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“Where am I able to park?”

“Why haven’t more lots been made?”

“Why am I paying for a parking pass I don’t use?”

“It just feels like there’s not enough parking for the number of students.”

These statements and others like them have been flying around campus for the first month of the school year as students have been confronted with congested parking lots.

Alonzo Rodriguez-Spencer, a current junior at Grand View commutes to class every day,

“Parking can be a bit of a challenge … spaces are scarce,” he said.

Rodriguez-Spencer said he views this as an issue as he, along with everyone else who has a parking permit, has paid to register his vehicle and park it in the GV lots. 

“Yeah, it’s $40, but that’s $40 I could use for pretty much anything else since I’m not actually using my pass and I’m not actually getting a spot,” Rodriguez-Spencer said.

 Rodriguez-Spencer isn’t the only student who is having issues parking. Rachel Amenn noticed problems with overfilled lots.

“This year I’m living in the L apartments. They have been full and people will be circling (the lots) looking for a spot and you eventually have to just park in front of Nielson,” Amenn said.

Amenn said that scarce parking also makes going to and from work very frustrating, especially if she has a lot to carry inside or if she is in a hurry.

Since parking is a problematic topic for many students it’s important to understand how this problem arose. According to GV’s website, the university has seen record numbers of students enrolling, at approximately 2,000 total as of 2019. If each student brings a car on campus, that’s a lot of parking spot needed.

Brandon Dunkerson, GV’s campus service administrator said it’s difficult explaining to everybody where the overflow lots are located and how best to avoid overflowing parking lots.

 “I understand everybody gets mad and frustrated because you have to walk,” Dunkerson said.

He also pointed out GV’s record number of students with cars on campus right now.

 “It’s important to know that new parking cannot be constructed due to housing surrounding the entire campus,” Dunkerson said. “We’re pretty much maxed out.”

However, there is a bright side, and there are other solutions to these parking issues.

First, Dunkerson suggests parking in less-used lots that might be further from your dorm or classes, but have a lower chance of filling up. Second, simply showing up earlier. Of course it isn’t a perfect solution, but showing up a few minutes early before classes or practices can often get you a better parking spot. If that still doesn’t land you an acceptable spot, or if you don’t feel comfortable walking somewhere, call GV security.

 “They are more than willing to escort you back,” Dunkerson said. “They’re all nice. They’re fantastic people and they get along with students.”

He also noted that using security would be a great option for when the weather turns cold. Lastly, if all else fails and you have an unused $40 parking permit, anyone is able to ask the business office to take it off of their tuition.

On-campus parking may not be a perfect situation for all, but through better planning, showing up a little early, or even using campus security, there are internal ways to make it less problematic. Jorie Mallinger, an Iowa State University senior said she often had to park a 15-minute walk away from classes if she was lucky. She said the best option is street parking, but that’s also difficult because cars are towed after midnight, and expired meters will guarantee you a ticket. In short, GV’s parking may not be perfect, but is often comparable to other universities.