Policy

Effective October 1, 2014

In accordance with the Georgia Smoke Free Air Act of 2005, Title 31, Chapter 12A, and the Board of Regent’s 9.1.7 Tobacco and Smoke-Free Campus Policy Clayton State University’s policy reinforces the University System of Georgia’s commitment to provide a safe and amicable workplace for all students, employees and visitors. The goal of the policy is to preserve and improve the health, comfort and environment of students, employees, visitors and any persons occupying our campuses.

The use of all forms of tobacco products on property owned, leased, rented, in the possession of, or in any way used by Clayton State University or its affiliates is expressly prohibited. “Tobacco Products” is defined as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, all forms of smokeless tobacco, clove cigarettes and any other smoking devices that use tobacco such as hookahs, or simulate the use of tobacco such as electronic cigarettes.

Further, this policy prohibits any advertising, sale, or free sampling of tobacco products on Clayton State University properties, unless specifically stated for research purposes. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, all areas indoors and outdoors, buildings and parking lots owned, leased, rented or otherwise used by Clayton State University or its affiliates. The use of tobacco products is also prohibited in all vehicles – including both private and public vehicles - located on Clayton State University properties. Littering the remains of any tobacco products on Clayton State University properties is also prohibited.

This policy applies to all persons who enter the areas described above, including but not limited to students, faculty, staff, contractors and subcontractors, spectators, and visitors. All events hosted by or on behalf of Clayton State University on University properties shall be tobacco-free. All events hosted by outside groups on Clayton State University properties shall also be tobacco-free.

It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to comply with this policy as with other University policies, and to respectfully inform those observed in violation of this policy, in an ongoing effort to enhance awareness and encourage compliance.  It is also the responsibility of all supervisors to enforce compliance among employees under their supervision, as well as contract managers to ensure compliance by both contract and sub-contract employees.

Violation of this policy may result in corrective action under the Student Code of Conduct or campus human resource policies. Visitors refusing to comply may be asked to leave campus.

If necessary, sanctions for violations of this policy by students may be addressed by the Office of Community Standards. Violations of this policy by faculty and staff may be addressed by the Department of Human Resources and/or Academic Affairs. Additional consequences for violating this policy may range from verbal warnings to a fine of $25 for each violation.

USG information resources are also available at www.usg.edu/wellness/initiatives/tobacco.