With over 3,207 new students enrolled at Madison College this semester, we know the first few weeks of navigating the campus be challenging, especially when it comes to parking.  

The Clarion visited with Public Safety Specialist Officer Nick Tatro recently to learn parking strategies and tips.  

Time Management  

According to Tatro, successful parking involves good time management, allowing yourself enough time to find a spot and park in a designated stall. “Hypothetically, If your class starts at nine, I would not shoot to get here at 8:55 a.m.”  

• Students running late tend to park along curbs, fire lanes or make their own spots.  
• Public safety has parking enforcement officers, but their goal isn’t to give citations, especially in the first few weeks of the year.  
• Most accidents happen when people go around a corner too fast or try to zip into a spot when another person is trying to get there. 
  

Students will notice new construction on Wright and Anderson Street and a short stint of only one working lane. Expect longer lines and more congestion at intersections and immediate campus roads.  

Designated Stalls 

There are plenty of lots to choose from at the Truax Campus.  

• Lots A, B, C & D are designated stalls for students, 
• Student lines are painted in white. 
  

Take advantage of lots further away, like the Robin Roberts parking lot. 

• The lot offers a well-lit bike and walking path to Wright and Anderson.  
• It is a 7-8 minute walk from the main building but will save you several minutes of circling the lot. 
  

Parking Violations 

Citations will be given for any parked car that impedes traffic flow or instructs the view.  

• Parking tickets are $20 citations. 
• Parking tickets for violating a handicapped spot, which the city enforces as a local ordinance, are a minimum of $150 citation. The college provides 15-20 handicapped stalls. 
  

There is an appeals procedure, with a third-party managing the process.  

Additional Services  

Public Safety provides active and mobile patrol 24/7 and 365 days a year, providing other services.  

• Personal escorts for students with a medical injury. 
• Personal escorts for anybody concerned for their safety.  
• Vehicle unlocks and jump starts. 
  

Parking is free, but you’ll need to register your vehicle. Register Your Vehicle. Registering offers many benefits, such as contacting a student whose car lights are on or if someone left their door open.  

If you’re driving a loaner car, stop by the Public Safety office at B1240 and give them your name, car vehicle and license plate. This way, the office can contact you if needed.   

Office Tatro encourages students to sign up for WolfPack Alert, a mass communications system that warns students of an emergency event on the Truax or satellite campuses.