Dog days of parking
1st of semester proves tough
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Photo by Casey Ferguson Mesa Legend |
| Students were forced to park their cars on the grass because of the shortage of parking places. |
Nicole Ellis
Contributing Writer The Mesa Community College’s Office of Student Life and Leadership ran out of parking permits during the first week of classes.
Only 5,000 parking decals were ordered to be dispersed between the Kirk Center, Campus Security, and the Red Mountain campus. Some of Red Mountain’s permits were sent back to the Southern and Dobson location to help with the shortage.
“We rely on them for parking permits,” Greg Reents, the Director of Student Life and Leadership, said referring to the College Safety Department. This unexpected lack of permits has caused the Student Life Center to be overwhelmed with students in need of parking decals.
“Five thousand more are on their way,” Supervisor of College Safety, Paul Springall said. The College Safety Department is in charge of ordering and dispersing permits.
Students may not be aware that parking permits last five years and they are absolutely free. Springall estimated that many permits went to students who already had one, leaving those who are in need, empty-handed.
“I had no idea they last five years,” Sandy Pilcher said. Pilcher is one of many students who have been unable to get a permit this semester.
Springall also commented on the amount of traffic and unavailable parking on campus. He believes it is because students are spending time on campus they would not normally spend, with buying books and getting situated with the fall semester. He said the first few weeks are the worst; the parking situation can only get better as the semester goes on.
“It’s all about timing. Get here early enough and there is no need to worry,” Matt Gibas said. Gibas leaves an hour before his class to make sure he finds a good parking space.
“There’s never a parking spot,” Khrista Jackson said. She has a 7:30 a.m. class, and if she is running late, it is impossible for her to find a space in time before class.
Since last year, parking fines have increased. Parking fines range from $5 to $50. Not displaying your permit is a $30 fine, but it can be waived. Bring the parking ticket to the College Safety Department and pick up a permit. Springall said the majority of the time the fine will be waived if you show your permit.
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