Winthrop warns student athletes that indoor scootering now risk conduct board actions due to rising safety concerns.
By Maurion Jamison
Staff Writer
Sports
Winthrop University officials in the athletics department have announced a strict crackdown on students riding scooters inside the coliseum. The decision, framed as a safety precaution, comes after multiple reports of near-collisions and disruptive behavior during athletic events and practices.
The announcement was delivered via email through ARMS software to student-athletes by Claire Kurtz, Assistant Athletic Director for Academic and Student Services.
“Scooters are not to be ridden inside the coliseum for any reason,” Kurtz said. “This is a safety issue as you could hurt yourself or others. There have already been a few close calls.”
Administrators within the department cited concerns that riding scooters inside the coliseum is a safety issue as you could hurt yourself or someone walking. Effective immediately, if the issue persists, any student caught riding a scooter inside the coliseum will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct for disciplinary review under the university motorized personal transport policy.
This policy shift has sparked some confusion among student-athletes, many of whom rely on scooters to travel quickly between classes, dorms, and training facilities. For athletes juggling tight schedules and long distances, scooters have become an essential part of daily campus life, like for Winthrop student and web development major Shadrach Nvodjo.
“For me my scooter has been my source of transportation since I came to Winthrop,” Nvodjo said. “To be honest I understand why they are cracking down on it, but for people like me with no transportation besides their scooter it is going to be a tough adjustment.”
Despite the backlash, university staff inside the coliseum remain firm in their stance, emphasizing that the rule is about prevention. The conduct board referral is intended as a deterrent, not a default punishment, according to university sources. First-time offenders may receive warnings, but repeat violations could result in formal hearings and sanctions.
The coliseum, which hosts many sporting events and other major events, sees heavy foot traffic throughout the week. As the semester progresses, the impact of the new policy will likely shape broader conversations about transportation and accessibility. But for now, scooters must stay parked outside the coliseum.
