Elgin Community College banning smoking on campus

Elgin Community College will become a smoke-free campus at the end of the month.

Effective Monday, March 30, smoking will be prohibited on all ECC campuses, with the exception of designated parking lots (lots A, H, and J only on the Spartan Drive Campus). This includes buildings, grounds, athletic fields, and vehicles that are owned by ECC, the school said in a written statement.

Students, visitors and employees will be allowed to smoke only in parked vehicles in those lots. The windows must remain closed, and smoking materials "must be extinguished inside of the vehicles," the statement said.

Officials also said violators can be ticketed and fined. A first offense will result in a verbal or written warning. Second offenses call for a $25 fine, which will increase in $25 increment for each subsequent offense.

"The college recognizes that individuals may require help to quit smoking. Resources and referrals for smoking cessation are available for all students and employees, the statement said."

For additional information about the policy, visit elgin.edu/smoking.