminder to all students, staff and the public, UCC’s current campus tobacco policies are as follows:
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE 308 SMOKING AND USE OF TOBACCO
- The distribution, advertising, promotion, sponsorship, or sale of tobacco, smoking devices, or electronic nicotine delivery systems, is prohibited during College events and on all College property. This includes all College sidewalks, parking lots, grounds, recreational areas, buildings on UCC property, leased or rented facilities, and College-owned or rented/leased vehicles.
- The inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying of any lighted smoking material, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or electronic cigarettes, is prohibited inside the perimeter of any UCC property. This includes all College sidewalks, parking lots, grounds, recreational areas, buildings on UCC property, leased or rented facilities, and College-owned or rented/leased vehicles. Exception: Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas located next to parking lots on the perimeter of the campus.
- The use of other tobacco products, such as smokeless or chewing tobacco, is prohibited inside the perimeter of any UCC property. This includes all College sidewalks, parking lots, grounds, recreational areas, buildings on UCC property, leased or rented facilities, and College-owned or rented/leased vehicles. Exception: Other tobacco products are permitted in designated smoking areas located next to parking lots on the perimeter of the campus.
- Possession of tobacco products and inhalant delivery systems by persons under the age of 21 is prohibited on all Umpqua Community College property. This includes all College sidewalks, parking lots, landscaped areas, recreational areas, buildings on UCC property, leased or rented facilities, and College-owned or rented/leased vehicles; while performing any work-related function on behalf of the College; or while representing the college on business or in college-sponsored activities, such as fine arts performances, athletic events, field trips, domestic and international study trips, practica, and internships.
- Improper disposal is prohibited and includes:
- Spitting smokeless tobacco product
- Littering (i.e. discarded cigarette butts, leaving spit containers)
- Anything that creates a fire hazard
- This policy may not apply to specific cultural activities used in connection with the practices by Native Americans that are in accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. All ceremonial use exceptions must be approved in advance by the College President or designee.
- Tobacco use cessation information is available through the Employee Assistance Program and the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program.
Compliance Procedures
- The enforcement of these rules and regulations is the responsibility of UCC Security personnel with the voluntary assistance of members of the College community. UCC Security personnel may issue a verbal warning or issue a citation. Security officers are authorized to control and regulate facility use as prescribed in this policy and administrative procedure.
- Continued failure by students to comply with the directions of College officials to abide by these rules may be reported to the Office of Student Services as a violation of the UCC Student Code of Conduct. Further sanctions may be imposed, including suspension, restitution, or probation.
- Employees and campus visitors in violation of the tobacco policy can be reported to UCC Security. Failure by faculty or staff of the College to abide by these rules and regulations may result in corrective/disciplinary action in accordance with the applicable bargaining agreement.
Fines
- Violations of this policy and administrative procedure may result in disciplinary action and/or a $25.00 citation.
- All fines are payable to Umpqua Community College. Fines can be paid by mail or in person at the Cashier’s Office. Fines that are mailed must be received within fifteen (15) calendar days of violation.
- Unpaid fines may result in:
- The violator’s transcripts being held until all fines have been paid.
- Registration for the following quarter may be delayed.
- College Employees who become delinquent may have fines deducted from paycheck.
- Violation of the Code of Student Conduct, 721.3 #17, and/or other applicable code violations and may be forwarded on to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.
- Outstanding fines may be referred to a collection agency.
Appeals
- Alleged violators may appeal to the Chief of Security for a brief adjudicative procedure within twenty (20) calendar days of the date of citation. The Chief of Security may dismiss, suspend, impose any lesser fine, and/or grant an extension of time within which to pay the fine.
- Appeals of the decision of the Chief of Security are to be submitted to the Director of Facilities and Security without posting of fine within twenty-one (21) calendar days of the decision. Written notification of the Director of Facilities and Security’s decision shall be made within twenty (20) calendar days of the appeal and shall be final.
For more information on Oregon’s tobacco-free initiative or a list of tobacco-free colleges in Oregon and throughout the United States visit SmokeFree Oregon’s website.
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UCCMainstream@yahoo.com
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