About the policy

To provide a safe and healthy working and learning environment for faculty, students, staff and visitors on its campus, VCU's Smoke and Tobacco-Free Campus policy applies to the use of all types of tobacco, including but not limited to smoking tobacco products, e-cigarettes and vaping. Tobacco is the single largest preventable cause of premature death. Education about tobacco-use and associated health risks can help members of the VCU community avoid starting a bad habit and eliminating second-hand smoke makes it easier for existing smokers to quit. In addition, cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world and cost the university money to clean up. Smoke and tobacco-free campus policies also significantly reduce campus fires. This policy does not apply to any cessation product specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in treating nicotine or tobacco dependence.

The Smoke and Tobacco-Free Campus policy applies to all university property, both indoor and outdoor, including, but not limited to, all offices, classrooms, hallways, waiting rooms, restrooms, meeting rooms, community areas, performance venues, parking garages, covered walkways, temporary enclosed structures, trailers, and tents, the Compass, McGuire Park and residence halls, unless permitted by the terms of this policy. This policy also applies to vehicles owned or leased by the university. It applies to all students, faculty, staff, contractors and other visitors on campus, regardless of the purpose of their visit. 

The policy complies with the governor’s Executive Order 41 (2006); the Administrative Guidelines resulting from the Executive Order; the Code of Virginia section 15.2; and the VCU Space Use Regulation. The policy became effective July 1, 2019.