STLCC imposes fines for smoking on campus

As part of the initiative, no tobacco use of any kind is permitted – inside or outside – within the college boundaries or in any vehicles. There are no designated smoking areas within the property boundary. The policy includes tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco.

Students who violate the tobacco-free policy could receive disciplinary action, including a fine of $15 and holds placed on their registration and transcripts. Student transcripts will not be released and registration for subsequent semesters will not be permitted until all violations and related fees are cleared.

Faculty and staff who violate the policy also will be fined $15 and face disciplinary action up to termination of employment.

According to Deborah Ward, acting coordinator of Campus and Community Relations for STLCC-Wildwood, the new initiative is not much of a change for the Wildwood campus since it was designated “tobacco free” in 2007 as a condition of certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System.

DeLancey Smith, STLCC’s director of Communications, said STLCC’s board of trustees made the decision.

“I know local health institutions have banned smoking and the use of tobacco products on their properties as well, and when St. Louis County and City a little more than a year ago banned smoking, the college felt it necessary to comply by making it a part of their policy to just clarify things,” Smith said.

The initiative coincided with the Indoor Clean Air Code Ordinance in St. Louis County and a similar measure that bans smoking in many public spaces, including educational facilities.

For students and faculty looking to quit using tobacco products, the college offers resources to aid in tobacco cessation.

Smith said the initiative also would reduce cleanup and trash in the long run.

“Personally, I think it’s a great thing,” Smith said. “I’m a reformed smoker, and it’s so nice to be able to go into places and not smell smoke.”