Tobacco-Free ECC

As of January 1, 2013, East Central College is a tobacco-free campus. We recognize the many health benefits of having tobacco-free air, and we consider it our responsibility to offer and continually maintain a safe and healthy work environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

Effective January 1, 2013, East Central College will become a tobacco-free campus. 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” shall include e-cigarettes and hookah and such other smoking-related substances and products as the College chooses to prohibit. This Policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, employees, contractors, performers and visitors. ECC is committed to providing its students, employees, and visitors with a safe and healthy environment.

(Adopted 12-5- 2011)

The following resources are tools to help educate college students on the various harms of tobacco use.

Tobacco Edu: This interactive, online, self-paced curriculum aims to educate students on the various harms of tobacco use, challenge and alter social norms surrounding tobacco product use, and encourage students to refrain from the use of tobacco products.

Tobacco Use Prevention & Control: This webpage from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has extensive information surrounding the use of tobacco and nicotine usage in Missouri.

Behind the Haze: This evidence-based campaign by Rescue informs students by sharing proven information surrounding the harmful effects of nicotine and vaping.

Guide to the Health Effects of Smoking: This visual guide from the American Lung Association details the harmful ways smoking impacts the human body.

Vaping & Lung Health: This comprehensive webpage from the American Lung Association has a wealth of information for you to research the harms of vaping and e-cigarettes.

Smoking & Sexual and Reproductive Health: This quick page of information explains the harmful correlations between smoking and one’s sexual and reproductive health.

We know that quitting tobacco and nicotine use is difficult. However, seeking out educational resources and support systems are essential for your success in quitting. We have compiled several free resources that are available to help you in your quitting process.

Benefits of Quitting: This webpage details the benefits that come from quitting smoking, some of which occur as soon as 20 minutes after smoking.

This is Quitting: This free and anonymous campaign is text message-based, and it communicates with students who enroll to give them the confidence and encouragement needed on their journey to quitting tobacco and nicotine products.

Missouri Tobacco Quitline: This Quitline has personalized quitting programs to help you start living tobacco-free.

Quit Plan Printable Document: This printable, personalized quit plan is a free resource for you to document your quit journey and use as an accountability tool.

Smokefree Teen: This campaign sponsored by the National Cancer Institute offers personalized tools and resources for you along your quitting journey, including text messages, coaching, and social media connections.

Quick Facts on Quitting: This printable guide details the reasons quitting tobacco and nicotine is challenging, while also offering more information on quitting.

How to Go Out When You’re Trying Not to Smoke: This article by Kendra Cherry offers practical advice on how to enjoy yourself safely and healthily in social situations when you’re actively working to quit smoking.

Become an Ex: This program helps you make a smart, personalized plan for starting your quitting journey.