Wake Tech cracking down on violators of tobacco-free policy

Wake Technical Community College has enacted a new enforcement policy to increase compliance with its tobacco-free policy.

As of Feb. 28, any student smoking or using tobacco on campus grounds will receive a written reprimand. If a second offense occurs, the student will be placed on general probation and required to meet with the dean of students. A third offense will result in a three-day suspension from classes.

Students who refuse to cooperate with the new policy may be charged with trespassing and suspended for the remainder of the semester.

Wake Tech is hiring seven additional security guards to help enforce the policy. Employees are responsible for helping enforce the new policy, and they are subject to the rules as well.

Visitors to campus will be asked to comply with the tobacco-free policy or leave the premises.

The new focus on tobacco-free compliance is one part of a comprehensive health promotion program at Wake Tech that includes education, prevention, cessation support and policy reform.