Public Safety changed its parking policy for the Spring 2022 semester. The change allows all students to park on campus in lots A, B, C, D and E during the day including residential students who were restricted from parking on campus from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday during Fall 2021.

The announcement was made in an email to students Jan. 6. The new parking policy went into effect Jan. 10. 

According to the email from University Communications, the new policy is still a pilot program, and “the new parking regulations will be reviewed at the end of the Spring Semester to determine continued viability.” 

Residential students who were not allowed to park on campus from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Fall 2021 were required to either ride the bus or find another way to campus such as walking. 

Residential students on campus such as staff writer Abby Sink voiced their concerns about the bus and parking policy at the end of the Fall 2021 semester. The Student Government Association signed a letter of support on Nov. 29, 2021, proposing solutions for the parking and transportation issue on campus.

After the letter of support was signed, President Rochon announced Dec. 13 2021 in an email to students that all students would be allowed to park on campus Dec. 13, 2021 through Dec. 17, 2021. He said the university was working on a plan related to parking for Spring 2021. 

“Additionally, I’d like to acknowledge the Student Government Association for raising concerns and suggesting solutions related to busing and want to let students know we are closely monitoring bus ridership and will consider weather and needs as the Spring Semester begins,” said Rochon in the email. 

Anna Ardelean, president of SGA, said at the first SGA meeting Thursday she was proud of SGA for its role in expressing student concerns.

“You met with constituents, heard their concerns, debated solutions and formulated a good official response,” Ardelean said. “I  understand that this policy change is not solely because of SGA, but our letter most certainly helped. So, thank you all, and thank you to The Shield…for publishing articles about that topic as well.”