Smoking and Nicotine

Office of Origin: Human Resources     
Responsibility: Executive Director, Human Resources
Original Date Adopted: 7-1-92
Dates Reviewed: 1-21-14, 7-13-18, 1-12-22 4-21-26
Last Date Board Approved: 4-21-26

Smoking and the use of nicotine is prohibited on all Lake Michigan College (the College) property except as specifically allowed in the Exceptions section of this policy. This applies to any property owned or maintained by the College, including inside all buildings (including Beckwith Hall), exterior open spaces except where designated, sidewalks, recreational spaces, vehicles owned or leased by the College, and parking lots (except in personal vehicles.)

Smoking is defined as, but not limited to:

  • lighting, smoking, or carrying a lighted or smoldering cigar, cigarette, or pipe of any kind
  • use of any product intended to mimic tobacco products, containing tobacco flavoring, or delivering nicotine other than for purposes of cessation.
  • use of smokeless tobacco, which includes chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco (dip), snuff, nasal tobacco (snus), and/or any other variation of smokeless tobacco products.
  • Use of any electronic or mechanical nicotine delivery system, including all vaping devices and electronic cigarettes.

 

This policy applies to employees, students, visitors, consultants, contractors, and consultant/contractor employees.

Exceptions

Smoking and tobacco use is permitted only in the following circumstances:

  • Inside personal vehicles parked on College property
  • In designated exterior smoking areas identified by the College
  • On stage as part of an approved theatrical production where smoking or simulated smoking is required for artistic purposes.

 

Violations of this policy will be addressed in accordance with applicable employee, student, and visitor conduct policies. Employees may be subject to corrective action, and students, visitors, consultants, and contractors may face appropriate consequences under relevant College policies.

In accordance with the Drug Free Workplace/Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program policy, smoking any controlled substance on College premises is prohibited and will constitute grounds for discipline, up to and including termination and referral for prosecution.

Cessation

The College is committed to supporting individuals to become nicotine free. Employees may contact Human Resources for information on available cessation programs.

FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapy products, such as patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, and nasal sprays, are permitted provided they do not produce vapor or give the appearance of smoking.

References: Drug Free Workplace/Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program policy

                        Michigan’s Smoke-Free Air Law (PA 188 of 2009)