Losing next month’s stipend after being asked to resign as a co-director of DDS- $125.
Damaging bumper of DDS van by crashing into carport near Duck’s Village – $300.
Driving around Portland for four days in a van that has been reported stolen on University students’ dime – priceless.
There are some things in life incidental fees can’t buy. But it seems the co-directors of the Designated Driver Shuttle have found plenty of ways to mismanage our money, resulting in the current suspension of the shuttle service.
Many students rely on DDS for a safe ride home after nights of partying. But during the last year, DDS has rightfully come under fire after several incidents: On April 3, a student reported dispatchers were drinking in the DDS office while on duty. On Sept. 22, a janitor found empty alcohol containers in the trash in the DDS office, causing ASUO officials to place the organization on probation. During winter break, co-Director Luke Ettinger took a van to Mount Pisgah (outside of DDS’ normal operating area). Also during winter break, DDS driver Eric Raney took a van with a damaged bumper to Portland with plans to fix the $300 in damage he had caused before he returned the van (which had been reported stolen by this time), and Raney received a citation from Eugene police for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle that was later dropped because he didn’t have a prior arrest record.
Did you follow that? We are astounded that these shenanigans transpired. We are even more surprised that they were allowed to continue.
At first, we suspected that old grudges between DDS and the Assault Prevention Shuttle motivated the scrutiny of DDS. But, the actions of the DDS co-directors and the employees they were charged with overseeing have been incorrigible.
Although DDS is temporarily off-line, hindering students’ transportation, we commend the ASUO Executive for following through with its discipline of this organization. A more closely monitored shuttle service is needed to keep passengers safe and protect our investment in DDS.
Under this new supervision, DDS should be strictly confined to operating in the area around campus. Drivers and navigators should be required to keep detailed and accurate mileage logs that are periodically reviewed by DDS management and ASUO officials, at least for a probationary period. Drivers should eliminate late-night visits to feed drunk passengers at Taco Bell. These measures will provide accountability and ensure that incidental fees aren’t being wasted on van maintenance arising from maintenance logged while on non-official trips.
These incidents not only make DDS look bad, but paint a portrait of University students as irresponsible. We hope change comes swiftly and effectively to DDS.

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