Campus Smoke-Free Policy

On January 5, 1990, comprehensive legislation designed to limit public exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke in New York State was enacted into law as the Clean Indoor Air Act (Chapter 244 of the Laws of 1989). The Clean Indoor Air Act, Article 13-E 51399N of the Public Health Laws of New York, recognized scientific evidence of the hazards associated with tobacco smoke and the resulting indoor air pollution

Pursuant to the aforementioned regulations, Nassau Community College, effective September 1, 1990, prohibits smoking in all campus buildings.

As employees, we all have the responsibility to comply with and respect the College’s accountability for compliance with this legislation. All members of the campus community are asked to assist in the implementation and to inform all visitors of the smoking ban. Security officers are designated agents and will inform the appropriate building contact personnel of violations of the policy. Violation of the Smoke-Free Policy may result in college disciplinary action and civil penalties. Any disciplinary action will be in accordance with the appropriate collective bargaining agreement and the student’s “Rules and Regulations of Conduct.”

Smoking restrictions shall not apply to private residences located on campus. “No Smoking” signs have been posted throughout the campus and will be maintained as a reminder of the Smoke-Free Policy.

The law provides for civil penalties up to $500.00 per incident, and/or fifteen days in jail. The Nassau County Board of Health is the enforcement authority. Any person who wishes to register a complaint may contact Dr. Beverly E. Harrison, Office of Human Resources and Labor Relations, at 516-572-7660.

SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN THE CLUSTER TUNNELS. PLEASE DO NOT SMOKE IN FRONT OF BUILDING ENTRANCES. Secondhand smoke can cause respiratory problems, bring on asthma attacks, and irritate allergies. Please be considerate of your fellow students, faculty and staff at Nassau Community College when smoking.

Smoking is prohibited in all indoor locations including but not limited to:

• classrooms, lecture halls, auditoriums and libraries;
• laboratories, shops, computer rooms and studios;
• offices, meeting rooms and lunch rooms;
• dining facilities, lounges and rest rooms;
• lobbies, foyers and waiting rooms;
• hallways, stairwells and elevators;
• maintenance areas, mechanical and storage rooms;
• stadiums, gyms and physical activity centers;
• theaters and exhibit halls.

Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas including but not limited to:

• building entrances and covered walkways;
• loading docks;
• courtyards and patios.

Smoking is prohibited in the following outdoor locations:

• at any outdoor event with seating;
• within 25’ of any building entrance or ventilation system .

Smoking is prohibited in all College vehicles including buses, vans, cars and trucks.

The sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products is prohibited anywhere on College property.

Cigarette advertisements must not be publicly displayed at the College.

Enforcement:

1. It is the responsibility of all administrators, faculty, staff, and students to enforce this smoking policy.

2. Department Heads, Chairs and Directors shall ensure that all personnel within their areas comply with all of the requirements.

3. Employees or students who repeatedly violate the requirements of this policy may be disciplined through the Office of Human Resources or the Student Judiciary.

4. Any person who fails to comply with the requirements of this policy may be in violation of Article 13E of the New York State Public Health Law. Violations may be subject to the imposition of a civil fine in addition to College disciplinary action.

5. The Office of Environmental Health & Safety and the Office of Public Safety may be called upon to enforce the provisions of the New York State Law.

Inquiries/Requests:

Office of Human Resources and Labor Relations

Nassau Community College
One Education Drive, Tower 820
Garden City, NY 11530

Beverly E. Harrison
e-mail: harrisb@ncc.edu
phone: 516-572-7211
fax: 516-572-0627

RELATED DOCUMENTS:

Article 13E-New York State Public Health Law

Regulation of Smoking in Certain Areas

Passed June 2, 2004

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