Longwood University 
Chief Administration and Finance Officer: 
     Human Resources       
201 High Street, Lancaster 335, Farmville, VA  23909
        Phone: 434.395.2074     Fax: 434.395.2666      

Policy 5604
CAMPUS NON-SMOKING POLICY

I.    PURPOSE

It is the objective of Longwood University to provide the healthiest environment possible. The new policy is designed to promote healthy lifestyles as well as to protect students, faculty, and staff from secondhand smoke, while addressing the growing 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.  Recent 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.

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.

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. This policy is effective as of June 1, 2007.

A. Enforcement Against Third Parties: Violations of this policy should be reported to the Longwood Office of Public Safety.  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.

 

  B. 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.

  C. Enforcement Against Students: Reference Student Non-Smoking Policy.

  D. Vehicular and Outdoor Smoking Considerations:

       1. State Vehicles: Smoking is prohibited in all motor pool vehicles owned or

       leased by the University.

 

       2. Outdoor Athletic Facilities: Smoking is prohibited at all Longwood-owned

       outdoor athletic facilities.

 

   E.  Interpretation: The Longwood Environmental Health and Safety Officer

   will interpret this policy.

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

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