CSC Vehicle Information Overview*

*The complete document of CSC Policies and Procedures, which must be read each semester before requesting a vehicle, is available at the Center and on the CSC website.

Driver Eligibility

Transportation to service sites will now be provided primarily by the South Bend Transpo bus system. Route maps to community organizations are available at the CSC. Additionally, anyone who has a vehicle on campus is strongly encouraged to use it rather than rent one from the Center for Social Concerns. There are instances in which students will still be able to rent vehicles, and if you think you are one of them, please contact the vehicle coordinator by e-mail at cscvans@nd.edu or by phone at 1-5319.

For those who will still be eligible to drive CSC vehicles:

In order to drive a vehicle scheduled through the CSC, students are required to attend a vehicle training course offered by Transportation Services (contact: John Nelson 631-0293). A review of the CSC policies and procedures document will still be necessary each semester.

Both cars and seven-passenger mini vans will only be available to those who meet the exceptions to the for use by service groups, social action groups, individuals, and residence halls doing service, as well as by those doing service for experiential learning courses. We encourage all groups doing service to consider arranging morning times when possible, as most of the vehicles are available in the morning hours, and scheduling during the afternoon is more difficult.

Faculty and Staff are encouraged to take the Transportation Services Vehicle Training Course. Faculty and Staff are required to review the CSC policies and procedures document each semester before completing a request form.

Request Forms to be Completed Each Semester

The Policies and Procedures handout, which is available at the CSC, must be reviewed each semester before completing a request form. (Note: you will need to fill out new request forms for second-semester trips.) The CSC Vehicle Request Form must be completed by the person who will drive the vehicle. If there are alternate drivers, it is the primary driver’s responsibility to inform the alternates of the proper policies and procedures. If a fine is incurred by the alternate driver, then it is the primary driver’s responsibility to insure that the applicable fine is paid. In order to reserve the vehicle, the request form must be submitted to the CSC no later than the 5:00 p.m. on Thursday preceding the requested week of use (week begins Monday and ends Sunday). You must complete a form for each trip requested unless it occurs at the same time on the same day each week. If a vehicle is requested for weekly use, the approval will be e-mailed only once.

When completing requests, be certain to take into account your entire usage time (this includes time to pick up and return keys). Remember that, in the winter, snow may require a few extra minutes to travel. We schedule trips very close together, so be certain of your departure and arrival times. If they change, even the slightest bit, the vehicle coordinator must be notified by e-mail at cscvans@nd.edu and by phone at 631-5319. If you are at your site and a special circumstance will force a late return, please call this number as well to inform the front desk, as another group may be waiting for your vehicle.

Please see the Policies and Procedures document for specific guidelines on how to complete request forms and to find the pick-up location of your vehicle.

Special Vehicle Requests for trips out of St. Joseph County

Vehicles requested through the CSC may be used for trips outside of St. Joseph County with permission from Jim Paladino, Associate Director, CSC Program and Resource Administration (paladino.1@nd.edu). To reserve a vehicle for out-of-town use, you must first get your faculty advisor’s approval; then, e-mail the Associate Mr. Paladino, telling him that you have already received your advisor’s approval. The fee for out-of-town use will be negotiated with Mr. Paladino. Note: If Mr. Paladino approves the request, the driver must complete the Motor Pool Vehicle Request Form located on the Transportation Services website.

Out-of-town vehicle use is NOT confirmed until the completed Motor Pool Request Form and a written verification of Mr. Paladino’s approval (may be a copy of his e-mail reply) are turned into and approved by the CSC vehicle coordinator. Please see the Policies and Procedures for more information.

Keys, Cancellations, Fines, and Miscellaneous Information

Students are given keys after they sign out and pick up their mileage card and folder from the CSC. It is important to check the key-return information on your card, which will indicate whether keys are to be returned to the CSC or to the Transportation Services’ drop box (located in the door behind the gas pumps).

You must always return your card to the CSC and sign in immediately upon return, regardless of whether the keys are returned to Transportation Services or the CSC.

If you have scheduled a vehicle and will not be using it, you must call 1-5319 AND e-mail the coordinator by the cancellation deadline, printed in the Policies and Procedures and on the cancellation card.

For complete information regarding fines, please read the full Policies and Procedures document.

There is a $500 deductible on the University’s insurance policy. In the event of an accident, groups and persons using a vehicle must meet with Jim Paladino to discuss responsibility for payment.

Groups wishing to transport non-university passengers must abide by the guidelines established by the Office of Risk Management (631-5037). As required by law, the vehicle driver and all passengers must wear seatbelts.

If you have any further questions, not answered after reading the complete CSC Vehicle Policies and Procedures document, contact the vehicle coordinator by e-mail at cscvans@nd.edu or by phone at 1-5319.

Reminder: You must read the complete Policies and Procedures document each semester before requesting a vehicle, as rules and regulations are subject to change.