Breathe Free Education
settingsBreathe Free Education
Oconee Fall Line Technical College prohibits the use of tobacco products on any property owned, leased, or controlled by OFTC.
- TCSG Tobacco-Free Policy: Tobacco use causes enormous financial, social, and public health harm to the citizens of Georgia. Accordingly, tobacco use is prohibited within the System Office, all technical colleges, and within all other facilities under the supervision or control of TCSG.
Prohibited tobacco products include e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, dip, snuff, vapes, and any other form of tobacco product.
Because of the harmful effects of tobacco use, OFTC has committed to establishing tobacco-free campuses for the purpose of promoting a healthy environment for all persons, including faculty, students, staff, visitors, and others who come on campus at any of our locations. All OFTC campuses are tobacco-free environments. Tobacco use is prohibited inside and outside all buildings and parking lots and within any College vehicle or any vehicle operated by the College. This procedure applies to all persons while on campus. The above may not use tobacco products to include cigarettes, e-cigarettes/vaping, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco (dip/snuff), or any other form of tobacco product. Campus sidewalks, streets, and adjacent neighboring property are not to be used as tobacco use areas.
Students
The following process will be used when dealing with student infractions of Oconee Fall Line Technical College’s Smoking/Smokeless Tobacco Procedure:
- Any OFTC employee may politely inform the student that he/she may not use tobacco on the OFTC campus/property, etc. After delivering a verbal warning, the student will be asked for their student identification. The employee will report the student to the Director of Student Affairs (North or South Campus).
- If the director identifies a student who has violated this procedure twice, the director will send the student a written warning that if the problem continues, the student will be in danger of being dismissed from the college.
- If the director identifies a student who has violated this procedure for a third time, the director will refer the student for a student hearing through the student disciplinary process. The hearing body will determine the sanctions that will be imposed.
Employees
The following process shall be used when dealing with employee infractions of this procedure:
- It is the responsibility of each OFTC employee to support and comply fully with the tobacco-free policy. If employees observe anyone using tobacco while on campus, he/she should politely inform the user of the tobacco-free procedure. If the tobacco user is an employee and refuses to comply with the procedure, the employee’s supervisor will be notified.
- Failure of an employee to comply will result in progressive disciplinary action.
Information for Employees
State Health Benefit Plan Information
Employees who elect to quit utilizing tobacco products can have the tobacco surcharge removed if they complete all the surcharge removal requirements through their health plan vendor (BlueCross/Blue Shield or United Healthcare). Please view the 2021 Tobacco Surcharge Policies and Instructions for specific requirements.
SHBP BeWell/Sharecare Information
Quitting tobacco can be easier than you would think with QuitNet® to guide and support you. QuitNet lets you choose the support that works best for you. You can choose to participate in the online version of QuitNet or through the phone coaching QuitNet. Or, you may choose a combination of the two to help you quit. It’s confidential, voluntary, and is available at no additional cost to you to sign up. Participation can qualify you to have the monthly tobacco surcharge removed.
Questions or Comments? Contact Us
For Students
Dublin (South Campus)
(P): 478-275-6634
(C): 478-595-6603
For Faculty and Staff
Lynn McDonald
(P): 478-553-2059
(E): ljmcdonald@oftc.edu
Procedures for Others (Not Students or Employees)
Visitors, vendors, contractors, and others not covered above will be reported to the department responsible for their presence on campus. Attempts should be made to remedy violations prior to contacting OFTC Security. In circumstances where departmental leadership is unable to get the offender to comply with this procedure, OFTC Security will be contacted for assistance.
Additional Resources and Information
Georgia Quit Line
1-877-270-STOP (7867)
The Georgia Quit Line provides free counseling, a resource library, and support and referral services for tobacco users ages 13 and older. Callers have the opportunity to speak with health care professionals who develop a unique plan for each individual.
A collection of cessation resources have been placed in the Student Life Offices on the Sandersville and Dublin campuses and in the front offices of the Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center and the Jefferson County Center. The pamphlets and handouts are free of charge and are available to all students and employees.
American Cancer Society
Stay Away from Tobacco Information