LeNie A. Adolphson lenieadolphson@hotmail.com
After circling through the double-decker parking lot adjacent to Faner, I screamed. Here it was 12:40 p.m., I had been here since 12:30 p.m. and still no space. I had a 1:00 p.m. class with an instructor who doesn't tolerate students being one minute late. What would I do? Students were like vultures waiting for someone to exit their parking spaces. Yet, below us in the lower deck there were empty spaces that were prohibited to students. In my frustration, I drove to the parking lot across from the Student Center, guess what I faced: the same crisis. Now it's 12:50 p.m. I'm starting to panic. There isn't a space and I can't get out. There is a long line of cars blocking me in a frantic search to find a space. We are nervously gazing at our watches since it's now 12:54 p.m.
All kinds of thoughts are entering my mind; should I skip class? Should I risk getting a ticket? Maybe I should've taken the bus, but no I can't. I've got 10 things to do after class, the bus would've taken me forever. I finally get out of the lot, but it's now 12:57 p.m. I know I won't make it. I glance across the street - everything is filled. I decided to skip class. I don't want to face the humiliation of being reprimanded and forced to leave class for arriving at 1:02 p.m. As I pass the lower deck to go home, I notice those empty spaces - the privileged blue spaces - that I'm not permitted to park in. Later, I learn there was a pop quiz in class and there isn't a chance for a make-up. SIUC students who drive have all experienced this scenario. There is a parking problem at SIU.
I discussed my frustrations with Brian Mager, administrator of parking enforcement. I found Mr. Mager to be sensitive to the parking problems on campus and willing to discuss them. Mr. Mager admitted there wasn't ever going to be a perfect solution that would make everyone happy. He acknowledged that there is a parking problem here on campus. He calls it a "convenient parking problem." I think it's more of the students being treated as second-class citizens. Students are not allowed to purchase blue decals, therefore the parking remains segregated. It is true that staff and faculty pay twice the amount students pay for red decals, however, students are not given an opportunity to purchase blue decals at the higher cost. Next, the real issue is with the University's effort to retain students at SIUC. It would seem there would be a serious effort made to make parking friendlier and less punitive. It is imperative that those who are in positions of authority making key decisions regarding parking to rethink their policies.
Some measures Mr. Mager and I discussed would be helpful, such as employing a shuttle service to transport students, and spreading some class out to after 4 p.m. when parking availability is more accessible. Additionally, we as students also have options. There is the Saluki Express - which by the way we are already paying for, whether we use it or not. As students, you have rights and a voice. There are avenues in which you can be heard, such as through the Graduate Association or Undergraduate Student Association. There are meetings with various committees that handle these matters. The current parking policies were approved by the Traffic and Parking Committee and forwarded to the vice chancellor for approval. If you are disturbed about parking here on campus: get involved. Attend the next Traffic and Parking Committee, state your grievances and make suggestions.
We are not merely spectators here, this is our University too. We need to ask questions, such as what is done with all the revenue that is generated from parking tickets? How many tickets are issued to faculty and visitors? Payment of parking tickets is almost guaranteed if you're a student. If you haven't paid them and you receive financial aide, that money will be deducted or you will be denied your transcripts. Since we are all being encouraged to be critical thinkers by our instructors, we should analyze the real reason why more parking spaces are unavailable. Is it to compel students to park illegally and therefore generate revenue for the University? Additionally, if you are given a ticket, you can and should appeal if you feel that it was given without cause. As a student, I resent not being able to park in blue spaces while faculty can park in red or blue spaces. Color-coded signs may seem insignificant or trivial but when a grade is contingent upon whether you are tardy or punctual, those things can be crucial. Again, it's not just a parking issue, it's a second-class citizenship issue.
Raising Eyebrows appears on Monday. LeNie is a sophomore in social work. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Egyptian.
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
