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Smoking/Vaping/Tobacco Policy

Lycoming College seeks to promote the health and safety of all members of our community. For purposes of this policy, tobacco and smoking-related products are defined as any type of tobacco product or product intended to mimic tobacco products or the smoking or vaping of any other substance. This includes, but is not limited to cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes, vaping products, pipes, bidis, and hookahs.

In accordance with the Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act and to provide a smoke-free environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors, the College has enacted an indoor smoking policy that prohibits smoking in all College buildings, including, but not limited to - offices, residential spaces, lobbies, dining facilities and restrooms, College athletic facilities, and College owned vehicles. This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, contractors and visitors.

• Smoking shall be permitted outdoors at a distance of 25 feet or more from any area where smoking is prohibited to ensure that second-hand smoke does not enter the area through entrances, windows, ventilation systems or any other means.
• Cigarette butts are to be extinguished and placed in the appropriate receptacles outdoors. Do not place cigarette butts in trash receptacles or indoor waste bins. Throwing cigarette butts on the ground or pavement is considered littering.

Penalties for violation of the College's smoking policy shall be disciplinary action in accordance with general College provisions for misconduct.

The Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA) is effective September 11, 2008. This act establishes smoke-free indoor work and public places. The CIAA requires that no smoking signs which consist of a burning cigarette in a circle with a bar across it must be prominently posted and properly maintained at all building entrances.

Under the CIAA, an individual may be penalized for smoking where it is prohibited in amounts ranging from $250 for a first offense to $1,000 for a third offense within twelve months. The success of this policy depends upon the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers. All faculty, staff and students share in the responsibility of adhering to and enforcing the policy. Any problems should be brought to the attention of the employee's supervisor. The Department of Public Safety will be responsible for enforcing the CIAA on campus.

Smokeless Tobacco

The use of smokeless tobacco (chewing, dipping, etc.) is prohibited in all nonresidential College facilities. Smokeless tobacco is also prohibited at all Lycoming College athletic facilities.

Penalties for violation of the College's smokeless tobacco policy shall be disciplinary action in accordance with general College provisions for misconduct.

FDA - approved tobacco/nicotine cessation aids, such as nicotine gum and patches are not prohibited.

Exceptions

Exceptions to this policy may be made under the following conditions:

• For spaces leased by Lycoming College to third parties, subject to the provisions of a contract.
• For laboratory and classroom instruction/experiments, or for artistic/theatrical purposes. Tobacco product use for any such educational, research, or artistic purpose must be approved by the Provost and Dean of the Faculty, or designee. Reasonable advance notice of three (3) days should be provided for such review.
• Specific activities used in connection with the practice of cultural activities by American Indians, in accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, 42 U.S.C. that allow for the ceremonial use of tobacco. All ceremonial use exceptions must be approved by the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, or designee. Reasonable advance notice of three (3) days should be provided for such review.

Note: Throwing cigarette butt(s) and/or smokeless tobacco residue container(s) on the ground or pavement is considered littering.