Sophomore parking policy raises questions, concerns

By Holly Manning
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

NU sophomore Edward Mikulski didn't know how lucky he really was when he came back to campus this fall. He is one of the few sophomores to get a parking permit on campus.

"We also have an increasing ... commuter student population that absolutely needs to have a place to park." -Schneider-

"I have a job in Connecticut, which is why I got a spot, and I have to commute to it on the weekends," said Edward Mikulski. "I wouldn't be able to do it if I didn't have a car."

Few sophomores are being allowed to have parking stickers this fall because of a lack of spaces, according to the administration.

"I'm pretty mad about it, because every other school I've heard of, sophomores can drive," said Ted Mikulski, 19, a sophomore architecture major from Rocky Hill, Conn. "There's a lot of land out here, and I think they can make a lot more parking lots."

Some additional parking changes this fall include the registration fee doubling from $25 to $50 and added parking spaces to the lot in front of Dewey's Laundry Service.

Dean of Students Martha Mathis said the class was notified last spring and reminded again by a letter this summer that the new rule would be enforced.

Some sophomores feel particularly let down.

"Last year's sophomores were allowed to have cars on campus, and I don't see a reason why we can't," said Amber Burnell, 20, a sophomore physical education major from Northfield, Vt.

Colorful Campus Norwich University, seen here from atop the former ski hill, is surrounded by the splendor of fall foliage. (Plourde photo)

According to Norwich President Richard Schneider, the university did a "complete inventory" of all the parking spaces, and because there were too few, a decision was made to eliminate the sophomore spots.

Sophomores feel the need to get off campus and away from college life, but find it difficult without a vehicle, said Karli King, 19, a sophomore mathematics major from Chester, Vt.

Some sophomores are finding it difficult, if not impossible, to maintain or get jobs off campus King said, adding that an offcampus job would help a great deal toward her tuition.

Lindsey Wells, 20, a junior business management major from Underhill, Vt., said that not having a vehicle makes it tough to maintain a job at home. She said that it put "distance" between herself and her family.

"I guess the way the university looks at it, is that it helps you out with your academics, but you still need money when you're in college," Wells said.

The sophomore class consists of about 300 students, and of that number, fewer than 50 have asked for a registration sticker, Mathis said, adding that fewer than 20 have received permission to have one.

Schneider said that parking will be reexamined again in January, and should things change, such as students leaving the university, he would make spaces available for more sophomores.

"We also have an increasing ... commuter student population that absolutely needs to have a place to park," Schneider said.

Some residential students who wanted their vehicles nearby have taken advantage of the courtesy of local landowners who have provided parking for these students at the landowners' expense, said Bizhan Yahyazadeh, director of facilities operations. Yahyazadeh, said that the University used to have about 180 parking spaces for commuters, and they have increased the amount to 212 spaces.

Registration fees not only increased; they doubled, going from $25 to $50. The registration fee has "been under-priced for years," said Michael Abraham, Chief of Security. "If you take the number of days you have your car on campus and divide it by 50, it's a bargain."

The registration money "helps university roads, repair parking lots and maintaining these parking lots," Yahyazadeh said.

The university is also using some of that money to help purchase surveillance cameras.

"We are in the process of purchasing about $10,000 worth of surveillance camera equipment, because I was getting more and more concerned about students who are having their cars broken into," said Schneider.

Some students and faculty agree where that extra parking money should be spent.

Spanish Professor Stewart Robertson said more parking is needed for everyone: students, faculty and staff. The money, he said, made by the registration fee should only be used toward the "development of parking."

Parking shortage is an issue at just about every college and university, Abraham said, adding that at NU "part of the long range plan is to have some more parking spots."

The Norwich Guidon is a twice-monthly student newspaper distributed at Norwich University. It provides laboratory experience for students in the Communications program. Claims asserted by letter writers, editorials and other articles do not represent the positions of Norwich University. The Norwich Guidon welcomes signed letters to the editor. They should be no longer than 300 words. Unsigned letters will not be printed, but names may be withheld upon worthy request. All letters are subject to editing for length and good taste. Mailing address: The Norwich Guidon, Communications Center, Norwich University, Northfield, VT 056632. www.norwich.edu/guidon. If you have any questions or comments about the paper, please contact Professor Ken Bush at kbush@norwich.edu.