Tobacco Free Campus Policy Philosophy:

Smoke and tobacco use in the workplace has become an important public health issue as evidenced by recent clean air initiatives undertaken by Delta’s surrounding county public health departments. There is considerable evidence that smoke is harmful to non-smokers as well as to smokers. The College has an obligation to provide a safe and healthy learning and work environment. Every student, employee and visitor has the right to breathe clean air and not to be exposed to the effects of smoke and tobacco. Delta College, therefore, establishes the following tobacco-free policy.

Effective August 1, 2007, Delta College will become a tobacco free campus. Smoking and use of tobacco products will not be permitted anywhere on the campus; including centers, campus buildings, sidewalks, parking lots, building entrances and common areas, and in college-owned vehicles. The Administration shall fully implement this policy, and all applicable laws, regulations, and local ordinances related to smoking and tobacco use.

Why have a “smoke-free/tobacco-free” campus environment?  Secondhand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke, is a Class A carcinogen. Its many detrimental effects on health are well established and include triggering asthma attacks, causing lung cancer, and causing cardiovascular and other lung diseases. Attempts to eradicate exposure to secondhand smoke through limiting smoking to enclosed spaces or outside entrance areas and sidewalks is ineffective because smoke can easily travel through open doors, through heating and air circulation vents, people must walk on sidewalks through the smoke of others, and smoke easily travels outside any established boundaries or designated areas.

Why should Delta College be concerned about smoking?  Delta College has a responsibility to its students and employees to provide a safe and healthful environment. Research findings show that tobacco use in general, including smoking and breathing secondhand smoke, constitute a significant health hazard. In addition to causing direct health hazards, smoking contributes to college costs in other ways, including potential fire damage, cleaning and maintenance costs, and costs associated with absenteeism, health care, and medical insurance. For several years, Delta College has provided a Wellness Program for its employees and has required the completion of two academic credits of Lifelong Wellness courses for its associate degree programs. Providing a smoke-free/tobacco-free campus is another example of Delta’s commitment to student and employee wellness.

Isn’t this an example of Delta College playing the role of “Big Brother”?  The administration has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for every one of its students and employees. By eliminating smoking on campus, all students, faculty and staff will be protected from secondhand smoke, a known carcinogen. Smoking bans do not take away individuals’ rights to smoke, but they eliminate smokers’ risks of harming others. Delta College is invested, not only in academic achievement, but also in developing life skills that will promote individual and civic wellness. Colleges prepare students to cope with the reality of living situations. One emerging reality is that fewer and fewer spaces permit smoking and tobacco use. In growing numbers, worksites, restaurants, public buildings, shopping malls, healthcare and transportation facilities are 100% smoke-free.

Why is Delta College taking away my right to smoke?  The College is not taking away your right to smoke. The College is not requiring you to quit smoking. You may continue with your choice to smoke but not on College property. With this policy, Delta College has the opportunity to effectively educate the College’s population and the communities’ efforts to develop a healthier lifestyle. Two of the three counties (Midland and Saginaw) that comprise the Delta College district have already banned smoking at all public facilities (both internal and external).

Will there be cessation programs available for students, faculty and staff?  Yes. A study completed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Management of Nicotine Addiction notes that 70% of current smokers want to quit smoking. With that in mind, Delta College is committed to providing assistance to all students, faculty and staff who want to quit using tobacco. Cessation information and programs will be listed on the Delta College website and Delta will co-sponsor programs with agencies located in the district.

Can I smoke in my car?  Yes, but we do not encourage this activity but rather encourage individuals to seek assistance in quitting. Delta College does not plan to monitor smoking in private vehicles.

What will happen if a person or group is discovered smoking?  The process of achieving a smoke-free/tobacco-free environment takes time and patience. Delta College believes that self-enforcing will become part of the norm and behavior will be similar to seat belt laws. Students, faculty, staff and visitors will come to recognize the value of this policy and will chose to comply with the policy. It will be the intent of Delta College to encourage all individuals, both smokers and non-smokers alike, to cooperatively work together in the implementation of the Board of Trustees policy.

For individuals who choose not to comply, the Public Safety Department will oversee enforcement. The success of Delta’s smoke-free/tobacco-free environment policy relies on the consideration and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers, so please pitch in and help keep our College site beautiful, clean and healthy for everyone.