Promoting Health & Wellness

The College is committed to fulfilling its health and wellness initiatives of providing a tobacco & vapor-free environment, litter-free grounds, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. The initiatives were created to ensure a better future by improving the health of the community through education and evidence-based research. Therefore, intentional and unintentional violations at any college location will not be tolerated. (Statement No. 212.33; October 7, 2017)

1. Tobacco & Vapor Free Environment
   The College has an obligation to provide a safe and healthy learning and work environment. Every student, employee, and visitor has the right to breathe clean air and not to be exposed to the effects of smoke and tobacco. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, therefore, establishes the following tobacco free policy. Smoking in any form to include but not limited to electronic cigarettes, vapor smoking, and the use of tobacco products will not be permitted anywhere on the campus; including centers, campus buildings, sidewalks, parking lots, building entrances and common areas, and in college-owned vehicles. The Tobacco Free policy is part of the College’s commitment to creating a healthy environment for all members of our college community, and is designed to be positive and health directed. Individuals noticing violations of the policy should strive to be non-confrontational and respectful to tobacco users when communicating our policy. Additionally, tobacco users are expected to adhere to the policy and likewise be respectful to former tobacco and non-tobacco users. Enforcement of the policy will be achieved through education, awareness and a spirit of cooperation; however, employees who repeatedly violate the policy will be disciplined according to statement 212.4.1. Students found in violation will face conduct charges applicable to Statement 717.Penalty for Violating Tobacco Free Policy - Students will be charged $25 for the first violation. This fine will increase $25 per violation. A third violation will result in conduct charges applicable to Statement 717.
    
2. Litter Free Environment
   The college is committed to maintaining a litter free environment to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Intentional and unintentional littering at any college location will not be tolerated. Mississippi State Code Section 97-15-29 prohibits littering; therefore, Campus Police will issue a county citation to visitors, students, and employees who violate this law. In addition, employees and students will be fined $50 by the college. Repeated violations by students will result in conduct charges.
    
3. Healthy Living
   The college is committed to encouraging engagement in healthy lifestyle choices for physical, social and behavioral well-being. Students are strongly encouraged to take ownership in developing a safe and healthy living environment. Each college campus is equipped with wellness facilities available free of charge to students and employees.
    
4. Addressing Unplanned Pregnancy
   The college is committed to providing information to improve the lives and future prospects of children and families by ensuring that all children are born into families committed to and ready for the demanding task of raising the next generation by reducing unplanned pregnancy among teens and young adults.