History of Tobacco Free KU Initiative


Timeline of KU becoming tobacco free
TimeframeEvent
March 27, 2013Student survey regarding stricter tobacco policy, smoke- or tobacco free campus; results supported change.
March 12, 2013University Senate Executive Committee resolution: "SenEx encourages Student Senate in its initiative to develop a more restrictive smoking policy at the University of Kansas."
March 29, 2013University Senate resolution: "University Senate encourages Student Senate in its initiative to develop a more restrictive smoking policy at the University of Kansas."
April 17, 2013Human Resources surveys faculty/staff regarding more restrictive smoking policy; results supported change.
May 2013Tobacco-Free Steering Committee established with support of the Office of the Provost to further explore alternatives. Steering Committee met monthly to develop initiative.
September 2013Campus organization Breathe Easy at KU (B.E.A.K.) established to assist with initiative through student support. 
December 2013Grant secured from the Kansas Health Foundation to obtain consulting help for initiative and to fund campus activities. Secured consulting assistance of Ty Patterson, Executive Director of the National Center for Tobacco Policy.
February 2014Smoking policy revised by University administration to prohibit use of electronic cigarettes.
April 2, 2014Tobacco-free KU website goes live.
April 8-9, 2014Began campus meetings to discuss changes.
May 2014B.E.A.K. members seeking student support.
September 2016Tobacco free policy will be implemented Fall 2018.
Summer 2017The University of Kansas commits to be tobacco free effective July 1, 2018 and the tobacco policy is revised.
July 1, 2018The University of Kansas is tobacco free.