NSU becomes tobacco free Jan. 1

On Jan. 1, 2011, Northeastern State University becomes a tobacco free campus.

The use of cigarettes, smokeless cigarettes, chewing tobacco or any product containing tobacco will not be permitted on campus. Students, faculty and staff can hold or store tobacco products on campus, but usage will not be allowed. An individual cannot be reprimanded if a tobacco product is found in their car or dorm room, but they can be reprimanded if caught actually using the product while on campus.

Libby Rogers, a nurse practitioner and coordinator of Student Health Services, said the implementation of the policy will lead to a reduction of second-hand smoke and a big decrease in the amount of litter on campus.

I hope that in the long run we will have a healthier campus, said Rogers.

The idea to become a tobacco free campus was proposed by the Cherokee Nation and the Cherokee County Tobacco Control Coalition. The idea was researched, a policy was drafted, student feedback was received and the final decision was made. A tobacco free campus became part of the Healthy Campus Initiative, a goal to improve campus community health.

The Spring 2011 semester will serve as an introduction period. During that timeframe, any penalties for violating the policy will be lenient. However, any violations that occur after the term will be sanctioned more severely.

There will be challenges implementing and sustaining this policy," said Rogers. "I believe it will take a full cycle of students for this to become normal, but I do think it will sustain and I do think it will work.

For more information on tobacco cessation resources, contact NSU Student Health Services at 918-444-2126 or NSU Human Resources at 918-444-2230.