With the new school year now fully underway, students and faculty are back on campus in numbers, swarming sidewalks and parking lots.
The struggle to find a good parking spot can be real, especially this semester, with several lots being closed due to ongoing construction.
Commuters, in particular, seem to be affected the most by the recent parking lot changes.
Being a commuter myself, I have personally experienced the struggle to find a close spot as the lots near Graham Stadium fill up faster each passing day.
Lot 4 near the the Paul Meek Library was changed to a staff-only parking lot with the lot changing to non-designated at 3 p.m. Lot 13 at Cooper Hall is now non-commuter parking 24/7.
Scott Robbins, director of Public Safety, said after the completion of the Latimer STEM building, there won’t be much, if any, of Lot 12 left.
“The STEM building is going to take much of that lot, there will be a green area with some loading docks,” Robbins said.
Robbins said that he has even been impacted by the recent lot closures.
“[Before the closures] I could leave at lunch and come back. Now, if I can’t find a parking spot, I have to go across campus and park over, but that’s no big deal.”
“If you’re a commuter, plan ahead. Try not to come in at the last second, and just park where you can and where you’re allowed to park.”
Robbins also encourages students to take the annual parking survey, which is given every October to determine ways to improve parking across campus.
Although the recent parking changes are inconvenient, it’s something that’s beyond the control of Public Safety. Though I despise the fact I have to walk further distances to get to class in the sweet Southern heat, I understand that in order for UTM to continue growing; buildings must be renovated, demolished and constructed for future generations of Skyhawks.
Although some days you won’t enjoy walking across campus to class, or hearing backhoes and beepy things, just remember, it’s a great day to be a Skyhawk.
