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April 2003 (updated April 2007)
Compliance with University policy for operation of motor vehicles requires that departments, faculty, staff, and students adhere to the following guidelines. Failure to adhere to these eligibility rules may result in your department or you personally being liable in the event of an at-fault accident.
For vehicles assigned to departments, departments are obligated to make all drivers aware of these guidelines and should ensure that they are followed. Academic and service department heads or coordinators of vehicles in departments are strongly urged to be vigilant in checking to be sure all drivers meet the driver requirements listed below. You should verify both the license validity and OSU employed status prior to making reservations for vehicles in Columbus or Wooster, issuing keys and giving permission to drive vehicles. All OARDC employees that are or intent to drive vehicles are required to complete a driver eligibility registration form.
Use Authorization of OARDC Vehicles: 1. Only authorized faculty, staff, students employed by The Ohio State University may operate an OARDC motor vehicle. 2. The vehicle is restricted for use on University business.
Neither undergraduate or graduate students are allowed to drive OARDC vehicles to out of state destinations or professional meetings unless accompanied by a faculty advisor. There are no exceptions to this rule. In the event that undergraduate or graduate students need to drive to out of state destinations, then it is recommended that a vehicle be rented from a commercial car rental agency and that appropriate insurance on this vehicle be purchased through the agency.
Driver Requirements and Responsibilities: 1. All drivers of OARDC vehicles must possess a valid Ohio, U.S., or Canadian driver's license and University ID. 2. All drivers of OARDC vehicles must be employed by The Ohio State University (receive an Ohio State University paycheck).
Eligible Drivers of OARDC Vehicles would include: 1. All full-time faculty, staff and graduate research and teaching associates. 2. All part-time or temporary staff or students who receive an OSU paycheck.
The Following are Not Eligible Drivers of OARDC Vehicles: 1. Emeritus professors unless they are employed by OARDC/OSU and receive an OSU paycheck. 2. Secrest Arboretum volunteers and similar volunteers. 3. Visiting professors and scientists, unless they receive an OSU paycheck and meet the driver requirements and responsibilities. 4. Graduate and undergraduate students, who do not receive and OSU paycheck. 5. USDA employees
Exception: For those persons indicated as not eligible to drive an OARDC vehicle, but have a need to use such a vehicle, they may petition the Director of OARDC by submitting a letter of request co-signed by an academic or service department chair or head and providing proof of insurance from a personal insurance carrier. Permission, if granted, must be renewed annually.
Questions related to this policy should be directed to either the Associate Director's office at OARDC (330-263-3703) or the Assistant to the Director of Facilities Services at OARDC (330-263-3915).
It has been brought to my attention that there is a high volume of traffic in the Secrest Arboretum area during the lunch hour. The Secrest Arboretum is ever increasing in popularity and so with the summer season and warm weather we all need to be alert to safe driving, biking, and walking habits. If you are walking the Secrest Arboretum, we ask that you walk opposing the traffic and fall into single file when traffic approaches. The University Police have been ask to provide additional patrols of the area and take appropriate measures to sure sage speed and driving habits of all vehicles. Your cooperation is appreciated in this matter and will help increase safety for all.
David A. Benfield
G.K. Ferrell
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