Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the tobacco-free policy go into effect?
A: January 1, 2015 for all University of South Carolina Beaufort property.
Q: What does tobacco-free mean?
A: 100% tobacco-free is defined as where the use of all tobacco products is prohibited
on any school property (owned or leased, including vehicles) at any time by anyone.
This includes: cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes, hookah, pipes, chewing tobacco, snuff,
snus, and any other non-combustible tobacco product.
Q: Who is affected by this policy?
A: Respecting the policy is everyone’s business and applies to all employees, visitors, students, vendors, and contractors.
Q: Will I be able to use tobacco in my personal vehicle while on campus?
A: No. Tobacco use will be prohibited in all USCB-operated parking areas, and when
on USCB property, both inside and outside of vehicles.
Q: Why are e-cigarettes included in this policy?
A: The FDA has the authority to regulate e-cigarettes as a tobacco product. “Vaping” emits fine particles into the air, polluting it, and creates the look and
smell of smoking, which causes confusion in complying with and enforcing the tobacco-free
policy.
Q: Are other universities tobacco-free?
A: Yes. In South Carolina, there are currently 22 other colleges and universities
that are smoke or tobacco-free. As of January 1, 2015 there are now at least 1,514
100% smoke free campuses. Of these, 1014 are 100% tobacco-free, and 587 prohibit
the use of e-cigarettes anywhere on campus.
Q: Why are there no designated smoking areas?
A: There are two reasons why USCB decided not to create designated smoking areas.
First, designated smoking areas are not consistent with the policy. The aim of USCB’s
tobacco-free policy is to create a healthy environment to live, work, learn, and play.
Creaking smoking areas sends a message that tobacco use is acceptable; rather, the
university promotes healthy lifestyles and provides assistance for students and employees
who are ready to quit and for those who need to manage their addiction symptoms while
on campus. Second, designated smoking areas create confusion and are a compliance
challenge. Rarely do people comply with designated smoking areas, so the “area” expands
more and more.
Q: Will there be ashtrays by areas where people tend to smoke more?
A: No. Since tobacco products are not allowed anywhere on campus, placing ashtrays,
butt receptacles, or trash cans sends the wrong message. By placing receptacles for
butts, it implies that smoking or tobacco use is encouraged there. This would be
inconsistent with our policy. Rather, the goal is to promote compliance with the
policy through signage, tobacco treatment, and butt clean up.
Q: How will the policy be enforced?
A: The successful implementation of the policy will engage everyone in creating a
culture of compliance. As members of the USCB community, students, faculty, and staff
are responsible for maintaining a safe and healthy campus environment. Students and
employees are encouraged to politely and compassionately address violators using the
university’s tips. This policy will be enforced like any other student conduct/employee
regulation violation. Students who don’t comply with reminders or who repeatedly
violate the policy can be reported to Judicial Affairs. Supervisors should address
repeated employee violations. Q: How is USCB educating students about the policy?
Q: Do employees, students, and visitors have to quit using tobacco products?
A: No. USCB is not asking anyone to quit. This policy simply means no one can use
tobacco products on USCB property and grounds. For those who are ready to quit, there
are treatments available for all community members:
For students:
- SC State Quitline for Uninsured and Underinsured, 1-800-QUIT-NOW
For Faculty and Staff:
- State Health Plan members - Quit for Life (Medication and Coaching) – Call 1-866-QUIT4LIFE or visit https://www.quitnow.net/scstatehealthplan/About
- BlueChoice HealthPlan HMO – Great Expectations program – Call 1-800-327-3183 or visit www.BlueChoiceSC.com.
Q: What is USCB doing to help people manage their cravings while on campus?
A: To help manage your cravings, USCB offers Nicotine Replacement Products for a very
low cost at these convenient locations: Sand Shark Bookstore.