The fall semester has just begun and parking is already becoming a nightmare for students.
Just in the first two weeks, Western Carolina University parking operations have issued 631 citations and 141 wheel-locks.
“I’d advise anyone looking at those numbers to consider those numbers in context,” Associate Director of Parking Operations Matishia Taylor said in an email. “The first few weeks we dismiss many of these citations and wheel-lock fees as we meet with students. It’s our goal to educate students on where they can and cannot park, without being overly punitive. We enforce early so that campus remains orderly, and everyone who paid for a permit has a safe place to park.”
WCU commuter student Laney McNeal said there is not enough space in the commuter lots. With construction taking place at the Ramsey lot, she said finding a spot and getting to class on time can be a challenge.
“I think that there’s not enough space to park at the commuter lots, “ NcNeal said. ”That’s very annoying because you’re trying to get to your class on time, and you have to go to the parking garage.”
Taylor said the parking deck has not reached capacity since the beginning of the semester. Despite the busy start of the semester and student complaints, there are still parking spots for commuters. WCU also added a commuter express Cat Tran that operates between the parking deck and the University Center.
The designated commuter parking areas include the Parking Deck, the Fieldhouse, the Creek, and HHS lots. Commuters may also park in faculty and staff parking areas after 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and throughout the weekend.
The Student Government Association President Grady Jones said that parking is one of the main things that students complain about quite frequently.
“Parking is one thing that students always complain about,” said Jones. “There are a couple of things that, regardless of what the university landscape looks like, it’s pretty consistent feedback you get from all student bodies. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it seriously or react to it, but dining, parking, and housing, those are always top of the concerns.”
Students who get a ticket or are booted can appeal using the T-2 Parking portal within 14 days of the citation. All appeals go through SGA and your student senators can help.
