Smoke and Tobacco Free Campus
Colorado College is committed to providing an environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests that is conducive to learning and working and that promotes the health and well-being of all members of the community. As part of this commitment, the CC campus will be smoke- and tobacco-free beginning January 1, 2018.
A group of students, faculty and staff worked during the 2016-17 academic year to review the existing policy and recommend revisions. Members of the campus community were invited to comment on the proposed policy changes during the open comment period in Spring 2017 and college leaders approved the new policy in June. While smoking is currently prohibited in campus building and vehicles, the updated policy prohibits smoking and tobacco use on all college property.
The revised policy can be viewed on the college smoke and tobacco free campus policy webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the updated policy take effect?
The policy goes into effect January 1, 2018.
Why is CC making this change to its policy?
The decision to make all campus property, including the grounds, tobacco and smoke free is aimed at fostering a healthier living, learning, and working environment and is a part of the college's overall focus on wellness.
What is considered a tobacco product and is prohibited under the new policy?
View all products addressed by the policy.
Why are e-cigarettes banned?
E-cigarettes may emit nicotine or vapors containing detectable carcinogens and toxic chemicals; some of the known vapors in e-cigarettes are considered to pose health risks; the extent of the risk is unknown at this time; and the American Medical Association, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and American Lung Association all recommend that smoke-free laws and policies prohibit the use of e-cigarettes.
Are there any exceptions to the policy?
Reference the policy for exemptions.
Where can I smoke or use tobacco?
The implementation team is currently working on a map to identify areas off college property where tobacco use is allowed.
How will the tobacco-free policy be enforced?
The guiding principle of enforcement will be respect for all, tobacco users and nonusers alike, and must encompass respect for the rules the college has adopted. Individuals are encouraged and empowered to inform others respectfully about the policy in an ongoing effort to support others to be tobacco free and promote a smoke-free and tobacco-free environment.
How will violations be handled?
The primary response to violations will be an educational approach. Repeated violations of the policy will be addressed through the Student Honor and Community Standards process for students and through immediate supervisors for employees. Visitors and alumni who violate and refuse to comply may be asked to leave campus. Sanctions imposed under this policy do not diminish or replace any penalties available under applicable federal, state, and local laws. Supervisors are encouraged to contact the Office of Human Resources for help with how to address matters of noncompliance.
How will CC tell visitors about the tobacco-free campus?
All students, faculty and staff will be informed about CC's smoke- and tobacco-free policy and how they should alert visitors coming to campus. Signage will be prominently displayed at all entrances to the college as well as on CC's website.
What will CC do to help employees and students who want to quit using tobacco?
If you smoke and have thought about quitting, view resources below.
Do you have questions about the new Smoke and Tobacco Free Campus Policy?
Ask them here!
Smoking Cessation Resources:
- Colorado College Counseling Center (for students only)
- Guidance Resources (Colorado College Employee Assistance Program) - 800-272-7255
- Cigna Health Plan (for CC employees who participate in the health plan)
Selected prescription smoking cessation medications would be covered under CC's health plan for those who participate. Their doctor's visit (as long as it was coded as preventive ) would also be covered at no co-pay. Over-the-counter smoking cessation aids would not be covered. There are many online reading resources for tobacco cessation at mycigna.com, via the My Health tab of myCigna.com. It is the "Quit Tobacco" goal.. There is also a telephonic 'quit' counseling program available for those who smoke AND have another health issue. - Learn to Quit Tobacco Cessation Workshop - Penrose-St. Francis Health Services
DIMENSIONS: Tobacco Free Tuesdays - Penrose-St. Francis Health Services
719-776-7348 or QuitNow@centura.org. - Memorial Hospital Monthly Cessation Class
- www.uchealth.org or call HealthLink at 719-444-CARE (2273)
- BABY & ME Tobacco Free Program
BABY & ME™ Tobacco Free Program is a smoking cessation program created to help pregnant and post-partum women quit tobacco. - American Cancer Society
- National Cancer Institute - 877-448-7848
- Colorado Quit Line - 800-784-8669
- Mobile App: This is Quitting - Truth Initiative
- The Foundation for a Smokefree America
- EX - The EX Plan combines expertise from the Mayo Clinic with practical advice from ex-smokers.
- Nicotine Anonymous
- WebMD
- Reuters Article: E-cigarettes tied to less smoking cessation.
Implementation Team
- Molly Hadley - Wellness Resource Center
- Chris Walters - Wellness Resource Center
- Lisa Brommer - Human Resources
- Laurie Mozingo - Human Resources
- Randy Kruse - Bon Appetit
- Edmund Clark - Bon Appetit
- Debra Zarecky - Parent and Alumni Relations
- Josh Ortiz - Facilities
- Cecilia Gonzales - Facilities
- Stephanie Wurtz - Communications
- Heather Stapish - Business Office
- Ian Johnson - Sustainability Office
- Rochelle Mason - Student Life
- Nathan Halvorson - Fine Arts Center
- Tom Allen - Sodexo
- Wade Roberts - Faculty
- Lily Weissgold - CC Student
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Last updated: 02/19/2024