Ringling College of Art and Design is committed to providing a safe and healthful environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Research findings show that tobacco use in general, including smoking, vaping, and breathing secondhand smoke, constitute a significant health hazard. In addition to causing direct health hazards, smoking contributes to institutional costs in other ways, including fire damage, cleaning and maintenance costs, and costs associated with employee absenteeism.
Ringling College of Art and Design therefore has set the following policy regarding tobacco use:
Smoking and vaping is prohibited on the Ringling College main campus except in outdoor designated smoking areas. Smoking and vaping is prohibited in all areas of the Museum Campus and at the Englewood Art Center. Smoking and vaping are also prohibited in all Ringling College vehicles including golf carts. For the purposes of this policy, smoking is defined as burning and vaping any type of product including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos and pipes, and additionally includes e-cigarettes and their associated products. Smoking and vaping materials will not be sold or dispensed within any property owned, leased, or controlled by Ringling College.
This policy applies to all persons including students, faculty, staff, visitors, contractors, subcontractors, and others on Ringling College property. Designated smoking areas on the main campus for smoking and vaping are identified by signage and contain receptacles for the proper disposal of cigarette butts. All students, faculty, staff, and visitors are expected to observe these designated smoking areas and to dispose of cigarette butts safely and only in the receptacles provided.
Organizers and attendees at public events, such as conferences, meetings, public lectures, social events and cultural events that use Ringling College facilities are required to abide by this policy. Organizers of such events are responsible for communicating this policy to attendees and for enforcing this policy. Effective enforcement of this policy depends upon the courtesy, respect, and cooperation of all members of the Ringling College community. Information about smoking and vaping cessation programs and resources is available from the Office of Student Life or the Office of Human Resources.
Approved September 18, 2019.
The complete policy is posted to the Ringling website https://www.ringling.edu/policies-and-procedures/