Vehicles Leaving Campus Roads

Statement 

This policy was developed to establish clear guidelines around vehicle use on College property. The ultimate purpose is to protect the safety of the MHC community and preserve the environment. 

Scope / Responsibilities

This policy applies to all departments and divisions and covers all roadways on College property. All students, employees, alums, vendors, contractors and guests must comply with this policy. 

For enforcement of policy:

• Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer

For oversight of policy:

• Vice President for Finance & Administration and Treasurer 

For procedures implementing policy:

• Associate Vice President for Facilities Management

Policy 

Introduction

The purpose of this policy is to protect the safety of all MHC community members, the public and to preserve the environment.

Policy statement

No vehicles, other than those operated by Facilities Management, Public Safety and Service, Town Fire, Police or other emergency response personnel or contractors approved by Facilities Management are permitted to leave campus roads to drive or park on any pedestrian way or unpaved area.

Unauthorized driving or parking on pedestrian ways, grounds, and other unpaved areas can create safety hazards for MHC community members or result in other serious adverse impacts including obstructing accessibility, obstructing emergency response vehicles, endangering wildlife, polluting the environment, damaging trees and other vegetation and potential property or critical infrastructure damage.

Policy Violations 

Violations of college policies are adjudicated according to procedures outlined in the Student Handbook and the Staff Handbook, with disciplinary consequences imposed by the adjudicating authority up to and including dismissal. Some offenses are punishable under state and federal laws.

Procedures 

Public Safety and Service, Facilities Management, Police, Fire, Ambulance and other emergency responders and contractors authorized by Facilities Management may drive off of campus roads when needed to perform essential work or respond to emergencies. 

With the exception of emergencies and critical work done by the Grounds Department and Botanical Garden, operations must be evaluated in advance to determine if the work can be accomplished without driving or parking on pedestrian ways or unpaved areas. Consult with the Grounds Supervisor to determine the least damaging route. 

Any event, vendor, delivery or other activity that may involve driving or parking on a pedestrian way or unpaved surface must be approved in advance by Facilities Management. This includes those planned or hosted by Alum Association, Athletics, Dining Services, Events Services, Student Life or any other College department. Contact Facilities Management by email (facilities@mtholyoke.edu) or call 413-538-2012. In order to prevent damage to underground infrastructure and protect waterways and the environment, be prepared with the following information when making the request:

• Event/activity description and reason why vehicle must access an area off of a campus road
• Vehicle description (make, model, weight)
• Cargo description (Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must accompany all chemical products – the College reserves the right to prohibit any chemical or material at any time)
• Confirmation that the vehicle will be registered by the Public Safety and Service Parking Office

Under no circumstance will any vehicle that is leaking oil or any other fluid be permitted. In all instances, vehicles and equipment must be operated in a controlled and responsible manner with full attention to the safety of the community, protection of the environment and preservation of property. 

Definitions 

These definitions apply to terms as they are used in this policy. 

Campus: All properties owned and managed by Mount Holyoke College

Campus Roads: All College roads that are meant for motor vehicle traffic

MHC Community: All students, faculty, staff, alums and visitors to Mount Holyoke College
 

Related Information :

Facilities Management: For approval to operate vehicles off of campus roads in 

accordance with this policy and to report any issue with campus grounds, buildings or non-emergency 

safety concern

Public Safety and Service: For immediate reporting of any emergency (413-538-2304 

or 911) and for enforcement of motor vehicle violations in order to protect the 

community 

Parking Office: For registration of all vehicles parked on campus in accordance with the Regulations 

for Vehicle Registration, Parking and Traffic