Written by: Sophie Downie Allen

@sophiecdownie

On October 21st, 2020, SMUSA announced on their Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages that Husky Patrol was returning to Saint Mary’s University (SMU). For those in the SMU community who were previously aware of this service, this announcement surely comes as good news. Yet, there are many students and faculty members at SMU who may be uninformed about what exactly Husky Patrol is. For anyone who is looking for information on how this service will operate in the coming months, this article will provide a thorough overview of SMUSA’s Husky Patrol, including the ways in which it has changed as a result of COVID-19.

Husky Patrol is an initiative that was started by SMUSA in order to provide SMU students, staff, and faculty with a safe ride to or from the university. The service offers both pick-ups and drop-offs throughout the Halifax Peninsula and is completely free of charge. Because it is free, it is a cost-effective alternative to driving, bussing or taking a taxi to or from the SMU campus. Additionally, Husky Patrol provides a safer alternative to walking for students who may stay on campus late and need to get home; this is less of a current issue, however, as SMU’s operations are still predominantly virtual. Previously, Husky Patrol was available to students throughout the week as well as on weekends. However, due to COVID-19, the service began operating on reduced hours; rides are now available through Husky Patrol from 3pm to 9pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Although the Fall 2020 term at Saint Mary’s is taking place entirely online, there are still reasons why students and faculty may need to get access to the SMU campus. The Homburg Centre is currently open to members from 8am-10pm on weekdays, which means that some students as well as staff will be visiting campus to use the athletic facilities. In addition to using the gym, students may also visit campus to study; the Patrick Power Library is open on a limited schedule, allowing students to book a space to study from 2pm-5pm on weekdays. Though these in-person amenities are not necessities, Husky Patrol allows students and staff to utilize them whilst also avoiding public transit, which is more susceptible to the spread of COVID-19. In this respect, Husky Patrol’s return during the Fall 2020 term sets a precedent for the rest of the school year by encouraging students and staff to travel to and from campus safely. This will become especially important during the Winter 2021 term, given SMU’s announcement that some classes and labs will be in person during this time.

Depending on whether you need to be picked up or dropped off at the Saint Mary’s campus, there are different procedures that must be followed in order to book a ride with Husky Patrol. If you are looking to get picked up at an off-campus location and dropped off at SMU, you are required to call the SMUSA Information Desk at (902) 496-8713 to request a ride. Once Husky Patrol has arrived, you must present a valid student, staff, or faculty ID to the driver. If you are looking to get picked up at SMU and dropped off at an off-campus location, you are required to visit the SMUSA Information Desk, which is located on the first floor of the O’Donnell Hennessey Student Centre to request a ride. When booking a drive in-person at the SMUSA Information Desk, you must also present a valid student, staff, or faculty ID to the receptionist. In either case, if you cannot present a valid student or faculty ID, you will not be able to book a ride with Husky Patrol unless you can show your registration receipt and another form of ID.

Like any other transportation service, there are a number of rules that must be followed by those who use Husky Patrol. It is essential that both the students and faculty members who choose to take advantage of this service follow the set of rules included on the Husky Patrol webpage. Ignoring these rules has the potential to create an unsafe situation for the driver and the passengers, especially in the midst of a pandemic. Some of the primary “rules of the road” that SMUSA outlines for Husky Patrol are as follows:

All passengers must be either a student or faculty member of Saint Mary’s, and as such, must have a valid SMU student, staff, or faculty ID.
No smoking or alcohol of any kind is permitted in the Husky Patrol van.
Passengers must wear a seatbelt at all times during their ride.
Abuse or harassment of any kind towards the driver or other passengers is not permitted.
Pick-ups at establishments that serve alcohol are not permitted, unless the passenger can provide proof of employment at the given establishment.
Passengers who are intoxicated will not be permitted to enter the van.

With regard to COVID-19, Husky Patrol does not have their own set of regulations that must be followed whilst in the van. Nevertheless, passengers and drivers are expected to abide by the health directives put into place by the Nova Scotian government with regard to COVID-19. Just like in a taxi or on public transit, passengers are required to wear a mask at all times in the vehicle. Students who want to utilize the service are also required to complete the campus check in and check out procedure that has been designed by SMU in order to monitor the spread of COVID-19. The check in and check out form can be accessed electronically through the Student Campus Check In & Out webpage on the Saint Mary’s University website. Checking in and out of campus is now a requirement for all students and faculty who visit Saint Mary’s University for any reason.
For the most updated information on Husky Patrol, make sure to visit SMUSA’s website and follow SMUSA on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. In the event of inclement weather, contact the SMUSA Information Desk at (902) 496-8713 for an advisory on whether the service will continue to operate.

Husky Patrol is Back: Everything You Need to Know

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