TOBACCO-FREE POLICY

Cayuga Community College is a tobacco-free institution and is committed to providing its students, employees, and visitors with a safe and healthy environment. No consumption of tobacco or tobacco products is allowed on any college property or in any college facility; this includes all buildings, grounds, sidewalks, and streets within the campus proper.

Whereas, all New Yorkers value the benefits of good health, recognizing it as the key component of a long, productive, and fulfilling life; and,

Whereas, we support the raising of public awareness concerning urgent health matters, among them the dangers of tobacco usage; and,

Whereas, tobacco usage remains the leading preventable cause of death, responsible for the deaths of 440,000 Americans annually, including 25,500 New Yorkers; and,

Whereas, New York State law and Cayuga County regulations prohibit smoking in public buildings and areas of common use; and,

Whereas, New York State provides tobacco users with free, customized quit plans, free coaching and tips, and free nicotine products to help people be successful in their quit attempts; and,

Whereas, it is in the interest of Cayuga Community College to provide education about matters of good health to its students, employees, and visitors through public awareness and education; and,

Whereas, after substantive discussion with students and employees, and with the unanimous support of the President’s Cabinet, it is recommended to designate the entire College as a Tobacco-Free Environment and thereby provide a healthier environment for the College community by prohibiting tobacco usage in all buildings and on all grounds of Cayuga Community College;

Whereas, discussion of the proposal has been facilitated for the College community in collaboration with and the advice of the Cayuga County Health Department and the Cayuga Community Health Network, with smoking cessation and coping programs that have been and will continue to be made available to assist students, employees, and visitors; and,

Whereas, the President has reviewed the proposal and endorses the recommendation;

Now, therefore, be it resolved,

That the Board of Trustees of Cayuga Community College approves the designation of the building and grounds of Cayuga Community College as a Tobacco-Free Environment so that any form of tobacco use is prohibited at the College, including leased property.

For this policy, tobacco use is defined as any lighted or unlighted cigarette, cigar, pipe, or smoking product, and smokeless or spit tobacco product, in any form.

This policy shall take effect on January 1, 2010.

Passed by the Board of Trustees on August 19, 2009

RESOURCES FOR A TOBACCO-FREE CAMPUS

For those individuals ready to quit, there are a number of resources available to support you in your decision.

For more information, visit the Health Services office:

AUBURN FULTON
Suzanne Wilson, RN-BS
Coordinator of College Health Services
Room M-203
197 Franklin Street
Auburn, NY 13021Phone: 315-294-8503
Fax: 315-253-0063
wilson@cayuga-cc.edu
Suzanne Wilson, RN-BS
Room F-109
11 River Glen Drive
Fulton, NY 13069Phone: 315-593-9308
Fax: 315-598-1194
wilson@cayuga-cc.edu

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does “Tobacco-Free” mean exactly?

Tobacco-free means that the College strives for a completely, 100% tobacco-free campus. Smoking has been prohibited inside all college buildings since New York State passed the Clean Indoor Air Act in 2003.

Since January 1, 2010, tobacco use has not been permitted anywhere on our campuses. This includes all common areas, parking lots, building entrances, etc. If you are anywhere on the Cayuga Community College campuses, you may not use tobacco products.

Anything that is inside the campus perimeter is tobacco- and smoke-free. In addition to cigarettes and chewing tobacco, the policy also covers pipes, cigars, and any other similar substances or instruments that are lit or burning.

Do I have to quit using tobacco products?

No. It is not about whether you smoke or use tobacco, but when and where. This policy does not require anyone to quit using tobacco. It just says you cannot use tobacco products on either Cayuga campus.

What resources are available to help me quit?

Cayuga’s Health Services office is ready to help. They can provide referrals to local programs and the New York State Smokers Quitline (1-866-697-8487) for free coaching and starter kits of nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges.

For more information, contact the Health Services office.

Who should I talk to about questions or concerns that I have about the Tobacco-Free Campus Policy?

Your opinion and feedback are very important to us, and we want to help you understand the policy and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact:

Director of Student Engagement
315-294-8530