Virginia Tobacco and Nicotine Products Policy
Virginia is one of several states that raised the legal age to purchase tobacco and nicotine products in an effort to reduce the number of people who become addicted to such products, and to improve public health. Virginia Code Section 18.2-371.2 prohibits the use and possession of tobacco and nicotine products by people less than 21 years of age. In response, Shenandoah University now prohibits the use and/or possession of tobacco and/or nicotine products for people less than age 21. Violations of the tobacco/nicotine policy will fall under Shenandoah University’s progressive discipline system in which succeeding violations entail more serious consequences, including possible suspension and dismissal from the university.
Shenandoah University Tobacco and Nicotine Products Policy
The following is Shenandoah University’s policy on tobacco products and nicotine products, including nicotine vapor products and alternative nicotine products, for students, and other individuals on campus, less than age 21:
Tobacco Products, Nicotine Vapor Products, or Alternative Nicotine Products – use and possession
The use or possession of tobacco products, nicotine vapor products, or alternative nicotine products by any student, or other individual on campus, less than age 21 is prohibited. As a result, such products may not be stored anywhere on campus by those under age 21.
Tobacco Products, Nicotine Vapor Products, or Alternative Nicotine Products – paraphernalia
Possession of tobacco products, nicotine vapor products, or alternative nicotine products paraphernalia is prohibited for students, and other individuals on campus, less than age 21. Such items include, but are not limited to, empty tobacco/nicotine containers or packaging, vaporizers and accessories, cigarette butts, spit cups/bottles, posters, or items with tobacco/nicotine messages/logos, etc. An exception to this paraphernalia policy may be made by university officials for artistic performances and/or other approved educational uses.
Providing Tobacco Products, Nicotine Vapor Products, or Alternative Nicotine Products and/or paraphernalia to individuals under 21
Providing tobacco products, nicotine vapor products, or alternative nicotine products and/or paraphernalia to anyone on campus who is less than 21 years of age is prohibited.
Exceptions
This policy does not prohibit students, or other individuals on campus, who are 21 years of age or older, from using/possessing tobacco/nicotine products. However, such individuals are still bound by Shenandoah University’s anti-smoking policy which prohibits smoking and vaping in any university building or within thirty (30) feet of any entrance or window.
This policy does not apply to tobacco products, nicotine vapor products, alternative products or related paraphernalia utilized by, or provided to, a student or other individual on campus, less than 21 years of age, in an on-campus performance, or for an educational purpose, permitted by a Shenandoah University faculty or staff member.