SGA considers parking improvement

On-campus parking often frustrates students who have a hard time finding a place to park.

Parking Services Manager Kent R. Frazier said there is more than enough parking on campus, and there are no plans to change anything about the current parking setup, despite numerous protests from students.

Junior Jennifer Wilson said she hates having to park far away from her classes. "It seems like the cars never move," she said.

Parking near the middle of campus was always horrible.  Most people are lucky if they get a spot near the Center for Human Performance, recent ASU graduate Donell Harris said.

One student does not feel the same way.

"Parking here is generally pretty good, especially when compared to larger campuses", junior Erin Ellis said. "The only problem is usually the beginning of semesters."

The Student Government Association is not ignoring the problem.  

 As of right now SGA is working on a plan to possibly get more parking closer to the main campus, Romo said.

"We have plenty of parking places right now," Frazier said. "It may not be convenient, but we have parking lots that are not being utilized. To say we do not have enough parking is not an accurate statement."

Student body President Hector Romo said he agreed with Mr. Frazier's statement.

"I do know that there are more parking spots on campus than there are cars registered with the university," Romo said.

However, the biggest complaint about parking that the SGA receives is that the campus does not have enough parking, Romo said.  

The issue may be more closely related to students having to walk from further away from their classes, Romo said.

Both Romo and Frazier cited the parking lots near the Junell Center on Varsity Drive as largely unused.

Currently parking is set up in zones, Frazier said. "A parking is for faculty and staff, B parking is for commuter students, and C parking is for students who live on campus."

"There are two reserved lots that are referred to as D parking," Frazier said.  Those lots are reserved for off-campus students who commute and they are guaranteed a spot in that particular lot between 7:30 a.m and 3 p.m.

One of the D lots is located on Dena St. by the Academic building, and the second lot is located on the west side of the Carr Education and Fine Arts building, Frazier said.

Any plans approved by the SGA regarding parking will be sent to Dr. Valerio, who will then send the proposition to President Joseph C. Rallo, who will then assign the project, Romo said.