In March 2014, the Board of Regents adopted a policy prohibiting all tobacco products on University System of Georgia (USG) property. The policy applies to all 28 USG institutions.
The policy applies to employees, students, contractors, subcontractors, and visitors at all times. All USG-hosted events must also be tobacco- and smoke-free.
Tobacco- and smoke-free campuses reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and support the health and well-being of everyone in the campus community, including both tobacco users and non-users.
If you want to be quit tobacco free, there’s help.
- Faculty and staff can visit the USG Tobacco & Smoke Free website for cessation program information.
- Students can learn more about tobacco cessation at Stamps Health Services.
- Other resources are the American Lung Association and Smokefree.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the tobacco-free policy go into effect?
Georgia Tech became a tobacco-free campus in the summer of 2014 .
What does tobacco-free mean?
The use of any tobacco product is prohibited on all 28 universities and colleges in the University System of Georgia.
Who does the policy apply to?
Everyone on Georgia Tech’s campus – students, staff, faculty, visitors, parents, athletic event participants, vendors, contractors, subcontractors, etc.
Can I use tobacco while in my personal vehicle while on campus?
No. Tobacco use is prohibited in all Georgia Tech’s operated parking areas, and when on Tech’s property, both inside and outside of vehicles.
What is considered a tobacco product and therefore prohibited by the policy?
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 and vaporizers.
Why are e-cigarettes prohibited by this policy?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers e-cigarettes a tobacco product. The policy applies to smoking devices that simulate the use of tobacco such as e-cigarettes and vaporizers.
Why is smokeless tobacco prohibited by this policy?
Prohibiting the use of smokeless tobacco (chew, snus, etc.) reduces the unintended consequence of smokers turning to smokeless-tobacco use on campus which has been proven harmful and addictive.
Do students, faculty and staff have to quit using tobacco products?
No, the Tobacco Free Campus policy only requires people to refrain from using tobacco while they are on USG property. However, for those who are ready to quit, there are programs available for all community members.
- Over the counter (OTC) nicotine replacement products including skin patches, chewing gum and lozenges are currently available for students, faculty and staff to purchase at the Stamps Health Services Pharmacy.
- Faculty and staff are encouraged to visit the USG Tobacco & Smoke Free website for information on smoking cessation programs.
- Students, faculty and staff can learn more about these cessation programs by visiting the Stamps Health website or email healthy@gatech.edu to request additional information.
What can people do to manage their cravings while on campus?
Over the counter (OTC) nicotine replacement products including skin patches, chewing gum and lozenges are currently available for students, faculty and staff to purchase at the Stamps Health Services Pharmacy.
Who enforces the tobacco-free policy?
Georgia Tech encourages the community to support each other in a positive, non-confrontational manner.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Send your questions to healthy@gatech.edu.