Student shuttle drivers balance work, school

Many students ride GC&SU shuttles to and from school every day, but they may not realize that the shuttle driver just might be the person sitting next to them in class.

“When I see students in class that have ridden on my shuttle they think it’s kind of humorous,” said Toby Bowen, a junior business management major who is a shuttle driver this semester.

Currently, there are three student shuttle drivers. These drivers are only allowed to work part time at 19 hours a week, as defined by the Human Resource Department.

Darryl Richardson, GC&SU shuttle supervisor, said that whether a driver is full or part time, the hourly pay is the same.

Richardson said the most important qualifications for student drivers are good grades and safe driving records. Richardson only hires students that have a minimum of a 3.0 grade point average.

“I want them to be responsible and concentrate on their studies,” Richardson said.

Richardson said he thinks it is important to have student shuttle drivers because students need money, they are readily available because they live on or near campus, and because the job offers students good experience to put on a resume.

“Driving as a part- time job allows the students to learn to handle school and a job,” Richardson said.

Mike Demarest, a sophomore English major, rides the shuttle to class from Bobcat Village almost every day.

“If the student drivers pass a test or if they are legally allowed to drive a shuttle then I guess I don’t mind whether or not we have student drivers,” Demarest said.

Before anyone becomes a GC&SU shuttle driver he or she must meet extensive qualifications. The applicant must drive no less than 100 hours under a fully certified driver with no other passengers on board. Drivers must also pass a three part written test. The test requires the driver to be knowledgeable with both the vehicle and rules of the road. The driver must also be familiar with the Georgia Commercial Driver’s Manuel and obtain a commercial drivers license.

Richardson reviews his student drivers’ class schedule before each semester to coordinate their work schedules. He also gives the student drivers at least one day off a week in order for that student to devote time to studying.

“I make it a point to talk to each student driver about how they are doing in their classes and I make sure that the student is handling everything alright,” Richardson said.

Bowen said he likes working for Richardson because of the flexible schedule, and he generally enjoys driving.

“I had previous experience driving and I like getting to meet new people. That is why I chose this job,” Bowen said.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Jan 20 2006. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry