LTCC bans tobacco except in designated areas

The Board of Trustees, students, faculty and staff of Lake Tahoe Community College recognize the serious health problems associated with smoking tobacco and other non-tobacco products and the use of smokeless tobacco. The college also recognizes that tobacco smoke poses a health risk to non-smokers. In order to protect students and staff who choose not to smoke from an unhealthy environment, the LTCC Board of Trustees approved a new policy that prohibits smoking within buildings or facilities owned or leased by the District, and designates marked outside areas on campus for smoking.

The college’s policy, called the Smoke-Free Learning and Working Environment policy, calls for smoking to be permitted only in designated areas clearly indicated by “Designated Smoking Area” signage, and in personal vehicles. These areas are clearly marked as “Designated Smoking Areas,” and are noted on college campus maps. All other smoking and tobacco use in and on the LTCC campus is expressly prohibited, except in personal vehicles.

Individuals who refuse to comply with the college’s smoking policy will be subject to the appropriate processes. For the purposes of this policy, “smoking” means all uses of tobacco, including cigar smoking, cigarette smoking, pipe smoking, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. The sale of tobacco products is also prohibited on college property. The new policy applies to all LTCC employees, students, vendors, visitors, and other persons who use the college’s vehicles and facilities.

If designated smoking areas are changed in the future, the procedure will be updated and communicated widely. Repeat student violators will be referred to the appropriate administrator for violation of the Student Conduct Standards. Employees found to be non-compliant with this Administrative Procedure may be subject to the disciplinary process according to the appropriate collective bargaining or administrative agreement.

Visitors to the property will first be informed of the smoking policy and asked to comply. If the visitor refuses to comply, they will be asked to leave college property. If they refuse, they may be subject to arrest for trespassing according to Penal Code Section 602.