For the past few years, parking permits have been almost a relic of the past. It was a great relief for students when they no longer had to deal with such a burdening requirement after the policy was temporarily suspended during issues with COVID-19.
However, in a recent development, the decision was made to reinstate parking permits, which will come into effect from the upcoming Fall semester.
It may be a shock for newer students who began their attendance unaware that such a policy existed, but now, it is a fee they will become all too familiar with.
Alex Breitler, Director of Marketing and Communications, said the issue had been a contention point for the parking and facilities committees for several years.
“Our college parking policy actually requires permits to be issued. It’s also worth pointing out that sales of parking permits help fund maintenance of our parking lots, security cameras, trash cleanup, and even patrol and maintenance vehicles, all of which are important features for keeping our campus safe and serviceable,” Breitler said.
The announcement about the reinstatement of parking permits has yet to be made, but Delta plans to ensure all new and returning students are well-informed before the summer break.
Student opinions varied on the matter.
Alexandria Mendoza, a first-year Delta student, expressed her surprise at the decision to reinstate the policy and thought about how it could affect students.
“I think a lot of the students that go to Delta don’t have money like that to spend on more fees. A lot of us depend on financial aid to help pay for books and school supplies, and now we have to pay to even park here. Delta is taxing their students at this point,” Mendoza said.
Though the previous pricing for Parking Permits was thirty dollars a semester, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to assume that many find that price inconvenient.
In previous years, a substantial portion of students who wanted to avoid paying for the permit would park in the lots of Sherwood Place and Weberstown Mall and walk across the street to campus.
Breitler stated that a planned reinstatement announcement would include information about Delta’s financial support measures for students and their families, acknowledging the potential challenge the return of parking permit fees may pose.
Angela Lopez, a former Delta student, said that although she did not mind the permits very much, they were a constant source of concern during her time as a student.
“The rule was that we needed those permits, so it wasn’t a big deal. But I would have to tell my kids not to mess with it and make sure it wasn’t starting to peel off. Other times, I’d worry if I put it on a good spot because I didn’t want to get a ticket,” Lopez said.
Lopez did reflect that she never had an issue with parking while attending but did not want to dismiss the possible trouble it could become for continuing students.
Ivan Ramirez, a first-year Delta student, said he is not worried by the policy and understands that it could benefit the campus with its funding potential.
“The prices aren’t too bad. As long as they let new students know about the permits during Orientation, it should be okay. It would be messed up for people who aren’t students to park here and get a ticket because they didn’t know, but they should be able to see the permit stations in every parking lot,” Ramirez said.
With contrasting opinions, there was no consensus among students, which may reflect the opposing stances to expect once the public announcement is made.