Parking may seem like something simple, but as of late, a lot of students and faculty members of Eastern Michigan University (EMU) have been having many issues with parking. This comes after LAZ Parking signed a contract with EMU that privatized it’s parking. EMU Student Government hosted a forum for student and faculty members in the Student Center on Wednesday to discuss the issues with parking on campus.

EMU and LAZ Parking signed a $55 million, 35-year agreement for privatize parking and minor construction of EMU’s roads, and thereby giving sole control of parking to LAZ Parking. Many changes have occurred that seem to be an inconvenience to many.

Various students and faculty came together for “a place to voice frustrations and form a solution to the parking situation on campus.”

The forum began by giving everyone a chance to state their name and issue(s) they were experiencing for a solution to be created. Many issues and stories of each individual were discussed, and it seemed to be a similar issue among many. Student Government listened to all complaints and stories, and took notes to hopefully see results for students, faculty and guests of EMU.

Candice Crutcher, student body president, worked with members of Student Government to create the event.

“We heard a lot of complainants from students like Allanah. She brought the really big one to our attention,” said Crutcher. “Seeing other people talk about it on Twitter and Facebook, [Student Government] thought we needed to host a forum to get information from students and see what they are all going through, especially if we’re all going through the same issues. That way we can put together a unified list of demands and complaints and start treating us with respect.” 

Allanah Morales, an EMU resident who had an interaction with LAZ Parking over the winter recess, came to the forum to share her experience.

“I came after receiving three tickets in a single night over winter break for parking in my own parking lot, and when speaking to the employees of ParkEMU I was treated with utter disrespect and had a window closed in my face,” said Morales. “I just wanted to speak out on the utter disrespect that students are facing right now.”

Towards the end of the forum, it seemed as though many people were satisfied at their voice being heard and respected.

“I think this event was very successful, and hopefully Student Government can take these thoughts and concerns and put them into action.” said Morales.

To attend events similar to this, or to follow up on the situation, you can follow Student Government’s social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Around 2 p.m. Monday, January 14 all students received an email from University Communications informing students that anyone who received tickets over break will either have those tickets voided, refunded (if paid), or credited toward the purchase of a winter parking pass.

In order to be eligible for either options, students must meet 5 criteria according to the university:

1. The parker had a valid 2018 Fall parking permit.

2. The parker received a “parking in a restricted zone” citation between Jan. 1 and Jan. 6.

3. The parker was parked in a valid student lot allowed by their 2018 Fall parking permit.

4. The parker has purchased or will purchase a 2019 winter parking permit no later than January 16, 2019.

5. The parker submits their request for citation review in writing (using the citation review form) no later than 5 p.m. Jan. 31, 2019.

For more information visit EMU Student Government’s Facebook page and/or reach out to Student Government and the EMU Parking Adjudicator (located next to ParkEMU next to the Marketplace). 

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