Policies & Procedures

I. PURPOSE

It is the objective of Longwood University to provide the healthiest environment possible. This policy is designed to promote healthy lifestyles as well as to protect students, faculty, and staff from secondhand smoke, while addressing the litter problem on campus that is directly related to smoking.

Both the U. S. Surgeon General and the American Medical Association have stated in the strongest terms that smoking is a leading cause of premature death and disability in this country. In addition, research has shown that nonsmokers with chronic heart or lung disease can experience severe distress when exposed to a sufficient concentration of secondhand or ambient smoke. Many allergic individuals and even healthy nonsmokers report discomfort to secondhand smoke. Medical studies indicate that long-term exposure to involuntary smoking may increase nonsmoker's risk of developing severe lung disease.

The acetate (plastic) filters of cigarettes can take many years to decompose because they are composed of cellulose acetate, a form of plastic, and can persist in the environment as long as other forms of plastic. They also present a threat to wildlife. Cigarette filters have been found in the stomachs of fish, birds, whales and other marine creatures who mistake them for food. Wind and rain carry cigarette filters into the water supply, where the toxic chemicals the cigarette filter was designed to trap leak out into aquatic ecosystems, threatening the quality of the water and many aquatic life forms.

Until a consensus medical opinion based on peer reviewed scientific studies is reached, use of personal vaporizers, including e-cigarettes, is considered to be smoking and therefore covered by this policy.  The potential for exposure to second hand nicotine and chemical degradation products poses an unknown risk to nearby humans.  Additionally, personal vaporizers have activated smoke detectors and, therefore, are prohibited from use inside Longwood University buildings.

The purpose of this policy is to inform the campus community of the general prohibition against smoking on campus.

II. DEFINITION

Smoking is the lighting or burning of any pipe, cigar, cigarette, or other tobacco product. Use of personal vaporizers is considered smoking for the purposes of this policy.

III. POLICY 

The institution prohibits smoking on campus except in areas that are specifically identified as "Designated Smoking Areas" and all cigarette butts must be disposed of in urns provided in the "Designated Smoking Areas" or urns located at various locations around the perimeter of the main campus.

1. Enforcement Against Third Parties:Violations of this policy should be reported to the University Police Department. This department has statutory authority to issue a summons regarding violations of the state law.
   1. Fines: Any person who continues to smoke in an area designated as a non-smoking area after having been asked to refrain from smoking may be subject to a civil penalty of no more than twenty-five (25) dollars.
   2. Fines: Any person who discards cigarette butts on campus in any location other than urns provided at "Designated Smoking Areas" or urns located at various locations around the perimeter of the main campus, may be subject to a civil penalty of no more than twenty-five (25) dollars.
2. Enforcement Against Employees:Violations should be reported to the employee's immediate supervisor.
   1. Disciplinary Action: Employees who knowingly violate this policy may also be subject to disciplinary action for failure to comply with established written policy.
3. Enforcement Against Students: Reference Student Non-Smoking Policy.
4. Vehicular and Outdoor Smoking Considerations:
   1. State Vehicles: Smoking is prohibited in all motor pool vehicles, including golf carts, and utility vehicles, owned or leased by the University.
   2. Outdoor Athletic Facilities: Smoking is prohibited at all Longwood-owned outdoor athletic facilities.
5. Interpretation: The Longwood Department of Environmental Health and Safety Officer interpret this policy.

Revised and approved by the Executive Steering Committee, June 9, 2015
Revised and approved by the Board of Visitors, December 2, 2011.
Revised and approved by the Board of Visitors, September 7, 2002.
Revised and approved by the Board of Visitors, June 15, 2005.
Revised and approved by the Board of Visitors, May 12, 2007