We are committed to cultivating a healthy and safe community for everyone at Olds College, including students, staff, contractors, visitors, and the public.
As part of this commitment, we are proud to maintain a smoke-free environment for learning and work. Our Smoke-Free Campus policy ensures that smoking, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and similar products are not permitted in any Olds College-owned or leased facilities, on Olds College grounds, or in Olds College vehicles, as well as in any vehicles on Olds College property.
Need help to quit? Access a number of supports and resources to help you quit smoking.
Book an Appointment to talk to a physician about your interest in quitting smoking.
There are multiple options for smoking cessation that you may explore including Nicotine Replacement Therapy (ie. Gum, patches, sprays), or prescription medicine that may be right for you.
Our services are offered judgment free in an environment of support.
This site will help you get prepared to stop smoking. It’s all about finding the right information at the right time. You’ll learn what to expect and how to prepare for road blocks on your journey to successfully quitting. Find out what stage you're at to get connected with the information and supports that are best for you.
Helpline - Free to get confidential support from quit counsellors.
Text Support - Free three month text messaging program sending you motivational messages, advice, and tips.
Group Support - Free group support where you can join 6, 90 minute sessions guided by a trained facilitator in person or online.
Visit the Alberta Quits Website
Olds College encourages you to explore your Sunlife Benefits plan if you are eligible. Through your benefits plan you may be eligible for specialized support services such as counselling, smoking cessation medication, and Nicotine Replacement Therapies.
You may also have access for coverage through your Personal Spending Account tied to your employee benefit plan.
The smoking policy was up for review and was discussed numerous times with members of the campus leadership team (CLT). CLT voted in favour of the policy revision to move towards a smoke-free campus. The approval of the Smoking, Vaping and Tobacco Use Policy followed the A01 - Policy and Procedure Framework.
The Policy and Procedure Review Committee (PPRC) reviews and recommends administrative policies to the College Leadership Team for approval. The PPRC also reviews and approves all procedures.
The smoke-free campus policy owners are:
Olds College of Agriculture & Technology recognizes the hazards caused by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, as well as the life threatening diseases linked to smoking, vaping and tobacco use. As such, the purpose of this policy is to promote a healthy and safe working, learning and living environment for students, employees, contractors and visitors by restricting smoking, vaping and tobacco use on College property and complying with applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws.
Consistent with other Post-Secondary Institutions that have restricted smoking and vaping, students living on campus will have a designated smoking location. This will be communicated to students and monitored by the Residence & Ancillary Services Team.
Individuals that have registered and received accommodations in accordance with Policy D18: Disabilities and Accessibility Support to consume medical cannabis on campus will be provided specific instructions as part of the accommodation process.
Individuals will be directed to the residence smoking location for this consumption.
The College recognizes this is a significant change for our campus community. Campus Security will lead the enforcement of non-compliance on campus. Individuals who wish to report violations of this procedure may also report via the OC Alert App, Confidence Line, or advise Campus Security or the appropriate manager directly. It is encouraged that the entire Olds community works together to remind folks of this new policy.
The College recognizes this is a significant change for our campus community. It will take time for employees, students and visitors to become aware. Our priority is to build awareness through education. However, if individuals are informed and continue to smoke on campus, appropriate disciplinary outcomes will be pursued.
Individuals who wish to report violations may report via the OC Alert App, Confidence Line, or advise Campus Security or the appropriate manager directly.
In the case of employees, People and Culture will engage with employees who persist with non-compliance through A25 - Code of Conduct.
In the case of students, the Student Conduct Team will engage with students who persist with non-compliance through Policy D25.
Leaders from across the campus were involved in the policy revision. Consultations occurred with the Town of Olds, Chinook’s Edge School Division, AUPE, OCFA, SAOC, Pomeroy Hotel, Chartwells (Food Services) and Paladin (Campus Security) for awareness and feedback prior to making this policy change.
Yes, contractors and third-party service providers (e.g., campus security and food services) also have to comply with the revised policy and procedure.
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