Chances are if you have a 10 a.m. class, you might be experiencing a difficult time finding a parking space these past two weeks. That is, unless you enjoy walking long distances on cold days with snow and ice underfoot.
It’s no new story that there seems to be a shortage of premium parking spots at the MWSU campus at the beginning of each term. Thus far, the start of the semester has been playing out like a broken record. At 7 a.m. the campus parking lots resemble a church on Friday nights. But by 9:45 a.m. the lots are full, leaving students swarming around them like vultures circling their prey, looking for an empty spot. Or worse yet, an unsuspecting student walking to their car, in which they are practically ran over in the attempt to snatch an upcoming vacant spot.
The shortage of premium parking spaces not only affects students, it also affects faculty. “The only problems I have had are at the beginning of the school year when students take up faculty parking spots and during special events, such as the Governor’s visit,” Associate Professor of Physics Michael Ottinger said. “However, the parking committee does a good job informing us of the events so that we can plan ahead.”
Due to recent snowfall, it has been difficult at times to judge where the yellow and white lines are. The snowfall also has eliminated a few spots from each lot, as they are currently housing massive snow piles as opposed to vehicles.
Remember, according to MWSU parking regulations, the registration of a vehicle authorizes parking on the Missouri Western State University campus for that vehicle. It does not guarantee a parking space. The lack of a space is not considered a valid excuse for violating regulations.
To cut down on the stress of finding a parking spot, try carpooling with another person. The quality time you spend in the car engaging in conversation with each other will not only save you cell phone time, it will improve your interpersonal relationships. Your communications instructor will thank you.
If you live in the dorm, try walking to class. The exercise will be good for you, and you will save money not spent on gas.
To free up more spaces, try to park between the lines, not on them. Remember they are there as a guideline. It’s not Pac-Man; you don’t have to eat the lines. To save yourself time and money, park in your proper assigned lot. Just remember, “Park in white, no ticket in sight…park in yellow, you’ll hear the parking Gestapo bellow.”
Parking is restricted to lined spaces. Motor vehicles must be parked within the boundaries of these lined spaces. Between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, students, part-time employees and contract employees must park in unmarked white-lined general parking spaces. Full-time faculty and staff must park in yellow-lined spaces marked RESERVED. After 4:30 pm and on weekends/holidays, all parking spaces in general parking lots, which include lots A, B, C, E, F, G, H, J and K, along with visitor’s spaces, will be available for general parking.
Resident students are restricted to parking in appropriate sections of lot E, F, H, E and O between 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday from the first day of classes in the fall semester through the last day of finals in the spring semester.
A complete list of parking regulations are available at Parking and Security Services office which is located in Blum Union 100, right next to Barnes & Noble Bookstore. They can be reached at (816) 271-5666.
Filed under: Lifestyles |