Smoking Policy

Starting October 1, 2008, Bucks County Community College will provide a smoke free learning and working environment for all students and employees.

All College buildings and property are smoke-free unless specifically designated as areas where smoking is allowed.

View a list of Tobacco-Free-Living Resources  for Bucks County residents.

Designated smoking areas for each campus are as follows:

Newtown: smoking permitted only in parking lots A, B, C, D, E, F, and H which are beyond Linden Lane and Employee Road and/or in private vehicles.  Designated Smoking Areas Map  

Lower Bucks Campus (Bristol): smoking permitted only in parking lots and/or in private vehicles.

Upper Bucks Campus (Perkasie): smoking permitted only in Employee Parking Lot and Student Parking Lot crossing Hillendale Road and/or in private vehicles.

Information about smoking cessation programs will be available via this web page (coming soon).

For the Code of Conduct, click here.

For more details, see policies and procedures approved by the Board of Trustees on October 16, 2008.

Board of Trustees Statement on Smoking Policy

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT STATEMENT - September 11, 2008

SUBJECT: Board of Trustees statement on creation of smoking/non-smoking designated areas.

Based on the report we had last year, requests from student government and employees, the passage of legislation in the State regulating smoking in public areas which is effective today, and the clear trend towards designating public spaces as clean air or smoke free zones, the Trustees recommend an approach that is a middle ground between an absolute ban on our campuses and what we currently are doing. Hence we charge the administration to:

1. Immediately prohibit smoking from all door areas and all overhangs in keeping with the Pennsylvania State statute implementation guidelines.
2. Prohibit smoking/use of tobacco products in areas that non-users/non-smokers cannot avoid. Smoking will be allowed in private cars, and in open areas designated for the purpose and where ash receptacles are provided.
3. Adopt and implement appropriate signage and mark smoke free/clean air areas by October 1, 2008 at all Campuses.
4. Designate a leadership team to plan appropriate communications with students, staff, guests, contractors and the community.
5. Adopt procedures for oversight/violations.
6. Assist students and staff who wish to quit smoking, by providing information and smoking/tobacco use cessation programs.

By creating clearly marked areas where smoking is permitted and areas that are designated as smoke free/clean air zones, the College will be acting proactively to create an environment that does not endanger others but will allow individual freedom to make decisions that have health consequences. This is consistent with recently enacted Pennsylvania legislation that prohibits smoking in public places including schools, hospitals and sports facilities. We believe that a rational, balanced, and phased approach will be best for all.

1.15 Clean Air Policy

There shall be no smoking or use of tobacco products permitted in any campus building or designated Clean Air zone whatsoever. The College subscribes to a tobacco free environment.

Following are the procedures for revised Policy 1.15.

Procedures for Clean Air Policy 1.15

Smoking and use of tobacco products in Clean Air zones is a violation of the College Code of Conduct as well as of College Policy 1.15.

General Guidelines

1. The sale and distribution of all tobacco products is prohibited.
2. Clean Air Zones are designated by posted signs and zone determination is reviewed on a regular basis.
3. Programs on smoking cessation, support services and information are provided to members of the College community.

Communication

1. The policy is communicated to the campus community and the public through print and electronic means including but not limited to the College website, catalogs, brochures, intranet, advertisements, and media coverage.
2. Students and employees are advised of the provisions of this policy during new student and employee orientations.
3. External organizations, visitors and independent contractors are to be notified of the policy in advance by their primary campus contact. Failure to comply may disqualify them from future use of the campus.
4. Managers and supervisors are responsible for keeping employees informed.

Enforcement

1. All employees are authorized and encouraged to communicate and reinforce this policy with courtesy and diplomacy to any person whom they see violating the policy.
2. Compliance with the policy is the responsibility of all members of the BCCC campus community. Violation of the policy by faculty and staff will result in appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with established Human Resources guidelines.
3. Students reported to be in violation of the College Code due to use of prohibited tobacco products will be charged and sanctioned by the process detailed within the College Code of Conduct.
4. Visitors: Violation of College tobacco use rules and regulations by visitors will result in the following action: 
   1. First Offense: Warning.
   2. Second Offense: Removal from campus.