AP 3570 Tobacco Use
References:
NWCCU 2020 Standards: None
ORS 339.883
ORS 431A.175
ORS 323.010
Policy Statement
Rogue Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, students, and visitors. Evidence shows that the use of tobacco and nicotine products, as well as exposure to secondhand smoke and aerosol (commonly referred to as “vapor”) from electronic inhalant devices, poses significant health and environmental risks.
Therefore, smoking and the use or possession of tobacco products or inhalant delivery systems are:
- Prohibited on campus for anyone under 21 years of age, and
- Permitted only in designated tobacco-use areas for individuals age 21 and older.
Responsibilities
Compliance with this procedure is a shared responsibility:
- Administration is responsible for ensuring enforcement and overall compliance.
- Managers and supervisors are responsible for informing employees of this procedure.
- Employees are responsible for communicating this procedure to students and visitors as appropriate.
- Violations of this procedure may also be reported to Campus Security who will investigate.
State Law Requirements
In accordance with ORS 339.883, Rogue Community College is defined as a “facility.” As such, RCC:
- Shall not permit a person under 21 years of age to possess tobacco products or inhalant delivery systems while on facility grounds, in facility buildings, or while attending facility-sponsored activities.
- Must maintain a written policy prohibiting possession of tobacco products and inhalant delivery systems by individuals under 21 years of age.
Definitions
Definitions of “inhalant delivery system” and “tobacco products” are provided in ORS 431A.175.
Inhalant Delivery System
An inhalant delivery system includes devices such as atomizers, vaporizers, vape pens, e-cigarettes, and electronic nicotine delivery systems that can be used to deliver nicotine or cannabinoids in the form of vapor or aerosol.
This also includes any component or substance sold for the purpose of being vaporized or aerosolized, whether sold separately or not.
Inhalant delivery systems do not include products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for tobacco cessation or other therapeutic purposes, when marketed solely for that approved purpose
Tobacco Products
“Tobacco products” means any product made from or derived from tobacco that is intended for human consumption or is likely to be consumed, whether smoked, heated, chewed, absorbed, dissolved, inhaled, or ingested.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Cigarettes (as defined in ORS 323.010)
- Cigars
- Pipe tobacco
- Chewing tobacco
- Snuff or snus
- Any other forms of tobacco prepared for consumption
Exceptions
Any exception to this procedure must be approved in advance by the RCC President or designee, with special consideration given to College-approved cultural or ceremonial activities.
Rescinds Policy/Procedure Number: AP-106b
Approved: November 2, 2021
Revised: April 14, 2026