Ripon College Days

Media Credit: Photo by Andrew Krajewski Permit required. Lot R is a little fuller these days, now that winter parking restrictions are in place. [Click to enlarge]

With the city's winter parking restrictions now in place, the new parking policy crafted by Student Senate last year has been tested full force for the first time.

Student Senate President junior Chris Reed-Waddell believes the student body is, for the most part, satisfied with Senate's changes.

"There's the standard grumbling that comes with any change in policy, but I think a lot of people are happy that they have a spot at any given time," he says.

Junior Eric Miller is one student who appreciates the changes.

"I like [the new parking policy]," he says. "If I come home late, I still have a parking space."

Indeed, assigned lots have made late night parking more convenient compared to the previous first-come first-serve method, which all but guaranteed a less than convenient spot if a student returned to campus later in the evening.

In addition to having a better chance at a desirable parking locale, students also appreciate the open hours of the day, between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., where they can park in any lot. This allows them to drive to class, as well as any other engagement during appropriate hours.

But, Miller divulges one aspect of the plan that may appear unfair.

"I've heard that [with the changes to the parking policy], sophomores and first years don't really get a chance at a good spot," he says.

Reed-Waddell admits that he has heard similar grouses, but finds it a lesser concern in the big picture.

"Underclassmen who are upset with the situation will see the wisdom in the plan as they become more senior and have access to a better parking place," he says. "Not everyone has the closest spot, but the policy ensures no one will get screwed for all four years they're here."

Junior Ben Vance is also a fan of the new parking policy, but has an idea of how to improve upon the plan's success.

"I think Senate should open up the entire parking lot down by Storzer as student parking," he says.

He reasons, "It makes it easier for students who have the "R" and "I" lots when those lots are full. I know it's not that far, but when you're paying more money to park closer, I think it makes a difference."

Other criticisms of the new parking plan that have arisen are the inflated cost of parking permits and the inconsistency of enforcement.

When this parking policy was first proposed, the price of parking permits was raised, partly to fund the new signs designating each lot name and the rules applying to that lot.

With the signs already purchased, it remains to be seen if the price will decline next year. The price of the parking permit should not rise further next year, however, says Reed-Waddell.

Questions still loom, however, over the enforcement of the policy and cause students to wonder if shelling out the extra money for the premium parking permit was worth it.

Reed-Waddell notes the physical plant and residence life staff are mainly responsible for administering tickets for vehicles in violation of the new policy. No exact figures were available at press time, however.

Overall, students seem pleased with how the proposal has turned out, and the outcry of years past has transformed into a murmur of lesser questions and concerns as more students express satisfaction than disappointment in the venture.

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