It’s official: no smoking—and, in fact, no tobacco products of any kind—allowed on campus.

The new policy at Georgia Perimeter College, as well as the University System’s other 30 colleges and universities, became effective on Oct. 1.

Several GPC campuses marked the day with “stomp out smoking” activities including games and dance performances. On a more serious note, smoking cessation pamphlets were distributed. Also, the college Student Health Center is stocking nicotine patches and other prescription medications to help tobacco users kick the habit.

According to the new policy, “use of all forms of tobacco products on property owned, leased, rented, in the possession of, or in any way used by Georgia Perimeter College is expressly prohibited. ‘Tobacco Products’ is defined as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, all forms of smokeless tobacco, clove cigarettes and any other smoking devices that use tobacco, such as hookahs, or simulate the use of tobacco such as electronic cigarettes.”

Tobacco users caught on campus by Public Safety officials will only get a warning during the first six months. But some next April, individuals not abiding by the policy will receive a warning for their first offense, a $10 fine for their second offense, a $20 fine for their third offense and a fine plus disciplinary action from their campus student dean or department supervisor after the fourth offense.

Visit Tobacco Free GPC for more information.

For even more encouragement, view words of wisdom from former tobacco users on Newton Campus, as videotaped by Newton SGA President Sri Rajasekaran, go to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvD0fzkYg_g (Julie Langley’s Story)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dWsF7YW5uA (Diana Fuller’s Story)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZjAGq64hT4 (Doug Casey’s Story)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HUZRjMWXwo&feature=youtu.be (Teddy Heard’s Story)