More than 300 new parking spaces added for fall 2016

As our campus has grown, it has been more difficult to find convenient parking during peak times of the day. In an effort to better understand the issues, we carried out a parking survey and held focus groups this past spring. In response to what we heard, we are working to improve the quantity and quality of parking.

The Mocs Express Shuttle will also be running for students, faculty, staff, and visitors using the Engel Stadium parking –and we’ve worked with CARTA to make sure it runs on time.

Some of the changes that will be implemented soon, and some of the long-range plans under consideration, are described below.

Over 340 New Parking Spaces

198 spaces in Lot 61 on the corner of Houston and McCallie (State Office Building) that will be General Spaces for Fall Semester 2016. These will be converted to Reserved Spaces for Spring Semester 2017 when several academic departments move into the State Office Building. This will result in availability in other campus lots as spaces are vacated and reassigned.
122 Reserved Spaces in Lot 59 on the corner of McCallie and Palmetto (Doctors’ Building).
40-50 General Spaces in Lot 34 behind the ARC on Fourth Street.

New Parking Enforcement Policy for the First Week of Classes

Focus groups and survey feedback noted that finding a reserved spot on campus is extremely difficult during the first week of classes. To help solve this issue, we will begin parking enforcement in Reserved Lots on the first day of the fall semester – August 22. We will, however, have a two-day grace period (August 22 & 23) for General Lots. This will allow students enough time to purchase and/or pick up their parking permits. We will evaluate effectiveness of this procedure and make necessary adjustments for Spring Semester 2017.

Some Future Parking Improvements

We will undertake a parking lot utilization study during the Fall Semester to determine days and times when campus parking is at capacity, how much new parking may be needed, and where it should be located.
When our new residence hall on Vine Street is complete in Summer 2018, it will include 650 additional parking spaces.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Michelle Prince, Director of Parking Services, at Michelle-Prince@utc.edu.