The West Georgian

Issue date: 1/31/07 Section: News

With all the new and exciting changes on our campus over the past few years, the one thing students want to change the most is parking. It is the main reason why students are late to class and the biggest cause of frustration on campus. In efforts to alleviate the problems with parking and transportation, the University is preparing to update its' Facilities Master Plan, which will take a closer look at finding solutions to this never ending problem.

The University has created a survey to give insight into the perceptions of the current parking situation and how it can improve. The UWG Parking and Transportation Survey, open to all enrolled students, faculty, staff and community members, is now available online at www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB2263AAPNBJD. The survey will be available until Friday, Feb. 2.

Along with the survey, a committee comprised of faculty, staff, students and community members will give UWG students the opportunity to have their voices heard. The Parking Committee has planned two open town hall meetings, which will take place on Monday Feb, 12 at 3:30 p.m. in TLC 1303 and Tuesday Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. in TLC 1301. These meetings will let students learn more about the current situations and help committee members strategize ways to improve the problem.

"I think the open town hall meeting is a great idea and will give students a chance to voice their opinions about how the parking situation on campus is a little over crowded. I know a lot of people including myself who have to work their schedule around parking just so they can be on time and even if you get to campus early, there is still a chance of being late," says UWG senior Chris Guttery Dunn.

There will also be a meeting on Monday Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. at City Hall for the Carrollton community to give its' input.

"It is important for the committee to make recommendations after taking into consideration the concerns and suggestions of students, faculty, staff and community members. There is never just one solution to any issue and open communication is the best avenue to discuss options and opportunities," says Lisa Ledbetter, Parking committee member and UWG Director of Communications and Marketing.

Parking and transportation problems cannot be fixed overnight, however many students feel the survey and meetings are a big step in the right direction. For more information, contact Mike Renfrow, assistant vice president for campus planning and facilities at 678- 839-6385.

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