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Western Carolina University
Policy # 30
Use of State-Owned Vehicles
Western Carolina University maintains and operates a fleet of
state-owned passenger vehicles (compact, mid-size and full-size
sedans; mini and passenger vans; and buses) to provide transportation
for the conduct of official state business. Special purpose vehicles
(trucks) may be available directly from various University departments.
This policy defines official state business, eligible drivers,
and conditions for use of vehicles displaying a "state-owned"
license plate.
Official Business: Any business that is sanctioned and/or sponsored
by the university.
Eligible Drivers: All drivers of state-owned vehicles must be
state employees, possessing a valid driver's license applicable
to the vehicle being driven. For purposes of this policy the following
definitions of state employee apply:
Any payrolled employee working and receiving a paycheck from
the state of North Carolina for wages or salary to include administrators,
faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students. Certain exclusions
may apply. Individuals paid an honorarium or stipend (excluding
students) or retired state employees not currently in the employ
of the state, may not drive state-owned vehicles. Students receiving
a stipend from the University are considered to be "employees"
if their compensation is directly related to the purpose of the
trip.
Any accompanying passenger may assist in driving only if that
individual satisfies the definition of "eligible driver"
as described above.
Conditions for Use: In addition to all conditions stated above,
other conditions exist:
Student employee use of vehicles requires Motor Pool request
authorization as follows: for academic and administrative support
areas, by the department head, dean, vice chancellor, or their
designee having appropriate budget and travel approval authority;
for student activities, by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
or their designee having appropriate budget and travel approval
authority; and for Athletic Department activities, the Athletic
Director or their designee having appropriate budget and travel
approval authority.
When an employee is required to use a state-owned vehicle for
travel away from a workstation, the vehicle may be used for travel
to obtain meals and other necessities, but not for entertainment
or personal purposes. A state-owned vehicle may not be used to
obtain meals unless the driver is in an authorized travel status
away from a workstation. See travel manual for travel status information:
ftp://admfin.wcu.edu/travel.pdf
Spouses and children are permitted to accompany state employees
in state-owned vehicles when sufficient space is available. Family
pets or other such animals are not permitted in state-owned passenger
vehicles, excepting those for serving individuals with disabilities.
Non-state employed persons may accompany state employees in state-owned
vehicles when they have an interest in the purpose of the trip
and their presence is related to state business. They may not
assist in driving the vehicle.
The Facilities Management Motor Pool must be notified of any
trip cancellation, when a Motor Pool vehicle has been reserved.
Vehicles not cancelled prior to the scheduled pick-up time may
be charged for the estimated mileage of the trip to be taken,
or the state minimum of 60 miles per day, whichever is greater.
Such cancellation charge may not exceed $50.
Buses: Buses must be operated in accordance with the policy set
forth above. Additionally, the driver must hold a valid Commercial
Drivers License (CDL) with a Passenger (P) endorsement.
Trucks: These vehicles are assigned to various university departments
and are not generally available for routine use by other departments.
If loaned to another department, they must be operated in accordance
with the policy cited above; the driver must posses the applicable
license; and the user accepts any additional rules the lending
department may impose.
Vans: To be eligible to drive a large passenger van, drivers
must possess a valid driver's license and complete the Motor Pool
van driver safety course prior to making any trip.
Sedans and Mini-vans: To be eligible to drive a sedan, drivers
must possess a valid driver's license
Other conditions may apply. To inquire, contact the Facilities
Management Motor Pool at 227-7227.
Administering Office: Motor Pool (Facilities Management Department)
Formerly Executive Memorandum 85-71
Initially Approved: April 25, 1978
Revised: July 1, 1985
Revised: February 2003
Posted: October 1, 2003
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