By Ellie Heider
As students return to campus from winter break, many are wondering why the parking lot has become overcrowded during the first couple weeks of classes.
According to Sasha Santiago, director of campus safety, parking is usually full on the first few days of a semester due to students settling in and getting registered.
74 new parking passes were given out this semester as Santiago believed this number was expected.
Anthony Mendoza-Diaz, a junior majoring in informatics, expressed his concerns about the situation as a commuter.
“It has been frustrating to find parking with this weather,” he said. “Resident students are taking up spots where commuters are allowed to park, but their lots are empty.”
It may seem like there are more cars on campus than in previous years since residents had to park in the parking garage due to the snow removal in lots they normally park in.
Due to the campus parking capacity, campus security is issuing more tickets this semester.
Santiago also wants to make sure the enforcement process raises compliance in the permit requirement.
“I do not think parking will be an issue this semester based on what we are seeing in capacity,” she said. “Sometimes, it is considered a less than convenient or ideal space during peak times. So far, the data shows that we are not likely to see 2010 or 2011 parking type issues.”
Rydin, a parking pass and ticket company, administered parking passes for students and faculty last semester.
There were some issues sending out the parking passes as they arrived after Sept. 19, which was the expiration date for the temporary parking passes that were issued.
Santiago said she thinks Rydin has been a great partner to work with.
If you are experiencing any parking issues, please email parking@dom.edu for assistance.
