Student drivers on campus have been forced to adapt to the many changes in regulations regarding where and how to park their vehicles, and the hefty fines of noncompliance.

According to Erin Stam, the manager of Parking and Shuttle Services, residential parking underwent significant changes along with the north commuter area. The residential parking area is now divided into six zones as opposed to the previous two, restricting on-campus students from parking anywhere other than their respective residential zones.
The zone restriction only applies from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., which are the peak hours of traffic.

“In the past, our policies permitted individuals to park in more locations with one permit,” Stam said. “For example, a person who owned a north resident permit could park in any residential parking lot from Morton Hall to Wilson Hall.”

According to Associated Students of NAU (ASNAU) President Kathleen Templin, a junior political science major, the changes in parking are confusing students.

“I think students are adjusting to the fact that they have to walk to their classes instead of driving,” Templin said. “It’s a change, so of course it’s confusing.”

On top of restricting areas, Parking Services also capped the amount of north commuter permits that can be purchased. Parking Servies did so because 300 to 400 stalls were removed from north parking due to the construction of the new health and learning center. 

Demira Zahariades, a freshamn forestry major, said there should be more metered parking available in case someone who doesn’t have a permit has an emergency.

“I had a freak accident where I got injured and had to park on campus, but there was nowhere for me to park without a permit,” Zahariades said. “I parked at a pawn shop and ended up having to pay $50 to get a boot removed from my car.”

According to Stam, the main reason for the rate change and restrictions is the reduction of funds. NAU’s central budget previously provided the cost of repairs and other amenities, but due to the university’s budget cuts, Parking Services is now responsible for those funds. 

“We are trying to be more service-oriented and have created an advisory board to better serve the NAU community,” Stam said. “We tried to get representation from all areas of campus.” 

A new parking panel, which will meet in October and December, is composed of representatives from groups such as ASNAU, NAUPD, RHA, Greek Life, Student Voice and various members of the faculty and staff. 

“We have an extensive agenda, including but not limited to reviewing the parking rules and regulations,” Stam said.

Templin said she has hope for the advisory board after having worked with Stam in the past. 

“I think the advisory council will be really great,” she said. “[Stam] is very open to listening to students.”

Stam added that students can e-mail her if they have any concerns, and they will receive a personal response. Stam can be contacted at erin.stam@nau.edu.