A petition to object to upcoming changes of the parking policy at Georgia College & State University (GCSU) has surfaced with 274 signatures, as of May 5, from concerned students.
“As a concerned GCSU student, I’m feeling the stress of our campus’ overwhelmed parking situation. Every single day, I barely manage to navigate the campus without the fear of losing a spot or getting issued a ticket,” wrote Jared Brown, the petition starter. “It’s a worry no student or faculty member should endure.”
In the description of the petition Brown claims, GCSU plans to “switch to a lottery system for parking starting next year.” They go one to explain they believe this system will make it harder for students to find parking spaces, especially for commuter students. “Instead of implementing a lottery system, GCSU should invest resources in increasing parking facilities,” wrote Brown. “By doing so, the university will not be pushing students out but rather accommodating the needs of its growing student population.”
According to GCSU Director of Public Affairs Amanda Respess, Georgia College has not implemented policy changes or an increase in parking permit rates since 2018.
The university will implement changes to parking policies for both employees and students for the upcoming academic year, but it will not be a “lottery system.”
“The university undertook a comprehensive parking study last year and finalized plans for these changes earlier this spring. Messages about the updated policies were sent to students and employees over the past few weeks,” said Respess.
“Employees will select their parking option on May 2. Employees can choose a main campus parking permit for $240 per year or an Irwin Street lot parking permit for $50 per year. Students will begin registering for parking passes on July 1. The process is not a true lottery system, but registration is by class standing, starting with seniors and graduate students. Juniors, sophomores and first-year students follow; parking permits for all on-campus residents are guaranteed.” When asked about commuter students, Respess stated commuter permits will be issued for the lots at the Centennial Center, Irwin Street, and Clarke Street.
“Commuter permits are available on a firstcome, first-served basis; however, with a total of 495 spaces available in the Irwin Street lot alone, Georgia College Parking & Transportation personnel do not anticipate a shortage of available spaces,” said Respess. “The Irwin Street lot is approximately one-half mile from main campus and is accessible by shuttle buses making rounds every 6-12 minutes from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. After 6 p.m., the night shuttle buses also make a stop at Irwin Street. Both the Centennial Center and Clarke Street lots are contiguous to the main campus.”
To support their argument, Brown cites a study by the National Center for Education Statistics completed in 2020.
According to Respess, the Georgia College Office of Parking & Transportation completed their independent study in 2024, following the university’s rebounded pre-pandemic enrollment levels.
“Our Parking & Transportation staff has been busy manning their phone lines and email addressing any and all student, faculty and staff questions and concerns,” said Respess. “These changes are being made to best accommodate parking permit holders and better utilize all available parking spaces.”
An article breaking down the changes and cost of permits, can be found on the GCSU Front Page newsletter titled “Student Parking Policies Fall 2025.” Students with questions and concerns should contact Parking and Transportation at 478-445-7433 or parking@gcsu.edu.
The Baldwin Bulletin contacted Brown for further comments or concerns but received no response as of the newspaper’s deadline.