No Tobacco Policy

TOBACCO FREE CAMPUS POLICY

Catawba College (“College”) is dedicated to maintaining a healthy work and learning environment free from the potential health hazards from exposure to tobacco products. Tobacco is a medically proven health risk. Catawba College is 100% tobacco-free college and offers a healthier place to learn, work, and visit.

The use of tobacco-derived or containing products is prohibited in all College indoor and outdoor spaces, and any property owned or leased by the College. College property includes, but is not limited to, parking lots, paths, fields, sports/recreational areas, theaters, stadiums, facilities, buildings, and College vehicles, regardless of location.

Smoking is defined as inhaling or burning any lighted or heated tobacco or other substance, whether natural or synthetic, in any manner or any form.

Prohibited substances are defined as any tobacco-derived or containing products and vaped substances, including but not limited to:

  • Cigarettes (e.g., clove, bidis, kreteks)
  • Blunts
  • Pipes
  • Electronic cigarettes and vaping substances and devices in all their forms, including but not limited to cigar-like, aerosol, or vapor delivery devices, commonly known as ENDS- Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
  • Cigars and cigarillos
  • Hookah products, including but not limited to pipes, water pipes and other devices using smoke and/or vapor
  • Oral or nasal tobacco and dip, including but not limited to spit and spit-less, smokeless, chew, and snuff
  • Or any other items containing or reasonably resembling tobacco or tobacco products

The sale or advertising of tobacco and other inhaled or burned substances is prohibited in college owned or occupied buildings.

This policy applies to all College students, faculty, staff, contractors, vendors, and visitors. It is the responsibility of the Catawba campus community to conduct him or herself in compliance with this policy.

How is this policy enforced?

People who violate the tobacco ban in and around the Catawba College Campus will be reminded of the policy and asked by Catawba College’s 

Public Safety Officers to stop using tobacco products. Anyone who refuses to comply or has been warned previously will be issued a warning letter. Subsequent violations of this policy after a warning letter will receive a $25.00 fine issued by the Office of Public Safety.

Students who repeatedly violate this policy will be handled through the student disciplinary process.

Employees who repeatedly violate this policy will be referred to their supervisor and handled through the appropriate disciplinary process.

Visitors, volunteers, contractors, vendors, or other service providers who repeatedly violate this policy shall be asked to leave campus and employers or service provider entities will be notified.

Catawba supports employees’ and students’ efforts to quit the use of tobacco products.

I would like to stop using tobacco products. What do I do?

Does Catawba College offer any outpatient clinics regarding nicotine dependence?

The College’s Health Center will offer tobacco cessation resources with a schedule appointment. For appointments, please call 704.637.4404 or email healthcenter@catawba.edu.

I would like to attend the American Cancer Society’s Fresh Start Program. Who do I call?

The American Cancer Society’s Fresh Start Program is available through Human Resources.

What other tobacco product cessation resources are available?

Internet Resources for Tobacco Product Cessation:

  • NC State Health Plan Tobacco Cessation Resources
  • American Cancer Society: Free guide to quitting smoking
  • National Cancer Institute: Free online guide, printable resources and counseling available through Instant Messaging

Telephone Resources for Tobacco Product Cessation:

  • 1-800-QUIT-NOW: North Carolina tobacco use quit Offered in Spanish and English. Materials can be sent to your home
  • 1-800-LUNG-USA: A telephone smoking program guided by the American Lung Association
  • 1-800-ACS-2345: American Cancer Society’s 24-hr/day line
  • 1-866-66START: Quitline for pregnant smokers
  • 1-800-4CANCER: National Cancer Institute

Policy approved by the Board of Trustees March 23, 2026.