Over the summer, Grand Valley State University made modifications to Lot G outside of the Valley Campus’ Laker Store.
As part of the project, new sidewalks and a patch of grass were positioned as a barrier between the faculty and student commuter areas of the lot. The barrier acts to further define the boundary between faculty and student parking. The project’s completion has raised concern among students who feel attention should be instead paid toward expanding student parking options.
GVSU currently has 22,011 students, with 67% living off campus. While the University provides the Laker Line, a bus that runs between the City and Valley Campuses, a majority of commuter students use their own transportation. GVSU requires all staff, students, faculty and visitors to utilize a parking permit during weekdays. Regardless, those with permits still face difficulty finding parking space, causing them to walk long distances once they secure a spot.
There are numerous lots delegated to categories of the GVSU community, including Allendale resident, Calder resident, Pew resident, student commuter, faculty and staff, short-term parking and visitor space. According to master plans released by the University, long-term planning might even reduce parking, with no plans for a parking garage or similar structure.
Parking permits for students range from $150 to $240 a semester, depending on residence location and credit load. Some students find creative ways to avoid hefty permit prices by combining modes of transportation. Senior Demonae Powell, an allied health science major, said she uses the Laker Line during the day and parks her car at night. She said she does so because lots aren’t ticketed after 6:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday or after 5 p.m. on Fridays.
“I don’t have any issues with parking,” said Powell. “I park after 5 p.m. because I don’t have a parking pass, but I do think GVSU should relax with the intake of students that are coming with cars living on campus. If we’re gonna take in the students, we’re gonna have to increase the parking.”
Some students considered the perspective of professors, noting an importance for everyone to find adequate parking.
“Parking has always been difficult,” said senior Dallas Matthews. “I don’t think the issue is faculty versus student parking. I think (the issue) is the people who park on campus without a parking pass. All around, we don’t have enough parking, whether it’s for students or faculty. We need more parking spots for everyone because they (staff) have to get here too, and it’s not like they’re given housing.”
Freshman nursing major Aubrey Toothman said that despite long walks from her car, she also has sympathy for faculty and staff.
“For me, it’s just a far walk (and) I don’t like hauling all my stuff this far” said Toothman. “They (staff) need to be here to teach us and we need them to learn. As much as it sucks to walk, they (staff) are the ones providing us this education, so I get it. They’re working, this is their job.”
Facilities Services at the University did not respond to request for comment.
