Standard – Smoking
The Smoking standard ensures a healthy, smoke-free environment for all students, staff, and visitors. Smoking includes the use of tobacco or other materials intended for smoking (such as cigarettes and cannabis), as well as all types of e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and any other instruments used to emulate smoking. This includes pipes, water pipes, hookahs, holders, and similar devices that produce airborne contaminants or substances.
NSCC is committed to maintaining a smoke-free environment in line with provincial laws and municipal bylaws, prioritizing the wellness of the campus community. Smoking is not allowed within Campus Housing or on any NSCC property, except in designated outdoor smoking areas.
Summary of Expectations
- Smoking of tobacco, cannabis, or any other materials is not permitted in Campus Housing.
- Please connect with your campus for locations of designated smoking areas
- The use of e-cigarettes, vaping devices, or any other instruments that produce airborne contaminants (such as hookahs, bongs, or pipes) is prohibited within Campus Housing and on NSCC property.
- Cannabis smoking must be done only in the appropriate designated cannabis consumption areas and in accordance with NSCC’s Drug and Alcohol Guidelines.
- All smoking-related activities, including vaping, must be confined to outdoor areas designated for smoking, in line with NSCC’s smoke-free policy.
This policy supports the health and well-being of all those living and working within the NSCC community by reducing exposure to harmful substances and promoting a cleaner, safer environment.
Examples of Breaches of the Smoking Standard
The following are examples of breaches that may occur in Campus Housing. Please note that these examples are fictitious and have been created by NSCC Housing & Student Life staff as hypotheticals, based on years of experience working in housing. They are not reflective of current student breaches. Responses to breaches may vary depending on the specific circumstances, including the severity of the behavior, the impact on others, and any prior breaches. The details of each situation will be carefully considered before determining the appropriate action.
- A student is observed vaping right outside the entrance door to their Campus Housing building, in an area that is not designated as a smoking or vaping zone. While this action does not directly take place inside the building, the vapor can drift into the building and disturb others who are sensitive to smoke or prefer a smoke-free environment. (Level 1 Standard breach)
- A student continuously comes back through the building after smoking, with a heavy smell of cannabis. This disrupts the peaceful environment of the building, as the smell of cannabis can spread to neighboring rooms, potentially disturbing other residents. The student is reminded of the designated outdoor smoking areas and spoken to about ways to prevent odor when returning from smoking outside. (Level 2 Standard breach)
NSCC Campus Housing Community Standards Policy
NSCC Campus Housing Community Standards Procedure
Related Policies:
34.01 Academic Accommodations Policy
31.01 Academic Integrity Policy
63.01 Technology Resources – Acceptable Use Policy and Procedures
71.01 Use of Copyright Materials Policy
52.11 Email Policy
73.01 Occupational Health and Safety Policy
41.01 Respectful Community Policy
42.31 Safe Disclosure Policy
73.11 Smoke Free Policy
54.01 Social Media Policy
32.01 Student Appeals Policy
33.01 Student Community Standards
39.01 Sexual Violence Policy
73.21 Violence Prevention Policy
Related Acts:
- Nova Scotia Human Rights Act
- Criminal Code of Canada
- Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act