Changes for spring semester allow for more flexibility, more spots and less confusion
By Jordyn Oie
Echo Staff Writer
Hello spring semester. Good-bye special parking sections. Beginning Jan. 9, all parking spaces on campus are now open to employees and students/visitors. The only exception are designated spots with posted signs.
The shift began Jan. 9, said RCTC spokesman Nate Stoltman, via email.
All parking permits for spring semester will be discontinued. However, students and employees will still be charged a parking/access fee. The fee is $4.75 for students and varies for employees based on the number of credits taken or taught.
The adjustments to the parking policy were made for many reasons, Stoltman said. The biggest was to avoid confusion regarding where one can and cannot park on campus, especially because Heintz Center parking lots already offer open parking with an abundance of spots.
The change also reduces the financial burden on students and the stress of being ticketed for parking in the staff sections. It’s also a response to the increase in online-only courses, which means that the number of faculty on campus during any given day has decreased.
Stoltman noted that seven 20-minute parking spaces are also available on the main campus for those who just need to make a quick stop. These designated parking spaces are located outside the Student Services Building and Hill Theater.