OSU-Tulsa moves toward smoke-free campus

Thursday, February 8, 2007

The Oklahoma State University-Tulsa Board of Trustees adopted a new policy on Thursday that will significantly restrict smoking on campus, starting later this semester.

The Trustees said they intend to promote a healthier, safer campus environment for students, employees and visitors. The restricted smoking areas will be the first step toward the campus becoming smoke-free.

OSU-Tulsa President Gary Trennepohl applauds the proactive nature of the Board of Trustees and will work with university officials to implement the directive. He said the efforts are part of the OSU System's goal to make OSU “America’s healthiest university.”

The changes, which will be phased in over the next six to eight weeks, will include educating people about the new policy and limiting the number of designated smoking areas.

Dr. Ron Bussert, vice president for administration and finance, said OSU-Tulsa’s restricted smoking policy will complement the state law prohibiting smoking within 25 feet of entrances to public buildings.

According to Oklahoma Statutes Title 21 (section 1247), smoking is illegal inside and within 25 feet of entrances to all state-owned buildings, including courthouses, municipal buildings and public education facilities. Bussert said violators of the 25-foot law may be subject to a misdemeanor charge, including fines up to $100.

“Through education and enforcement, we hope to significantly limit smoking on campus and encourage the use of designated smoking areas,” Bussert explained. “The dangers of secondhand smoke have been well documented. Smoking near buildings and other gathering places is an unhealthy nuisance.”

Designated smoking areas will be located west of the flag poles near the OSU-Tulsa Auditorium, on the southwest side of Main Hall and the east side of North Hall. A fourth location will be designated near the Helmerich Advanced Technology Research Center after it is completed later this year.

The university is building covered smoking shelters scheduled to be constructed over the next two months. Once completed, smoking on campus will be limited to those freestanding shelters.

“We are attempting to create a positive balance by providing designated areas for individuals who smoke on campus and phasing in a smoke-free environment,” Bussert said.