Student Government Association

Town Hall Recording

The town hall was held on Wednesday, February 21st at 6 p.m.

The Panelists include SGA Senator Harrison Simpson, SGA Chief Justice Bryson Lee, Vice President for Planning and Finance Dr. Claire Stinson, Director of Auxiliaries Nick Dolata.

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› Link to Survey

› Master Plan

› Parking & Transportation SGA Presentation

How was this initiative started?
The Campus has been looking at its Master Plan implementation and gathering feedback from many areas of the campus community regarding parking on campus. A Parking Advisory Committee consisting of Tech administration and various student members met to discuss potential solutions to provide more interior campus parking. The Student Government Association recently voted to hold this survey to gather feedback from the student body.

Why are we talking about this, and why would I vote yes?
Parking is a persistent challenge for universities across the country, and Tech is no different. Now is our opportunity to enact real solutions that pave the way for the construction of three parking garages strategically placed in key areas of campus that are estimated to provide more than 1,100 parking spaces in the campus interior.

Where does the money that comes from parking fees go currently, and where will the money go when the fee increases?
The money from parking fees currently covers the costs incurred with maintaining current infrastructure around campus, including sidewalks, parking lots, shuttles, signage, etc. This fee also supports debt service for recent infrastructure projects, including the large parking lot near the intramural fields and the Peachtree pedestrian walkway. Any increase attached to the proposed fee structure will go to building garages on campus, covering operating and maintenance expenses of current campus infrastructure, and implementing other infrastructure improvements.

What parking area will I get to park in as a student if this fee is implemented?
Logistics will be looked at and finalized once the fee is passed, but currently we are looking at an open parking concept that would still take into consideration staff and faculty parking areas.

Will I have to pay for my parking permit and this fee?
No, all students will have one fee automatically attached to their student account, saving the hassle of paying for a parking permit separately through the current system.

Where did the amount of the fee initiate?
The $250 fee amount was determined to offset the current operating costs and debt service that would be required by the state to begin construction process of building a garage.  This yearly amount would be split over the 2-semester year.

Will the fee increase from the initial $125 per semester?
Yes, the fee will be increased to support the building of more parking garages. An increase of this fee will be reviewed yearly with flexibility for modest adjustments based on inflation, our incoming student population and other factors and will not exceed $50.00 prior to the end of Spring 2028.  (Under this framework, most Tech students who have previously purchased a campus parking permit will actually save money in the year ahead.

Why should I participate in this survey if administration has plans to implement garages regardless?
Institution of new fees requires a lot of steps, including approval through state boards. This fee structure will only be instituted if there is a clear show of input from students, which can be shown through a student survey.

If I don’t currently pay for a parking permit, what’s in it for me?
Of course, some students who do not park on campus are wondering what this means for them. Consider this:

• Whether you park on campus or not, all of us benefit from Tech’s street and sidewalk maintenance, signage, crosswalks, shuttle service, and pedestrian paths – projects that cost money to provide for our students.
• By broadening the base of students paying into this project, we can move faster on parking garages that will improve the campus experience for every member of this community.
• Likewise, it’s also true that some students decide to take their chances and park on campus without a permit – opening themselves up to parking tickets.
• Think about this: if you get just one parking ticket a week for parking without a permit, you’ve racked up a $375 cost at the end of the semester. You would save $250 under this proposal while also being able to park freely with confidence.
• Any student who receives more than five parking tickets a semester for parking without a permit saves money, while also being made “legal,” under this plan.

 

What happens if students don’t show support of the TPI fee in the survey?
If students vote no, the proposed fee structure will not be implemented, and the parking situation will stay at status quo. Feedback garnered from students through the Town hall and the comment box in the survey will likely be used to create another proposal more amenable to students.

Will my individual answer or comments on the survey be shared?
No individual responses will be shared. Comments left on the survey may be used in supplementary or promotional materials with any identifying information omitted, but only if you consent.

All additional comments and questions will be answered as best as we possibly can. Please reach out to auxservices@tntech.edu for questions regarding the implementation of the TPI fee or sga@tntech.edu for questions concerning the survey.