Where we foster excellence in education that challenges students of every background to develop their intellect, character, and abilities; to assist students in achieving their educational and career goals; and to be responsive to the greater community.
As most of you already know, IVC will start the first phase of becoming tobacco-free beginning the first day of the spring 2009 semester. We hope that the following information will help provide answers to common questions and access to available resources/information on tobacco cessation.
Background: At its December 17, 2008 meeting, the Board of Trustees approved a Tobacco-Free policy (ref: resolution 14266). Beginning the spring 2009 semester, the District will kick off the process by designating several tobacco use locations in parking lots that are away from campus buildings. Parking lot areas will contain butt cans for anyone who chooses to smoke in those locations. The first day of the fall 2009 semester initiates IVC being completely tobacco-free. After that, the use of tobacco products shall be prohibited anywhere on District property.
What if I’m a smoker?
If you choose to continue smoking it will need to happen in parking lot areas from spring 2009 through the first day of the fall 2009 semester. After that, all smoking will have to be done off of District property. You don’t have to quit, you just can’t smoke at IVC.
What if I see someone smoking on campus?
If you are comfortable speaking to the person directly then feel free to let that person (employee, student, visitor, etc.) know that IVC is a tobacco-free campus and that they need to smoke somewhere else (in the parking lots until fall 2009 and off property after that). If there appears to be continued use that violates this policy or if you’d prefer to have someone else contact the person, then you can contact the Student Affairs office for students and the area Administrator for employees or visitors.
How will IVC enforce this policy?
Like any Board policy or Administrative procedure, corrective action may be taken as deemed appropriate by the District. While the preliminary focus will be on informing everyone about the change, those students or employees who fail to comply will be subject to their handbook or contract agreement provisions regarding policy violations and progressive discipline.
How can I get help to stop using tobacco?
The District understands that transitioning may be challenging to employees who currently use tobacco on a regular basis. There are a variety of resources available to help you. Some resources are listed below and the Human Resources office has additional information about classes and counseling:
County of Imperial, Public Health Department
935 Broadway, El Centro, CA 92243
Contact Person: Raul Martinez, Health Education Specialist
(760) 482-4907
raulmartinez@co.imperial.ca.us
American Lung Association
Freedom From Smoking® Online Program
Web site:http://www.ffsonline.org
Phone: 1-800-LUNG-USA
California Smokers' Helpline
Web site: www.nobutts.org
Phone: 1-800-NO-BUTTS
American Cancer Society
Web site: www.cancer.org
Phone: 1·800·ACS·2345
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Office on Smoking and Health
Web site: www.cdc.gov/tobacco
Phone: 1-800-CDC-INFO
Nicotine Anonymous
Toll-free number: 1-877-879-6422
Web site: www.nicotine-anonymous.org
Quit Assist
Web site: www2.pmusa.com/en/quitassist/getguide/index.asp?action=init
Please visit the following websites for assistance and/or discount programs available, coverage, and eligibility.
Pfizer Pfriends (savings on Pfizer medicines)
Call: 1-866-776-3700
Partnership for Prescription Assistance
Call: 1-888-4PPA-NOW
Specialoffers@Anthem
The success of this policy will depend on the thoughtfulness,consideration, and cooperation of smokers and nonsmokers.