Smoke-Free Campus FAQ

Temporary designated smoking area closing on May 31, 2019

Please note that the temporary designated smoking area near Residence, created during the College’s transition to a smoke-free campus on Jan. 1, will close on May 31, 2019, as per policy ADMIN 102 – Smoke-Free Campus.

The College is committed to supporting those who want to curb their tobacco use or those who want to quit using tobacco products. To learn more about how to stop smoking and to access support, students can contact the Loyalist Student Health Centre:

Smoking tobacco or cannabis products and vaping is prohibited in all indoor and outdoor areas, and in vehicles on campus, by any person at Loyalist College’s Belleville and Bancroft campuses and Port Hope satellite location.


Cannabis

Q: Is recreational cannabis permitted on campus as of October 17?
A: No, the College will continue to strictly prohibit recreational cannabis on campus. That includes all indoor and outdoor areas, and in vehicles on campus, by any person at our Belleville and Bancroft campuses and Port Hope satellite location.

Q: If recreational use of cannabis is legal, why can’t it be smoked or vaped on campus?
A: Loyalist is dedicated to providing a safe, healthy and productive environment for students, staff, faculty and the community. There is strong scientific evidence that cannabis use is associated with a variety of health risks, including problems with thinking, memory or physical co-ordination; impaired perceptions or hallucinations; brain growth; and mental health problems and cannabis dependence.

Loyalist expects students to be fully prepared to learn and participate in campus activities. Therefore, the College also expects students to refrain from using impairing substances – legal or illegal – that will negatively affect their ability to learn or perform activities safely and competently.

We also expect that all employees and contractors working at the College will refrain from using impairing substances – legal or illegal – before or during work hours that will negatively affect an individual’s ability to perform their duties safely, competently and efficiently.

As part of our commitment to Health and Wellness, we are focused on creating a culture of wellness for the betterment of our entire College community.  

Q: What about medical cannabis?
A: This will be handled on a case-by-case basis with an individual who discloses their medical requirements to the College.

Q: Will the College permit cannabis plants to be grown or housed in Residence?
A: Growing, possessing, smoking or vaping cannabis is strictly prohibited in Loyalist Residences or anywhere on campus – and that won’t change.

Q: Are there any exceptions to cannabis possession on campus?
A: Cannabis may be used or grown for teaching and research purposes where the research meets all regulatory requirements and approvals, and where appropriate protections for health and safety are in place.

Smoke-Free Campus

Q: When is the College becoming smoke-free?
A: The College will move toward a smoke-free campus on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

Q: Why is Loyalist moving toward a smoke-free campus?
A: Loyalist is committed to providing a safe, healthy and productive environment for our students, employees, and the community. We know smoking and second-hand smoke are public health hazards. We also know from the Canadian Cancer Society that 100% smoke-free campuses not only provide protection from the cancer risks of second-hand smoke, but also discourage tobacco use among young people.

Q: How can students learn more about how to stop smoking and access support?
A: Students can contact the Loyalist Student Health Centre for support in quitting smoking:

Q: Where can I go to smoke?
A: As of January 1, all Loyalist College property will be smoke-free, including all indoor and outdoor areas, and in vehicles on campus. People wishing to smoke must leave campus.

Q: Can I smoke in my car if it’s on College property?
A: No. Smoking is not permitted inside or outside of vehicles while on College property.

Q: Will students be allowed to smoke in Residence?
A: No, Residence will continue to be smoke-free. As of January 1, anyone who wishes to smoke must do so off campus property.

Q: Are smokers expected to quit?
A: Loyalist is not asking people to quit smoking, but the College is dedicated to supporting those who want to curb their tobacco use or who want to quit using tobacco products. 

Q: Does the policy include Indigenous and sacred medicines?
A: The traditional burning of substances that form a part of Indigenous culture and heritage is exempt from the Loyalist smoke-free policies. We recognize that tobacco is an integral part of cultural ceremonies, cultural research and requests for guidance, knowledge or knowledge sharing; therefore, it may be burned on campus in accordance with our existing rules on Smudging/Pipe Ceremonies.

Q: What do I do if I see someone smoking on campus?
A: Individuals are under no obligation to confront someone who is smoking on campus. If a situation requires intervention at the Belleville campus, please contact campus security at ext. 0.


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