Parking Mayhem at CND

When students drive onto the campus of College of Notre Dame of Maryland, instead of noticing the beautiful scenery, there is only one thing jumping into the minds of the students... "Where do I park?!"

            It is no secret that the parking situation at College of Notre Dame, has recently become more problematic for students.  Due to the high demand of parking, the College opened up an overflow parking lot at the Knights of Columbus, located down the block from the main campus to accommodate the parking needs of the students and faculty.   This alternate parking lot is causing students to be late for class as well as put their health at risk while trying to walk the distance back to school during this horrible winter weather. Many students however are starting to park in visitor spots which results, many times, in the student receiving a thirty dollar parking ticket from campus security. Jeff Munchel, Assistant Director of Security, stated that "More parking tickets are being given out than ever before at Notre Dame".

            Commuter student Courtney Scala exclaims, "It's a Royal Mess!" when asked about the parking situation on campus.   She has to walk an inconvenient distance to her car in the freezing winter weather she states, "It can be quite a painful walk."   Emily Topper, another commuter student, says, "As a commuter it is very difficult to try and find parking on campus with the increased population at school".   Several other commuter students are having trouble timing their commute because they never know how much extra time they will need in order to find parking and abide by the parking regulations.

 Commuter students, are not the only students whom are suffering from the larger student population and insufficient amount of parking, residents are affected by this problem too.  Resident students are faced with the frustrated and often ask for the College to provide a sufficient amount of parking spots for them, since they pay for room and board, but also because this is their home away from home and feel as though there is no room for them.

            Danger is a key factor that makes many students resistant to follow the parking changes because they are forces to walk longer distances at night to their cars. For this reason students are reminded that if they ever feel that they are in an unsafe situation they should call security for an escort, however, when a student calls from Knights of Columbus to request an escort, security replies "We don't give escorts from there".

            Many students have thoughts, comments, and suggestions on how the parking situation can be improved.   It is encouraged that all students find the appropriate forum and express any suggestions they may have.   Every student's voice at College of Notre Dame counts and together all parties involved can make the school a better place!