Even though a spot on the grass may look enticing when parking lots on campus are full, it is a sure way to get a parking ticket.
In the past, students who lived in The Village, off-campus housing at Piedmont, and commuter students were the only ones given “commuter” parking stickers. With complaints from students in other residence halls in mind, campus police implemented new parking policies for the 2024-2025 academic year. The new rules allow students who live in Mystic, New Bedford, and Plymouth residence halls to register for a commuter sticker alongside Village residents.
Although this change allowed more students to drive to class, the parking spaces on campus are limited.
Students with commuter tags are allowed to park in available lots on campus, with the exception of Red Lots. Red Lots are reserved for Piedmont faculty from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. These lots are labeled throughout campus, and lots surrounding it are available for students.
This leaves limited parking for students. Senior Village resident Cam Lucas has battled the parking issues on campus, “if you are running a little behind on the way to class, it can be irritating at times when there are no parking spots.”
As parking lots fill up on campus, students tend to get creative when finding a parking place. Students will park in Red Lots, on the grass, in handicapped spots, or anywhere that their vehicle will fit.
With more students parking near academic buildings, additional parking facilities should be considered.
“Our campus would benefit from additional parking spaces near the classrooms and the student commons,” said Lucas.
In response to this, campus police have been giving out citations. Although these citations are warranted due to students parking in unauthorized zones, the lack of available spots on campus makes it difficult for students to adhere to these policies.
Until the infamous parking issues at Piedmont are resolved, tickets can be appealed by calling (706)-939-1349 or campuspolice.piedmont.edu. If you want to avoid getting a ticket, take a stroll from your dorm to the academic buildings and avoid the hassle of parking.
