Nicholls is officially a tobacco-free campus, as of Jan. 1, and a series of consequences have been set in place for infractions.Eugene Dial, vice president of student affairs and enrollment services, said that Nicholls officials have sent out information in both print and electronic formats to inform and remind students, faculty and staff about the new policy.
“We expect everyone on campus to politely remind people they see using tobacco products that the University is a tobacco-free campus,” Dial said. “If that person responds, then that is all that needs to be done.”
Stephen Hulbert, University president, said that although he believes most people will comply, there will be consequences for those who choose not to.
“As a University, we expect members of the community, whether they are students, faculty, staff or friends that are visiting the University, to adhere to the rules, policies and practices that are established on campus,” Hulbert said.
Craig Jaccuzzo, director of University Police, said that faculty and staff will report to their supervisors if there are multiple offenses. Consequences can and may include a verbal warning, monetary fine, dismissal or suspension depending on the severity of the infraction.
Dial said that students will be given verbal warnings. If infractions continue, a disciplinary referral can be made to the student judicial officer.
“Our intent is to try and get people to understand what the policy is first, because most people on campus do abide by the policies,” Dial said.
Hulbert said that the University will work with organizations that request to use the campus, but those organizations are responsible for ensuring that guests do not violate Nicholls’ policies.
Jaccuzzo said that his officers will remind everyone that the campus is tobacco-free, but University Police will mostly deal with the public. If people do not cooperate, they will be asked to leave campus.
“I have three employees who already kicked the habit in response to the policy,” Jaccuzzo said.
Jaccuzzo said that two of his other officers are also trying different methods to quit.
“There will be inconvenience, but that’s normal with any change,” Hulbert said.
Hulbert said that he believes that with time, people will adjust to the policy the same way they adjust to any new policies the University establishes.
