Hillsborough Community College is instating a new policy on January 1, 2013 that bans all use of tobacco on all HCC campuses. There will no longer be any designated smoking areas available for students or employees. If a member of the college wants to use tobacco, then he or she will have to leave the campus grounds. HCC president, Dr. Ken Atwater said, “I strongly believe that the college will be a more vibrant learning and working environment as a result of becoming tobacco-free.”

  During the fall semester, HCC is making an effort to inform all students and employees of the new policy, which goes into effect during the start of the spring 2013 semester, and strict enforcement of the policy will begin during the following summer semester. All designated smoking areas will be converted to non-smoking zones.

  The use of signs on the campuses will be the dominant method of publicizing the policy. Signs will be posted in every classroom, lab, and congregation area.

  Students who violate this policy will first be referred to the Dean of Student Services for that campus. Repeat offenders will be subject to disciplinary action per the Student Code of Conduct. Employees who chose not to comply will be referred to the appropriate supervisor and then to Human Resources. The Department of Public Safety will be the main enforcer of the new policy, reminding violators that the campus is now tobacco-free. If necessary, the DPS will file an incident report with the school. Visitors to the campus who will not comply with the policy will be asked to leave. If circumstances call for it, then local law enforcement may become involved.

  Most students are in favor of the new policy, and HCC is taking advantage of this. The school is asking students to take a part in enforcement of the policy by requesting them to remind violators of the new rule. Student Bryan Cunningham said, “I think this is a great thing for HCC to do. I already tell my friends to not smoke around me, so I’ll have no problem telling other students to stop.”

  Some students think that the policy won’t change the smoking habits of any current tobacco users. Student Stacey Abrams said, “If I can’t smoke in the outdoor courtyard, then I’m just going to walk across the street and smoke over there. Either way, I’m still doing it.”

  An individual does not have the right to use tobacco under state of federal law. HCC believes that the school has the responsibility to eliminate hazards from the campuses that could do harm to students. Prohibiting the use of tobacco products on campus is just one way to protect students.

  HCC is not the first school in Florida to mandate a tobacco-free policy, and over 700 colleges and universities across the nation have taken the initiative to promote a healthier lifestyle and are actively doing so. Dr. Atwater said, “I encourage [and] support a healthier HCC.”
HCC has provided several links about the new policy on its homepage. Some of the links include an FAQ section, methods on how to quit smoking, how you can spread the word, and a message from the school president.

  For more information visit:
http://www.hccfl.edu/gwsc/tobacco-free.aspx