Courtney Liddell
Staff writer
Shorter’s student enrollment is continuously growing. In fact, the class of 2015 is the largest class in history. Unfortunately, the growing student population is causing parking on the Hill to become limited. This problem is causing frustration for both commuter and resident students.
From residents of Bass Village parking in the commuter section to students parking on the grass, students are seeking alternative methods to solve their troubles of finding a parking space. While these methods seem to bring relief to the problem, it might end up financially costing in the end.
According to campus safety, students who are caught committing any of the violations mentioned above will be issued a $20 fine.
Students are in agreement that parking is a problem on campus, but some commuter and resident students have different opinions about whether resident students should be able to park in the commuter section.
Steve Straley, freshman biology major and Bass resident, finds it convenient and sometimes necessary to park in the commuter section.
“Sometimes the resident parking spots are already taken, and I don’t feel like parking at Bass and walking up the Hill.”
Sara Fletcher, sophomore early childhood education major and commuter, disagrees. She believes there are other options.
“Instead of moving their cars to commuter parking, students that live on campus should take advantage of the shuttle buses.”
Is there a solution that will accommodate both commuter and resident students?
Joshua Arnold, director of residence life and student conduct, agrees the parking is an issue on campus and measures are being taken to solve the problem.
“With such limited space and a growing student population, parking is undoubtedly a difficult issue on our campus,” said Arnold. “Zone parking is not a perfect solution for everyone, as the residents at Bass Village have experienced, but it has brought needed organization to the chaos of a growing parking shortage.”
With the addition of the new residence hall soon, Arnold is hopeful students will have a variety of housing and parking selections available.
