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Tobacco/Vaping Policy

Introduction

Policy Statement

Washington and Lee University is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning and working environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors on all campus properties. Medical research has shown that smoking poses hazards to one's health and that tobacco is the single largest preventable cause of premature death. There are also health risks associated with second-hand smoke.

Applicability

This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors.

Policy

All faculty, staff, students, and visitors to the University are expected to comply with Commonwealth of Virginia law regarding the minimum age for persons purchasing or possessing tobacco products, nicotine vapor products, and other tobacco products (21 years of age).

Smoking, including e-cigarettes/nicotine vapor products and other nicotine products including smokeless tobacco products, is not permitted inside classroom buildings, administrative buildings, student residential buildings including Greek and theme housing, dining areas, the University store, athletic facilities, or University owned or rental vehicles. Smoking, vaping, or use of other tobacco products is prohibited within 25 feet of any buildings on campus including residential buildings and Greek and theme housing to prevent smoke and e-cigarette vapors from entering through entrances, windows, ventilation systems, or other means. The University also prohibits the sale and promotion of tobacco/nicotine products on campus.

Products made of tobacco, containing nicotine, or used to consume nicotine include, but are not limited to:

• Cigarettes and cigars;
• Pipe tobacco;
• Chewing tobacco;
• Snuff;
• Bidis;
• Nicotine in a solution or other form intended for use with an electronic smoking device;
• Electronic smoking devices, such as e-cigarettes, Juuls, personal vaporizers, or other devices associated with "vaping"; and
• Hookah.

Compliance with Policy

All members of the University community and campus visitors are expected to comply with this policy.

Suspected violations of this policy may be reported to the Office of Public Safety. Suspected violations to this policy by faculty or staff may also be reported to the appropriate supervisor. Policy violations for students and employees will result in warning, education, and with repeat offense, may result in disciplinary action.

This policy will be posted on the University website. Students and employees will be notified of this policy on an annual basis in the Important Annual Notices which includes the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Annual Notice. Signage will be placed in strategic places around campus.

Prevention/Smoking Cessation

Employees seeking to eliminate their use of tobacco or nicotine products can contact Human Resources for available resources.

Students seeking to eliminate their use of tobacco products can contact the Student Health Center, Counseling Center, or visit the Health Promotion library for prevention information at https://my.wlu.edu/student-life/health-and-safety/student-health-and-counseling/health-library/alcohol-and-other-drugs/tobacco or take and online course at https://www.tobacco-edu.org.

In addition, online help can be found at:

• Quit Now Virginia - 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669), or text READY to 34191
• Live Vape Free - text VapeFreeVA to 873-373