Tobacco-Free Policy

The tobacco-free policy was enacted January 1, 2013, after being approved by the ECC Board of Trustees December 5, 2011.  The policy states that usage of all tobacco products will be prohibited on all properties owned or leased by the College, including facilities, buildings, parking lots, athletic fields, and common areas.  The term “tobacco products” includes e-cigarettes, hookah, and such other smoking-related substances and products as the College chooses to prohibit.  The policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, employees, contractors, performers, and visitors.

The policy change was well in advance of its implementation to give students and employees who use tobacco products plenty of time to decide how to adapt to this change. The College provided assistance by providing smoking cessation programs to help students, faculty members, and staff adjust.

A task force comprised of students, faculty, and staff began meeting in August of 2011 to develop a process and timeline for implementation.  ECC’s Student Government Association and Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter also adopted the project as a goal in 2012. The two student organizations played a significant role in presenting the plan to students and addressing individual concerns.