Report
To: Alex Williams; Jordan Foster
From: Ever Villalta
CC: Melissa Masone
Date: December 12, 2012
Subject: The Semester Ahead
Hello,
As the parking appeals board concludes another semester, we begin to focus on the new objectives that lie ahead. Multiple parking developments are soon to take headway from the West Campus Connector Project to the extension of the left turn lane on Braddock road into Roanoke River Road. The expansion of the new Bikeshare program will continue to provide students with a new mode of transportation. The concurrent construction of the Dulles Metrorail will demand new shuttle routes. Parking and Transportation is undergoing somewhat of a transformation. Amidst these exciting changes lie multiple micro-level problems that demand attention and resolution. To these we will turn to in the ensuing semester. They include:
1. Reducing the amount of time between the issuance of a citation and notification of its issuance to the student. In some cases, we heard appellants that did not receive notification until five days.
2. Promoting uniformity in motorcycle signage.
3. Advocating for free parking for visitors of residents.
4. Advocating for the revision of the guidelines on the back of West Campus permit passes to clarify the misleading regulation that states that permit holders can park in the Rappahannock deck before 8 am and after 7 pm. However, parking is prohibited for all permit holders from 2 to 5 am. This contradiction is misleading and unfair for permit holders.
5. Improving communication between parking and GMUPD. As Michael has previously mentioned the overlap in jurisdiction may be a challenge.
6. Improving communication between parking and the housing staff. Based on multiple appellants’ accounts, many RAs habitually inform residents that they or their visitors can park for free on weekends. Debunking this misconception is key.
7. Continue communicating issues with parking staff to parking leadership.
8. Working in a supportive capacity to improve parking customer service through communication of customer issues, complaints, and recommendations to parking.
Accomplishment of these objectives will ultimately serve for the betterment of parking and transportation overall and for the advancement of both the university’s and the student body’s interests. Improvement is the perpetual driver of our efforts. Thank you very much.
Best regards,
Ever Villalta
Chairman, Student Government Parking Appeals Board