With the limited amount of parking that is available on JCU’s main campus, students, faculty and staff often come hours before class or work just to guarantee a space. During the winter, road conditions force many to arrive on campus even earlier to find parking and get to where they need to be on time.
According to Christina Dorazio, parking coordinator, the parking office and JCUPD collaborate on all situations having to do with parking. Snow banks placed throughout the main campus parking lots pose a challenge to the JCU community since they obstruct spots.
“Turfscape does a great job clearing the snow, but students, [faculty and staff] have to do [their] part and park within lines if they are visible and as straight [as] possible in parking spaces,” said Dorazio.
A source from JCU facilities did not respond to The Carroll News’ request for comment regarding how parking lots are maintained in snowy conditions.
Despite the challenges that come with parking during the winter, patrolling is still being performed to ensure that policies are being followed. This also includes days when the university is closed or reduces operations.
“We are aware of and sympathetic to issues that arise during periods of heavy snowfall,” said Jeffrey Daberko, chief of JCUPD. “That being said, we do not entirely cease parking enforcement.”
“It is important that everyone parks in their designated area and not in fire lanes, handicap or any reserved spaces, [as] it will result in a violation,” Dorazio added.
“If we don’t make at least some attempt to keep spaces clear for those who have purchased permits then these spots will not be available,” said Daberko.
Dorazio recommends that anyone struggling to find a parking space on the main campus park at the former Notre Dame College and take the shuttle back to JCU. Even though parking in the winter can be tricky, students, faculty and staff should give themselves plenty of time before classes or work to find a spot.
Just before 5:00 p.m. on Feb. 3, the JCU parking office sent an email to the campus community regarding visitor permits and special event accommodations, in an effort to improve parking on the main campus.
“In order to reduce overcrowding campus parking lots, any requests for visitor permits and special event accommodations must go through the parking office,” it said. “This includes events that require buses to bring guests to campus and park temporarily.”
The email mentions that communication of these special requests is necessary so the parking office and JCUPD can ensure everything is adequately prepared before the guests’ arrival. It also says that the highest volume of traffic on campus is between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, so larger gatherings should be reserved for Saturday and Sunday whenever possible.
Anyone having any questions or concerns about parking should email [email protected].
