DVC is committed to promoting the good health of our students, staff and broader community by providing a healthy environment in which to learn and work. Given the negative health impacts of tobacco and similar product use, the Governing Board has established policy (GBP #2045) designating DVC as a tobacco-free institution. Therefore:
Smoking, smoking substitutes, smoke inducing devices and vaping are considered a health hazard and are prohibited on all college property. This includes, but is not limited to, products containing tobacco or nicotine, e-cigarettes, cigars, clove cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, snuff, chew packets, hookah smoking, personal vaporizers/electronic smoking devices, marijuana and controlled substances regulated under federal law.
The use of all smoking/tobacco/vaping products as defined is prohibited on campus grounds, playing fields, walkways, roadways, parking lots, in all vehicles on DVC property and in or around the perimeter of any building.
This policy shall apply to all students, employees, volunteers, vendors, consultants, agents, contractors, and visitors on DVC property as defined above. Consistent with Government Code 7597.1, the Governing Board has imposed fines and set enforcement standards for DVC in order to ensure a tobacco-free environment.
DVC recognizes the health hazards associated with tobacco addiction. DVC also recognizes the challenges faced by those addicted to tobacco products and therefore supports efforts of employees and students to quit using tobacco products. Any student who needs information about cessation programs may consult a college counselor, who can provide the student with information about available resources.
Adherence to our tobacco-free policy relies, in large part, on the initiative of students and staff to politely request that smokers comply and on the courtesy of smokers to acknowledge and observe the restrictions. DVC promotes the initiative of educating others about the hazards of smoking and will endeavor to educate rather than punish. In the absence of compliance, however, any student who violates the policy may be subject to citation and disciplinary measures in accordance with the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct and Governing Board policy. Visitors to DVC who do not comply with this policy may be cited and/or asked to leave DVC property.