Clean Air
Montgomery County Community College’s Board of Trustees announced Tuesday the implementation of a new Smoking and Tobacco Use policy, effective Sept. 5, 2007, which marks the start of the fall academic semester.
The new policy, which will result in a Clean Air Campus, will prohibit students, employees, independent contractors and visitors from using any form of tobacco on the College’s campuses in the following areas: the interiors of all buildings; inside all College-owned or leased vehicles; and outside areas, including the quad and other grassed areas, paved patios and walkways, the athletic fields and tennis court, bus stops, special pass parking lots and the parking garage at the West Campus in Pottstown.
The new policy replaces the College’s current policy, which prohibits smoking in all College buildings, within 20 feet of the entrance to any building and the quad at the Central Campus in Blue Bell. The new policy also broadens the scope to include all forms of tobacco and tobacco substitutes.
“Montgomery County Community College, as an educational institution, has a responsibility to its employees, students and visitors to provide a safe and healthy working and learning environment,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, President. “The College recognizes the risks associated with smoking, as research shows that tobacco use, including smoking and second-hand smoke, causes a significant health hazard.”
Students, employees, independent contractors and visitors will be notified of the policy in advance of their enrollment, employment or visit. Those currently enrolled or employed will be given advanced notice and will be offered cessation programs in support of their efforts to stop smoking or using tobacco. For students and employees and the spouses/partners of employees, the College will offer “Freedom from Smoking,” a seven-week, free program sponsored by Independence Blue Cross. Sessions of the program will begin in March, June and August. In addition, the College will also offer employees a comprehensive telephone-based, 12-month support program called “Smoke Stoppers.”
On each of the College’s campuses, Clean Air signs will be placed along the walkways to serve as a reminder and to designate where smoke-free areas begin. The College’s Public Safety officers will enforce the policy in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and the employee disciplinary process.
