CLAS Van Pool FAQ

Do faculty have to travel with the students for fieldtrips and research?
It is expected that GVSU CLAS faculty will travel with their students and take responsibility for the vans.

Who is eligible to use the vanpool?
All GVSU CLAS departments require the use of a van to transport faculty and students to a specific event, conduct a class at a remote location, or transport students or gear to their remote research locations.  

Is there a cost to use a van?
The college provides daily van rentals for curriculum needs first.  Once our primary curriculum needs are met, then other CLAS departments may schedule the van pool for use. 

How do I reserve a van?
Email [email protected]

What should I do if the van breaks down or if we are in an accident?
Call Merchants Fleet roadside assistance hotline 877-870-4999 

Is there roadside assistance for the van?
Call Merchants Fleet roadside assistance hotline 877-870-4999

Do students need to sign a waiver to ride in the van?
No, they do not. 

Who is allowed to drive the van?
Anyone over 21 years of age with a valid State of Michigan driver's license may drive a vehicle. All drivers must register with the GVSU CLAS motor pool; the college staff will validate their application. All drivers are required to take an online orientation through Blackboard and pass a driver's background check from GVSU Public Safety. 

Do I need a special license to drive a 15-passenger van?
No, you do not need a special license to drive a college van. 

How do I pay for gas?
For local day trips, the college will have staff refill gas tanks. The college provides this service because it understands that faculty might not have time to refuel while trying to prepare for their next class or meeting.  For multiday trips, the department the faculty works for is required to fill the vehicle with department credit cards while on their trip and return the vehicle with a full tank of gas when done with the trip.

How many miles per gallon do the vans get? 
23 MPG

How many people does a van hold? Is there room for bags or equipment?
The van holds 15 passengers and limited gear. If extensive gear is needed, then please consider fewer people riding in the cab of the vehicle. 

What types of activities can I use a van for?
Educational, Research 

How long can I borrow a van?
These vans mainly focus on day trips. Overnights can be reserved with college approval. 

Will I be covered under the university’s insurance while driving a van? Will I need a rider with my personal insurance?
If you are in good standing and a licensed driver, the university covers the vehicle's liability, and an additional personal rider will not be necessary. 

Can I borrow a van for personal use?
Unfortunately, these Vans are meant for college business only. 

Can a non-GVSU employee drive the van?
We prefer only staff and university students to drive vans for field trips.  

Can the vans be taken out of state or to Canada?
Yes, the vans can travel out of state or to Canada with pre-approval from the CLAS department for research or curriculum.

Do I need to pay the tolls when traveling in the CLAS vans out of state?
No, the vans have toll readers in the CLAS vans. If it is not on the windshield or the dashboard, please check the glove compartment.

Who do I contact after hours if a key is missing from the lockbox or my van is not in the KHS parking lot?
Call Aaron Perry at (616) 890-0434