Since construction of the new Athletic, Wellness and Event Center began, John Carroll University has faced never-ending challenges with parking, especially after the Belvoir Road entrance lot was torn down at the beginning of the fall 2022 semester.
Recently, JCU took a small step to adding more parking on campus. During the summer of the 2024-2025 academic year, Administration Drive was remapped so several spots could be added along its eastbound lane. The project was initiated by the JCU Office of Admissions for easier navigation for people visiting campus.
“The JCU Office of Admission worked to reserve the parking spots on [Administration] Drive specifically for prospective students and their families visiting for campus tours or a personalized visit experience,” said Director of Admission Mike Andelbradt ’18. “By reserving these spots, we’re able to provide a scenic first impression for visitors as they arrive on campus.”
Andelbradt said, “We’ve also added personal signage, displaying each family’s name on their reserved space, which is a part of our initiative to create a best-in-class visit experience. These designated spaces help ensure ample, convenient parking for our visitors.”
“The reserved parking spaces on [Administration] Drive are a recent addition and they’ve been a great improvement to our campus visit experience, especially as we see an increase in visitors,” said Toby Jones ’25, who is a tour guide. “Before these spots were introduced, many families struggled to navigate campus, especially on their first visit. With the new spots and customizable signs, families can more easily find their way and feel welcomed from the start.”
“I enjoy the prospective students being able to park there, as it is easier to have them all park in the same area in order to direct them to and from their cars to Rodman,” said Rebecca Diller ’27, another tour guide. “It also gives them a better view of our school than parking behind Rodman or randomly in a different parking lot.”
Adding parking spaces on Administration Drive has also created a more welcoming feel for visitors that ensures they’ll be treated well by the JCU community.
“We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from families about these new spaces,” Andelbradt explained. “Families are delighted to see their name reserved on a parking space – it’s a unique, personal touch that enhances the welcoming feel of our campus.”
Andelbradt continued, “This added element of personalization helps visitors feel the close-knit, community-oriented atmosphere that defines JCU. Additionally, by having them park under our historic Grasselli tower, families are immediately greeted by the beauty and history that JCU has to offer.”
“There were a few growing pains initially as our tour guides got used to the new process but we’ve worked out the details and the system is running smoothly now,” said Jones. “The feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive–they appreciate having a reserved spot and enjoy seeing their names on the signs, which adds a personal touch to their visit.”
Even though this recent add-on to Administration Drive has sparked a lot of positivity among visitors and faculty at John Carroll, there are still hiccups that are currently being addressed. For example, JCUPD has issued a few parking citations since this project was completed.
“Although the drive was altered over the summer, ticketing did not start until all signage was placed in early October, so there have not been a large number of citations written there,” said Chief Jeffrey Daberko of the John Carroll University Police Department. “The parking there is now intended for admissions visitors and a few numbered spots for staff who work in St. Ignatius Hall.”
According to JCU parking rules and regulations, “Once a permit is purchased, students will only be permitted to park in that designated lot. Issuance of a parking permit does not assure the driver of an open parking space.”
More parking rules and regulations state that “Lack of a space is not considered a valid excuse for violation of the regulations. Student parking permit fees and any violations accrued by the student will be added to the student’s Banner account. These charges are placed on the student bill and, if not paid, can delay graduation or prevent class registration.”
Daberko said that “the criteria for receiving a parking ticket is to be parked in violation of university parking rules and regulations.”
“Families don’t really follow [the parking on Administration Drive] because we don’t have signs or anything leading them there,” said Diller. “If there is not a worker in the gatehouse, then it often ends up [with] the family [parking] somewhere else in visitor parking.”
Diller continued, “I [can] understand how it can be upsetting [about] not seeing those spots filled all of the time, but I also think that when families use them, it is easier for [them] and tour guides. It frees up spots in the commuter [or other visitor areas] for students and parents. I think it has its strengths and challenges and is still being fine-tuned.”
Andelbradt stated, “Ultimately, our goal is to provide the best possible experience for prospective students, and the parking spaces are just one of the ways we’re working toward that.”
