GCSU students say parking has become one of the semester’s biggest frustrations, following a series of new policies implemented alongside the university’s record undergraduate enrollment.

Beginning this fall, Parking Services introduced a $50-per-semester elective permit fee, stricter lot assignments for residential students and a new commuter permitting process that was initially advertised as a lottery. Many commuters and residents alike say the changes have led to confusion over zones, longer morning routines and, for some, an increase in parking tickets.

Brian English, associate director of Parking & Transportation Services, said the department’s overhaul stems from a broader evaluation of campus transportation.

“A Parking & Transportation Master Plan Study was launched in the Summer of 2024 with a consulting firm, Kimley-Horn,” English said. “This project was requested by the university to get a clear picture of Parking & Transportation’s overall operations. They identified several policies and procedures that showed a need to be revised, including employee, student and guest parking changes, using the underutilized Irwin Street 498 space parking lot, along with some transportation changes as well.”

For many commuters, the biggest adjustment has been the new permit-selection system. Although students were initially told they would be selected through a lottery, English said the actual rollout more closely mirrored course registration, with permits released by class standings.

Senior psychology major Carly Walker reported she’s felt the impact of shifting commuter availability, especially on the main campus.

“I rarely find parking on the main campus anymore because of the decrease in commuter lots, but there’s always plenty of parking at Irwin St.,” Walker said. “However, the four-hour spots on campus mean that if I get parking on campus, I don’t have to move my car in between classes if I’m on campus for three to four hours.”

Walker, who commutes from off campus, said she understands the structure of the new system but believes distance commuters deserve priority.

“I think that the parking lottery system makes sense to a certain extent, but I would argue that the students who are truly commuting should have priority,” Walker said.

So far this semester, Walker has avoided tickets, but noted that in previous years, enforcement felt far more relaxed.

According to English, enforcement technology and staffing have also changed.

“Parking enforcement is conducted by two vehicles equipped with License Plate Recognition ,” Walker said. “Parking enforcement employees patrol parking lots on GCSU property and enforce parking violations. Parking enforcement hours are Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.”

The increased enforcement has some residential students feeling the pressure as well. Freshman political science major Madison Connor noted that strict lot assignments have made daily parking unpredictable.

“I can’t even imagine what it’s like for those who commute,” Connor said. “Sometimes it’s really hard to find a decent spot, and I end up having to walk a decent amount just to get to the front door of my residence hall.”

Connor said she hasn’t received a ticket herself, but many of her friends have.

“It can be really frustrating sometimes, especially when you’re in a hurry,” Connor said.

According to English, revenue from the elective fee and citations goes back into parking and transportation upkeep.

“The majority of the student P&T mandatory fee is used for Transportation Operations. Still, it is also used for parking lot infrastructure, such as lot maintenance and any new construction that may require parking,” English said. 

Despite the growing pains, English said Parking Services will continue to adjust as the semester concludes.

“After the initial rollout of the new parking plan and changes, and at the conclusion of the Fall Semester, Parking Services will be making a few minor adjustments to some of our parking operations to better serve the GCSU community as a whole,” English said.

He also emphasized that the Irwin Street lot, one of the university’s largest, remains available to all permit holders, and shuttles run between the lot and main campus every 6–12 minutes.

For now, with enrollment continuing to grow, students are still adjusting, even if it means leaving home a little earlier and checking lot signage twice.