In early spring of 2009, Central Piedmont administration appointed a Task Force to review the college’s smoking policy, research policies at other colleges and universities, determine best practices, and develop recommendations for changes to our existing policy. This Task Force included 17 people representing all Central Piedmont campuses, Student Government Association, College Senate, Classified Staff Council, and at least four people who were tobacco users at the time.

The Task Force quickly went to work. We learned that 27 colleges and universities in North Carolina had already adopted tobacco-free policies. We discussed the legislation that banned smoking from restaurants and bars beginning January 2, 2010. We learned that the NC state employee’s health plan was developing plans to limit insurance coverage for tobacco users. We participated in a state-wide teleconference presentation featuring officials from a number of colleges with tobacco-free campus policies. And we held lengthy discussions of the pros and cons of adopting a tobacco-free policy at Central Piedmont. 

In March of 2009, the Task Force conducted a survey of all Central Piedmont students and employees. We received 2,195 responses, which is a remarkably high response rate. At that time, the survey showed that 21% of respondents used tobacco products; 23% of respondents reported a health condition that was aggravated by tobacco smoke; and 64% indicated that they believed Central Piedmont should do more to reduce tobacco use, and that they would support a 100% tobacco-free policy on all campuses.

In late April of 2009, the Task Force voted to recommend a 100% tobacco-free college policy.  We developed a draft policy and presented it to the Central Piedmont Cabinet in June. During the summer, college officials reviewed the draft policy, discussed the pros and cons, and ultimately decided to support the recommendations of the Task Force. On September 2, 2009, the Central Piedmont Board of Trustees voted to adopt the tobacco-free college policy, and established an implementation date of January 2, 2010.

Central Piedmont is among a growing number of colleges and universities across the country that are choosing to become tobacco free. We believe that tobacco-free campuses model healthy behaviors and offer individuals of all ages a healthier place to learn, work, and visit.

Tobacco-Free College advocates are banding together to change the cultural acceptance of tobacco use on college campuses across North Carolina. Nearly 19% of all 18-24 year-olds in the United States smoke, and this is the only age group nationally in which smoking rates are increasing. Tobacco-Free College advocates work to prevent initiation of tobacco use among young adults (18-24); eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke on college campuses; promote cessation among young adults; and reduce health disparities among college students attributable to tobacco use. Smoke-free advocates draw attention to the known dangers associated with tobacco use and secondhand smoke; they also do something about the issue. Activists work to create change on their college campus, building support, raising awareness, advocating for 100% tobacco-free policies, and promoting the Health and Wellness Trust Fund (HWTF)-funded tobacco use Quitline (800.QUIT.NOW). For more information Visit the Tobacco-Free Colleges movement website for more information.

Central Piedmont instructors are encouraged to make classroom announcements about the college's tobacco-free policy. Communicating the policy to our students is important to the success of this policy. In support of our communications efforts, we would appreciate classroom and lab instructors making the following announcement to their students at the beginning of each semester:

Central Piedmont is a 100% tobacco-free college. This important policy applies at all times as outlined here:

• all college property on all campuses
• all buildings, grounds, and parking lots
• all students, employees, visitors
• all forms of tobacco (including smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes/vapes)

Resources

Do you use tobacco and want to quit? We provide a number of resources to help students quit. Counseling Services are available to talk with students about making healthy lifestyle changes and can be contacted at 704-330-6420.

Students who continue to use tobacco products on campus will be in violation of college policy and the Student Code of Conduct and will be handled through the disciplinary process. Central Piedmont believes that tobacco-free campuses model healthy behaviors and offer individuals of all ages a healthier place to learn, work, and visit. Thank you for supporting this change on our campuses.

Let's Look into the Numbers!

A survey of Central Piedmont students and employees in March 2009 yielded these results:

• 21% of Central Piedmont students/employees respondents currently use tobacco products
• 23% of Central Piedmont students/employees reported a health condition that makes it difficult to be around tobacco smoke
• 64% of Central Piedmont students/employees believe more needs to be done on Central Piedmont campuses to reduce tobacco use
• 64% of Central Piedmont students/employees indicated that they would support a 100% tobacco-free college policy

The Tobacco-Free College policy at Central Piedmont became effective on January 2, 2010. That same day, smoking was banned in all public restaurants and bars in North Carolina.

• 1-800-QUIT-NOW and quitlinenc.com: Quitline NC is a free service that provides a personal cessation coach, and some students may be eligible for over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy patches or lozenges at no cost
• smokefree.gov provides free, evidence-based information and professional assistance to help support the immediate and long-term needs of people trying to quit smoking
• smokefree.gov/resources
• tobaccofreelife.org
• Central Piedmont Counseling Services is available to talk with students about making healthy lifestyle changes