UK is getting a tobacco-free makeover more than a week before a ban is implemented on campus.

To prepare for the tobacco ban taking place on Nov. 19, approximately four-foot tall signs are already being placed throughout campus.  Bob Wiseman, vice president for facilities management, said only five or six signs were put up to test elements, such as height.

“We’ll ultimately install 100 signs more or less,” Wiseman said.  “We’ll be putting them up around next week.”

The words “Welcome to our tobacco-free campus” were added in adhesive lettering to the directional kiosks that were implemented on campus last fall.

Wiseman said the new tobacco-free signage cost UK $25,000 to $35,000 total.  He said he would not be sure of the final dollar amount until all the installation costs were calculated.

Signs for sidewalks have not been decided upon yet, because Wiseman wanted to monitor areas around campus first to determine if a specific area attracts smokers and needs the tobacco-free signage.

“Perhaps on certain streets we may (add signage),” Wiseman said.  “We’ll monitor people and the places where people are confused, and we’ll add signage or add it on the sidewalks.”

Assistant Vice President for Public Safety Anthany Beatty requested permission at an Oct. 20 Urban County Council meeting for UK to regulate the tobacco ban on public sidewalks and surrounding areas around campus.  However, Beatty said the plan will most likely not happen before the ban is implemented.

“We plan to implement the policy as we stand — it is currently without jurisdiction on sidewalks,” Beatty said.  “(At) this point, it is not happening, but we’re still working with officials.”

The proposal was to only affect university-owned sidewalks, Beatty said.

Wiseman said the installation of the tobacco-free signs a few weeks early shows they are ready for the ban.

“We are prepared and all signage will be up prior to the day (the ban) goes into effect,” Wiseman said.