Print Page

Tobacco, Drugs & Alcohol Usage Policy

Tobacco Usage

Smoking

The Randolph County Board of Health adopted a countywide smoking policy effective October 11, 1993. This policy prohibits smoking within the interiors of all buildings on Randolph Community College's campuses. Violation of this policy is considered a misdemeanor, as provided by North Carolina General Statutes 130A-25. No smoking is allowed within 25 feet from the entrance to any building. Two covered pagodas for smoking are provided, one near the Learning Resources Center and one between the Computer Technology Center and the Business Education Center.

Smokeless Tobacco

The use of smokeless tobacco is prohibited in all eating areas on the campuses. The use of smokeless tobacco in classrooms, laboratories, shops, and offices is left to the discretion of the instructor and/or occupant of the office.

Tobacco Free Policy - Adopted by the Board of Trustees 11/19/09, EFFECTIVE 7/1/09

Community colleges are exempt from the state law regulating the ability to adopt stringent tobacco use rules. Therefore, community colleges are able to pass comprehensive 100% tobacco-free policies. (G.S. 115D-20.1)

RCC is committed to providing its employees and students with a safe and healthy working and learning environment.  RCC recognizes that the use of tobacco products on campus grounds is detrimental to the health and safety of students, staff, faculty, and visitors.  RCC also recognizes that it has the legal authority to prohibit tobacco use pursuant to G.S. 115D-20.1 and G.S. 143-599.

Therefore, beginning July 1, 2010, RCC will implement the following policy:

  1. Use of tobacco is prohibited by students, staff, faculty, or visitors:
    1. In all campus buildings, facilities or property owned or used by RCC, including outside areas; Tobacco use shall be permitted in personal vehicles as long as no tobacco litter is left on campus.
    2. On campus grounds, facilities or vehicles that are the property of the campus.
    3. At lectures, conferences, meetings, and social/cultural events held on school property or school grounds.
    4. For the purposes of this policy, tobacco is defined as any type of tobacco product including, but not limited to: cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, hookahs, smokeless or spit tobacco or snuff.
  2. The sale or free distribution of tobacco products, including merchandise, on campus or at school events is prohibited.
  3. Student organizations are prohibited from accepting money or gifts from tobacco companies, including:
    1. Parties sponsored by tobacco companies or allowing tobacco companies to distribute free, reduced-price, or fully-priced tobacco products (t-shirts, hats, etc.) on campus.
    2. All tobacco advertising, such as billboards and signs owned and used by RCC.
  4. Tobacco advertisements are prohibited in college-run publications and on grounds or facilities, including athletic facilities, owned or used by RCC.
  5. Through existing health plans, the EAP, and community sponsors, RCC will publicize free, accessible tobacco cessation classes, seminars, and support groups on or off campus.
    1. These tobacco cessation classes, seminars, and support groups shall appear regularly in student and staff publications.  They shall be posted in buildings, through Student Services and through other appropriate means.
  6. Implementation and compliance:
    1. The Health & Wellness committee shall develop a plan for communicating the policy to students, staff, faculty, and visitors.
    2. The college will provide appropriate signage and other physical indicators of our policy.
    3. Smoking waste management products such as ashtrays shall be removed.
    4. Violators of the policy shall be issued a verbal reminder of the policy. Visitors who repeatedly violate the policy shall be asked to leave campus. Staff and faculty who repeatedly violate the policy shall be referred to their supervisor and shall be given tobacco cessation materials. Repeated violations by staff or faculty can result in further personnel action as outlined in the RCC Personnel and Policy Handbook (Policies: VI B4 & VI B5)
    5. Student Services is responsible for student compliance at all campus locations, per the Student Code of Conduct located RCC Student Handbook/College Catalogue.

 

Drugs & Alcohol

Under no conditions will illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, or narcotics be permitted in or on the school premises.

No one under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol, or narcotics will be allowed on school premises.

Following is RCC's Drug & Alcohol policy in detail.

Drug and alcohol abuse poses a serious threat to our society. The problems are complex with no easy solutions. Randolph Community College, in an effort to protect the well-being of its students and employees, the educational environment, and the properties of the College and students and employees, does strictly enforce the following policies in regard to the illegal use, possession, or distribution of drugs and alcohol.

No student or employee shall illegally own, possess, use, transport, distribute, manufacture, buy, sell, or be under the influence of any narcotic drug, alcoholic beverage, or any other controlled substance (as defined by the North Carolina General Statutes or 21 U.S.C. subsection 812) while on College premises or during the time when the student or employee is participating in any College-sponsored activities. Use of drugs as prescribed by a registered physician is not a violation of policy. However, individuals shall be held strictly accountable for their behavior while under the influence of prescribed drugs. Under no circumstances may prescription drugs be bought, sold, or given from one individual to another.

Any student or employee violating the above policies will be subject to disciplinary action (consistent with local, state, and federal law) up to and including expulsion, termination, and referral for prosecution.

Individual counseling sessions will be available in Student Services during normal operating hours. Students should contact Student Services for further information.

As an added resource, RCC counselors may make a referral to the Randolph County Mental Health Center. Contact an RCC counselor for further details.

See the College's Student Handbook for details about legal sanctions, resources, and commonly used drugs and warning signs.