SNAP sports new safety features

This year, S.N.A.P. has made some major changes in order to make the organization more accessible by students.

“S.N.A.P. has changed a lot since it first appeared on our campus in the 90s,” Lt. Greg Williams said. “Students can actually call and request a ride now instead of having to wait on one.”

For the first time, SNAP now has its own golf carts as well. In the past, funding has been low for the organization, and they have borrowed golf carts.

“Thanks to more year-end funding this year, we were able to purchase golf carts that have our logo on them. We are much more identifiable to students now, on and off campus,” Williams said.

Submitted by Greg Williams

In addition to driving more students than ever this year, S.N.A.P has also undergone other changes including paid staff positions and new golf carts.

Students are taking full advantage of S.N.A.P. this semester. According to the Public Safety Department, there have been 1,203 escorts this semester. Each of these trips have aided in helping almost 2,700 students get from one part of campus (or downtown) to another.

Sophomore undeclared major Roxy Russell said she thinks S.N.A.P. is an excellent service to the GCSU community.

“Without S.N.A.P., I feel that a lot of students would find themselves in trouble on Thursday nights,” Russell said.

In addition, S.N.A.P. officers are paid this year for all student volunteers, which made it more competitive for students to become a driver for the organization.

“We had over 50 applicants for six positions this year,” Williams said. “Thankfully now that S.N.A.P. is a paid position, we can hold those who do manage to become a S.N.A.P. driver more accountable.”

S.N.A.P. also experienced its first incident this semester. Two adult males, estimated to be around 20 years old, were seen riding around on a golf cart rented from Golf Cart City, picking up students and driving them to their destination. Originally intended to transport barbecue from one location to another, the two then began using the vehicle to pick up students. The two males had allegedly been drinking as well.

“Luckily there were no accidents that occurred from the incident,” Williams said. “The best advice I can give to our students is to make sure that the golf cart drivers are wearing a green polo and khaki pants. The golf cart will also have our logo written along the side. We’re also looking into getting ID badges for each of the students to wear, just to further ensure the safety of the students.”

S.N.A.P. and other dispatchers from Public Safety are also trying to help students with disabilities get around campus. The organization has been in partnership with Mike Chambers, assistant director of institutional equity and diversity and disability services, in helping these students whenever possible.

Freshman undeclared major Tyler Kone is also thankful for transportation that S.N.A.P. is providing.

“S.N.A.P. got me safely and conveniently from Irwin Street to Parkhurst (Hall),” Kone said. “Without it, I would have had to walk all the way there in the middle of the night.”

If you need a ride, call (478)445-SNAP. Their hours of operation are Mondays and Tuesdays from 8 p.m. to midnight, and Wednesdays through Fridays from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m.

“We don’t have a large demand yet on weekends because GCSU has traditionally been a ‘suitcase college.’ Maybe now that we are starting to steer away from that, we will begin offering rides on the weekends as well,” Williams said.

Posted by ConnorJohnson on Sep 24 2010. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.