Imagine what it must be like to be the director of public safety for Madison College as thousands of students converge on the Truax Campus looking for a place to park.

“The first three weeks are the most congested,” according to Public Safety Director Jim Bottoni.  He said this can be attributed to unfamiliarity with the campus, not allowing ample time to park, and not being aware of the multiple lots available.

A new map of the parking areas (see Page 2) at the Truax campus that is being distributed by the Public Safety office should help alleviate some of the confusion surrounding fall semester parking and student parking rules.

A valid parking permit is required and must be displayed when parking in designated areas.  The permit is good for one year (August 2015  through August 2016) and can be obtained at the Public Safety Department (Truax Room B1240) by providing your OneCard or drivers license.
For those who choose to park on the grass or along curbs outside designated parking spots, citations should be expected.  Additionally, where safety concerns are involved, cars may be towed at the owner’s expense, Bottoni said.

“I recommend parking in the overflow lots off Straubel Street. … There is less congestion, it’s good exercise and a scenic walk,” said Sergeant Joe Steffen.
Both Steffen and Bottoni mentioned that distances were measured and compared and that it was not significantly further to walk in from the overflow lots as opposed to lots G and H near Protective Services.

“There is a paved bike-path/walkway with a small park for relaxation and plans for a ropes course on the other side of Anderson Street adjacent to lot J,” added Steffen.

Over the years Bottani has witnessed egregious parking behavior, including fist-fights over contended parking spaces and students coming to his office in tears after coming to words with parking lot “vultures”– a species of student in constant search for premium parking spots.

His hope is that students are beyond that and can show the responsibility and consideration for each other as they look to further our educational goals.
In a phone interview, Student Senate President Amanda Love said a consultant was brought in for a transportation management study three years ago.  Construction of a ramp was investigated, but costs were exorbitant and thus shelved.  Love suggested students explore alternative transportation choices such as the free bus pass and carpooling where possible.  Both  Love and Bottoni  said there are enough places to park but not all of them are right next to the building.

“We are a commuter college and the car is the primary means of transportation for our students,” added Bottoni.  “Although alternative means of transportation exist and are suggested (bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, bus services, carpooling , etc.) often times our students have conflicting work schedules or long commutes that don’t allow for these alternatives to be utilized.”

For those able to do so, motorcycle parking is available on the north side of lot A and mopeds (45cc or less) are allowed to park in the bike racks. For those carpooling (a driver and a minimum of two passengers) a special permit and parking area near the Health Education building is available.  Contact Public Safety Services at (608)246-6031 for more information.

Students should be aware of on-going construction off Anderson Street and that metered parking areas near the Administration building will be closed.  The only available metered parking area on campus can be found on Wright Street near the Ingenuity Center.

Bottoni strongly suggests students go to the Madison College web page and download the Informacast app to receive Wolfpack Alerts that contain emergency closing information pertaining to weather, maintenance, and safety alerts on campus.  This change to information sharing is an “opt-in” model – meaning it’s the student’s choice to do so.

“Inform yourselves, prepare, and give yourself ample time,” Bottoni reminded everyone.