TROY – Litterbugs on Troy University’s campus could soon find themselves facing fines and community service.

University officials have announced a new initiative to keep the campus clean and encourage people not to litter. The effort comes as a result of the University’s increased enrollment and traffic through campus and is aimed at beautifying the campus.

“We are starting this anti-litter campaign because so many of our student have said the beauty of the campus has been a strong selling point for Troy University,” said Janice Hawkins, Troy University’s first lady, who is advocating the cleanup drive. “We don’t want to see this asset turned into a liability. It’s also important to maintain a clean campus environment for everyone – student, faculty, staff and visitors alike.”

Mrs. Hawkins said the anti-litter effort also supports a key theme of Chancellor Jack Hawkins’ fall addresses to faculty and staff – preventing “broken windows” on campus. Expanding on points made in the Michael Levine best-seller “Broken Windows, Broken Business,” Dr. Hawkins urged TROY faculty, staff and students to work together to keep small problems form growing into large ones.

Dean of Students Herb Reeves said trashing the campus will carry a $75 fine and a student cited for littering may find themselves facing disciplinary hearings. In addition, Reeves said some students cited for littering could also be required to perform community service on campus, including picking up litter around campus while attired in a bright orange vest.

Already in place is a stringent anti-littering ordinance in the City of Troy, which also includes the Troy Campus.

“We’re not going to tolerate it,” said University Police Chief Rod Anderson. “If you’re caught littering, you are going to be prosecuted.”

University police officers may issue city citations in addition to University tickets, and Anderson said littering citations result in an automatic trip before Municipal Court Judge Nick Cervera. Cervera, who also serves as university attorney, said the City of Troy also requires litterbugs to perform community service.

“People who litter simply don’t take pride in themselves, their community or their campus,” Cervera said. “Being trashy just sends a poor message about our community.”

Physical Plant Director Mark Salmon said moves were under way that could place as many as an additional 30 trash cans on the campus to give people more opportunities to put trash in its place.

“We’ve studied the issue and have located all of the trash cans on campus,” Salmon said. “Our recommendation is to purchase as many additional receptacles as necessary.”

Salmon said the plan called for an initial 15 – 20 additional trash cans, but added if the demand warranted, more would be available.

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