“What in the world?” I exclaimed.
I was going about my daily routine on Sept. 7 when an unexpected email arrived in my inbox entitled, “Parking citation.” The email explained those who received it were given a citation on August 27. I was so confused, and here is why.
My beloved Dodge Journey, “Scary Cherry” (named due to her many issues and complications), never leaves the cage. To avoid parking in the wrong place, I trudge across campus to the lot I thought I would be rid of at the end of last semester. I am a rule-follower, and I would rather not have to pay $25 for being in the right place.
I sent an email with my appeal on Sept. 9. Appeals are supposed to have a photo attached with the citation, but I did not attach anything, as my physical citation does not exist. I already have plenty on my plate between being a Resident Assistant in Kresge as well as Managing Editor for this publication. An email accusing me of wrongdoing on a bad day is enough to send me over the edge.
Parking citation errors are not just a “me” issue. One of my friends parked in the Kresge faculty lot over the weekend and received a ticket at 4:55 a.m. This citation was luckily voided by Parking & Safety promptly, but I know our cases are not the only ones out there. I know a professor who was ticketed for parking in the Miller parking lot.
Students following the rules and guidelines are essential. But, when the students are following the rules and still receiving tickets, what is the purpose?
In science class, we learned about the difference between accuracy and precision. The tickets issued now lean towards a lack of precision without much accuracy. Tickets are delivered in abundance — numerous but not necessarily accurate. This is not a call for the elimination of tickets, this is a call for accuracy. It is understood that mistakes happen, but there are too many mistakes and issues occurring. Students work hard as it is, and the inconvenience of an incorrect parking ticket is unneeded and uncalled for.
Sophomores already had their parking privileges merged with the freshmen. Also, underclasswomen often run unaccompanied to their residence halls at night. This inconvenience is taking its toll.
Measures need to be put in place so that incorrect parking tickets are minimalized. There should be more intentionality and accuracy in the giving of tickets. This could possibly mean loosening the reins in order to maintain credibility. I am sure that the jobs behind parking cannot be easy, and I have so much respect for the people in charge. I know that it is not their goal to give us tickets. We are lucky to be on a college campus where the intentions are obviously not to cause harm. However, the financial hindrances and challenges are extremely frustrating.
David Hay, director of Safety and Security explained that parking has improved over the past couple of weeks, and voices are being heard during this process. He discussed how sometimes errors do occur.
“It is possible a citation could be written in error; my staff and I are capable of mistakes,” Hay said. “Students should follow the appeal process, and when citations are incorrectly written, those appeals have always been granted by the committee.
All students should know that parking regulations are not solely decided by myself or my staff. We have a process in place where the Parking and Safety Committee, student government, and Student Life participate as stakeholders in the process. Student voices are recognized in this process. We expect additional recommendations to be made this year and we are looking forward to listening and evaluating how the student parking process may be improved.”