The University maintains a motor pool for official local, in-state, or out-of-state travel. These can be reserved at Fleet Management (https://fleetmanagement.utk.edu/ ), but should be done only with the approval of the major professor.
The Department also has several vehicles for local and in-state travel. Vehicles from either source may be reserved on an “as available” basis, but the major professor must approve all use of university vehicles. Furthermore, authorization to use university vehicles is a privilege afforded graduate students who (1) possess a valid driver’s license, and (2) are employed by the University, or are officially designated as a “Friend of UT” through a formal process. The State Board of Claims will not receive or consider claims for injuries sustained in state-owned vehicles by unauthorized passengers or drivers, or during unauthorized vehicle use. Student employees who drive state-owned vehicles and are concerned with their personal risk exposure in this area are advised to contact their insurance agent regarding the procedures for including the desired non-owned automobile liability coverage in their existing private automobile insurance.
Departmental vehicles should be reserved in advance at the departmental office, with clear designation of the vehicle being reserved, the time period for which it is reserved, and the name and cellphone number of the person reserving it. It is expected that the vehicle will be returned on time, in clean condition, and with at least a half-tank of fuel. In addition, any maintenance or service issues related to the vehicle must be reported to the Departmental Office or the Shop Supervisor. Failure to comply with any of these expectations may lead to revocation of driving privileges.
It is expected that the driver will observe all traffic rules and regulations. Fines and penalties resulting from violation of traffic rules will be at the offender’s expense and will precipitate a strong reprimand, possibly including suspension of driving privileges. Graduate students must demonstrate to their major professor the ability to handle certain vehicles before being allowed to operate those vehicles.