By: Jamal Ireland
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida A&M University students say a growing parking problem on campus is forcing them to leave home earlier to come to the crowded garage and in many cases arrive late to class.
According to FAMU Parking Services, “Parking in the center of campus fills up quickly. Parking is most available in the parking garage and parking lots on the perimeter of campus.” The department also notes that FAMU has 61 total parking spots with only 17 designated for students, a ratio that students say contributes to their struggle.
For Wayne Graham, who has early classes in the school of Business and Industry (SBI), parking has become a daily battle.
“For my SBI classes I have to be there by eight in the morning because there won’t be any parking by the time I get to my 9:30 A.M class,” Graham said. “I don’t feel like there is enough parking for students, so it’s like we have to fight each other for parking, especially in the garage or on days there are forums going on.”
Students say the search for a spot can easily add 20 to 30 minutes to their way to school, turning what should be easy parking turns into the possibility of being late for class.
Sophomore Haylei Rackley said she plans her morning around parking.
“When I go to class, I normally leave my house like 30 minutes before my actual class, but I always end up finding parking because I park at Bragg,” Rackley said, referring to Bragg Memorial Stadium’s parking area.
But while she has found a routine that works for her, Rackley said she doesn’t believe the overall system is fair especially for students who rely on campus garages and central lots.
“No, the system is not fair because teachers get to take up all the space and students have to park damn near off campus just to get to class,” she said.
For many students, the frustration is not just about inconvenience, but also about priorities. They argue that as the university admits more students, it has a responsibility to ensure there is enough infrastructure including parking to support them.
“I want FAMU to put their money towards more parking spaces,” she said. “They’re accepting all these students with nowhere to park their cars, and it’s ridiculous.”
Despite student complaints, Parking Services provides public information. The department offers contact numbers (850) 412-5615 and (850) 561-2627 and an email address at parkingservices@famu.edu for questions and concerns. However, students point out that the
Parking Services website does not list any budget information or plans for expanding parking leaving many uncertain about future improvements.
Students say they want more parking decks, better use of existing lots and a review of how spaces are allocated between faculty, staff and students.
