Tobacco Guidelines
York Technical College has a responsibility to provide a safe and healthful environment. In response to feedback from students, faculty, and staff, the College implemented the tobacco-use guidelines below effective September 1, 2010. Revised: April 16, 2015
Tobacco-Use Guideline: The use of tobacco products in any form, including the use of all electronic cigarette
or vaping dispensers, is permitted only within the passenger compartment of personal
vehicles. York Technical College prohibits the use of these products in any form elsewhere
on campus and in college vehicles.
Clarification of Prohibited Areas: Tobacco use including electronic cigarette or vaping dispensers is prohibited in
all campus buildings, including shops and restrooms, at all off-campus centers, at
off-campus college-sponsored activities, and in all York Technical College vehicles.
Additionally, such use is prohibited on campus grounds (except in the passenger compartment
of personal vehicles), in all partially enclosed areas such as covered walkways, and
on curbs and public road right-of-ways.
Definition of Tobacco Products: Tobacco products include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco.
Electronic Cigarette Products: Applies to all electronic cigarette related products including electronic cigarette (e-cig or e-cigarette), personal vaporizer (PV), and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), regardless of content used in device.
Disposal: Ashtrays and smoking shelters will not be provided on campus grounds. Prospects,
students, and employees are expected to dispose of the residue from their tobacco
products safely and appropriately in their vehicles.
Monitoring: Law Enforcement and Safety will advise individuals who are not in compliance with
the College's tobacco-use guidelines to dispose of their tobacco products appropriately.
Any observed student violations of the tobacco-use guidelines should be reported immediately
to the Law Enforcement and Safety office at (803) 327-8013. Any observed employee
violations should be reported to the employee's direct supervisor.
Warnings: Visitors on campus will be issued warning citations if they violate the tobacco-use
guidelines. Students and employees will not receive warnings. They will be issued
citations for offenses as they are expected to know and comply with the tobacco-use
guidelines.
Violations: South Carolina's Clean Indoor Air Act of 1990 cites violation of the act as a misdemeanor
which, upon conviction, results in a fine. Tobacco use in prohibited areas is also
punishable by fines and/or disciplinary action.
Fines: The issuance of a fine is at the discretion of the Law Enforcement and Safety office.
Students and employees who violate the tobacco-use guidelines will be fined $25 for
each offense.
Appeals: Students who think that they have been issued a citation which is not in accordance
with the tobacco-use guidelines may appeal to the Office of the Dean for Student Engagement.
Disciplinary Action: Students who habitually violate the tobacco-use guidelines will be referred to the
Office of the Dean for Student Engagement for possible disciplinary action. Employees
who habitually violate the tobacco-use guidelines will be referred to their supervisors
for progressive disciplinary action.
Cooperation: Effective implementation of these guidelines depends upon the courtesy, respect,
and cooperation of all members of the York Technical College community.
Educational Programs: York Technical College will provide programs to help students and employees stop
using tobacco products. These tobacco treatment programs will be publicized on the
College's website and in student and employee communications.
Comments: If you have questions, comments, or concerns regarding this information, please contact
the Office of the Dean for Student Engagement, at (803) 327-8003.