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FIU

P arking Perils

Nia Young/Panther Press 2 Panther Magazine – Thursday, January 19, 2017 PantherNOW.com PARKING PANIC Residents, commuters discuss University parking

Guethshina Altena/Panther Press University traffic and students crossing on SW 9th avenue and University drive by the parking garage 5 market station on Tuesday January17th 2017

GUETHSHINA ALTENA “I know that FIU has a lot of parking “I have been here all four years and I find Juan Jose is a freshman journalism major News Director garages already but I feel like we should the parking situation to be terrible,” the senior who commutes to FIU. He says he has been have more parking spots or do a better job at computer engineer major said. “When I come late to classes before because of the long delay With less than half of students living helping students find parking,” she said. during rush hours, it has taken me as much as to find parking on campus. on campus, FIU is considered a commuter Nathai does not think that the boards 20 minutes to find parking on campus.” “It’s freaking terrible, it sucks so bad; school. outside of the parking garages help a lot. The Morisseau usually park in Gold Garage when I had a car, I had spent an hour looking The department of Parking and boards are supposed to tell drivers if there is and sometimes for both work in school, she for parking and I ended up just giving up and Transportation is one of the biggest parking in the gargage but the little info they has to wake up early to be on campus around parking across the street at Publix,” Jose said. departments that deals with student, faculty offer is not sufficient in helping people find 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. and find a good parking spot. Jose thinks that it’s best to come to school and staff on campus; transportation from one parking according to Nathai. “At the , the Parking two hours early especially if you have an campus to another and moving within the “When I used to live on campus, I took the and Transportation department needs to have exam to make sure that you are not late even campus from one building to another. bus to the Engineering Center and now I notice more service available to help students with if it’s the worst case scenario. Many students view the quality of service that it improved a lot; the [departure] times are cars over there,” Morisseau said. “I have had Vanessa Louis, a finance major, Alkania provided differently. Some have concerns now a lot more frequent and that really helps a few instances where I was able to find help Hepburn, nursing major, and Ruth Joseph, and others are satisfied with how diligent the students,” she said. “The department is doing from them when I need a jumpstart.” marketing major, are three first-year students University is when it comes to providing safe a good job when it comes to that.” “The one advice I will always have for who live on campus. and proper transportation for student. Nathai recommends other students who other students is get here early, as early as you As residents, they are satisfied with Resident students and commuters disagree drive to get to campus early, about 13 minutes can,” Roberson said. “Try to get here 15 to 20 most of the services that the Parking and on the best way the University can improve before their class in order to avoid being late minutes before the start of your class.” Transportation department offer. Though they their parking problems and what are the mains since MMC is a busy campus. Adonas Puente is a sophomore psychology believe that improvements can be made. issues that students encounter on a daily basis. Kiara Roberson is a sophomore major who lives on campus. Hepburn owned a car that she used to Tamara Nathai is a student assistant at the psychology major who recently learned the “For students like me who live on campus, drive on campus, the frustration of not finding Graham Center information desk. She is a difficulties of parking on campus. parking is a little easier. There is always parking discouraged her and she just went senior criminal justice major who commutes “I just started driving this semester and parking after students, staff and faculty leave back home. to school and parks in Gold Garage. She has since there was not a lot of people here during campus and I don’t have to worry about people “Sometimes it’s a good idea to get to had difficulties finding parking multiple times the winter break, I found it quite easy so far to taking up my spot because residential students campus at least an hour and 30 minutes before and has been late to her classes a few times as park and drive around campus” Roberson said have their cars in designated parkings,” he class because finding parking can be close to a result of that. Emmalie Morisseau however disagrees. said. impossible at some hours,” Hepburn said. PantherNOW.com Panther Magazine – Thursday, January 19, 2017 3 Students speak out on transportation issues with the University GPE shuttle busses

CEYLINE ARIAS that if you pay a small fee for and Transportation website, continued Gonzalez. provide a “Knight Flight,” Staff Writer transportation, you are covered “A Parking and Transportation Gonzalez is not the only which is a free shuttle bus for the semester and you Access Fee is assessed to all student feeling troubled by from the UCF main campus to According to the University’s certainly don’t see that with this students per semester as part the expense that comes along Orlando International Airport Parking and Transportation bus,” said Sandro Alvarez, a of their enrollment. This fee with using one of FIU’s (MCO) before seasonal breaks website, there is a wide range sophomore communication arts funds maintenance of parking transportation, however. including Thanksgiving break, of options for students in need major. facilities, sidewalks, garages, “I understand that the driver Winter break, and Spring break, of transportation between MMC Currently, students pay emergency call boxes, bicycle needs to have a monetary a service FIU does not offer. and the satellite campuses BBC “I honestly can’t wrap my and Engineering center, as well head around this. This shouldn’t as for those looking to explore even be something that we, as outside the University. students, should have to pay for. The Golden Panther There’s plenty of universities Express, the University’s most that offer bus and shuttle widely used shuttle for students We hired Academy bus, That’s what the cost of providing the service is. If services for free. What’s so and faculty alike, “provides you charged everybody who rode, you’d have to charge everybody $5. But different about them? Why is an alternative to driving students get it at $2.50 because the other $2.50 comes from student fees, it taking FIU forever to do the between FIU’s main campuses: same?” said Gonzalez. Modesto A. Maidique campus According to a previous and ,” Student Media article from according to FIU’s Transit October 2015, “FIU does not website. Thomas Harley own the shuttles, but rents Though the GPE shuttle Executive Director charter vehicles from Academy, provides a wide range of Department of Parking and Transportation a private transportation company services during a student’s originally based in New Jersey.” commute, including free Wi-Fi, “We hired Academy bus,” installed security cameras on the $2.50 and non-students and rack program, lighting, etc.” incentive, but the fact that I said Thomas Hartley, executive shuttles in order to insure and affiliates pay $5.00. Included Gonzalez, however, does not have to pay extra for a bus that director of the Department of enhance student, staff and faculty in FIU student’s tuition is, seemed convinced. should have been covered by Parking and Transportation. safety, many students share the however, a transportation fee of “If that’s true, why are my tuition payment should be “That’s what the cost of concern that the pricing of the approximately $90. students paying to use a service non-existent,” said Alvarez. providing the service is. If you bus fare is something to take into Melissa Gonzalez, a that should be free? I don’t get In fact, other public charged everybody who rode, consideration before attempting sophomore biology major, where the money we pay at universities such as the you’d have to charge everybody to use the GPE shuttle. expresses her concerns the beginning of the semester University of Central Florida $5. But students get it at $2.50 “It doesn’t make sense for regarding the strain paying for goes. Is that “fee” we pay and University of Florida offer because the other $2.50 comes me to be paying for a trip to fare between both campuses is even being used for parking free shuttles services to its from student fees,” according to the other campus when it even causing her financially. and transportation necessities students. the article. says on your tuition payment According to the Parking because it doesn’t seem like it,” UCF has gone so far as to University inaugurates Martin Luther King, Jr. busts

GUETHSHINA ALTENA “The University is committed “Courage to do the right thing” is the by, we felt like it was a significant area News Director to learning both in and out of the message that the president is sending to and more feasible place for students to classroom, Martin Luther King is an all those who pass by the sculpture. see it.” The installment of the Martin historic leader in the world,” Rosenberg “The most important thing about Dr. Radway was invited to speak at Luther King, Jr bust at The Biscayne said. “My idea was to celebrate Dr. King is that he had the courage to step the ribbon cutting commemoration at Bay Campus is the first MLK bust in King because there is a lot of lessons up and to provide hope and leadership; MMC. the North area according to that Dr. King taught and continues to he did the right thing” president “I really hope that this sculpture commissioner Esteban L. Bovo, Jr. teach with his view of the world, his Rosenberg said is empowering just by the sight of it. On Thursday, Jan 12, the University commitment to nonviolence and social “Dr. King was a person that the I think for me when I look at it, it’s hosted a ribbon cutting for the bust justice.” times required and he stepped up and symbolic to the fact that change can at BBC by Academic Center 1. The Rosenberg believes that the so it should be with our students. The simply start with a dream,” Radway following day, on Friday, Jan 13 the commemorative bust would be a times that require them to step up and said. ribbon cutting of another MLK bust at wonderful way to send the message do the right thing, you don’t know She believes that King was an the Campus took that social justice matters and doing the when, you don’t know where.” everyday man who just decided not place right after a commemorative right thing matters. The Black Student Union played to look past social injustice and breakfast in between the Graham “I am anxious for thousands of a key role in the realization of the inequalities. Center and the Green Library. people to see the sculpture and this ribbon cutting and the preparations “Today is the day to create the Many participated in the ribbon is one of the most special places we leading up to it. According to the change that you want and speak out cutting at the MMC including the have on this campus [MMC] as well as BSU president, Nykeema Radway, against any injustice that you see director of Multicultural Programs the location at the Bay Biscayne for a the University included them in every around you,” she said. “Martin Luther and Services Dorret Sawyers, bust.” Rosenberg said. “It provides the part of the process leading up to the King fought for everyone and he was a Commissioner Bovo of the Miami opportunity for people to pause and commemorative event. very significant figure within the black Dade County, District 13 and the Black contemplate the lessons that Dr. King The vice president of BSU Rashaad community.” Student Union president Nykeema taught and to question their relationship Perry-Patterson is a senior graduating Radway is honored to help give a Radway. to those lessons and what they can do in spring who majors in political voice to and uplift the black students University President Mark B. to help improve the world.” science. He was heavily involved in the of the University by participating in the Rosenberg delivered his remarks and Rosenberg wants Dr. King to be choosing of the location for the MLK ribbon cutting on behalf of the Black recognized Ysmelio Lopez and his present with the thousands of people bust at the MMC campus. Student Union. She believes that this family for sculpting the two busts. and students pass by this area everyday. “This is the Student Union [pointing bust will forever be engraved in FIU’s Lopez, from Cimagos Nursery, At MMC, it is right across from the at the Graham Center] this is one of history and the Black Student Union donated the sculpture to FIU, along Green Library which is one of the most the first places that were build at FIU history. with a similar one that is now located visited places on campus. At BBC, the campus, so we chose this location for “Walking past this bust, I want at BBC. bust is placed by the Academic Center the bust because of that and because of people to challenge their inner Martin Guests at the MMC ribbon cutting 1 which is right across the bus stop the heavy traffic and the proximity to Luther King. Not to downplay who he included the Martin Luther King where a lot of students get off. The the library,” he said. “Given that GC was, but King was a man who chose not Committee, the Black Student Union accessibility of the locations is why and the library bring a lot of student to be silent and that’s what we can do,” members, the Alpha Phi Alpha- Tau president Rosenberg thinks it’s the engagement with campus life, the BSU Radway said. Delta and other students organizations. perfect spot for both campuses. office, sororities and fraternities close 4 Panther Magazine – Thursday, January 19, 2017 www.PantherNOW.com PARKING CHRONICLES It always ONE MARTINI, PLEASE starts out the same way: a race to the elevator entrance at the sight of anyone entering the garage followed MARTINA by a head BRETOUS popping out of a lowered car window yelling “Are you leaving?” Four years at this University and about 60 percent of conversations I overhear consist of three things: complaining about parking, complaining about textbooks, and more complaining about parking. From the Starbucks line in the Green Library to the elevator ride in MANGO, everyone is wondering why finding parking on campus is so difficult. Or rather venting out their frustration in an expletive- Cayla Bush /Panther Press filled sentence. in efforts to get a parking space in Gold Garage, students line up in their cars next to the elevator doors on the fourth floor. A few years ago, when I was a freshman full of optimism and freshman who seeks to enter one of that and what everyone does: cost of parking as stated in our hope for the college life, I pictured the three garages I now call the evil creepily and aggressively following tuition, you can continue to enjoy entering the Gold Garage every day, three: Gold, Blue and PG5. students from the elevator doors endless car lines in front of every parking on the first floor available To my surprise, parking is just with a blinker marking them as floor of the parking garages and to students while singing to great as daunting for faculty as it is for mine for the next 45 seconds until confused students who don’t know music on the radio. students. With multiple floors left they reach their car. what floor they’ve parked on. I should have known from the exclusively to faculty, I assumed However, for every parking But wait, there’s more. If you “great music on the radio” part that the only trouble they had was spot you’ve gotten quickly, there’s call the University right now, you my fantasy wasn’t going to mirror finding one too early and having to a time you followed someone who will also get unlimited access reality. The radio is like the artist kill time. But, you know what they says they’re “parked around the to the terrible individuals who Pitbull, it takes great music and say about assuming. corner.” ignore your blinker and steal the ruins it with an awful remix no one While standing in front of the You breathe a sigh of relief, parking spot you waited 20 minutes ever asked for, or is that just 96.5? pay machine for visitor parking silently laughing at the poor suckers and half of a Pitbull song to get. Either way, I digress. once, a faculty member and I still waiting for a spot. I had big freshman dreams no realized we were members of the It’s not until a look of confusion One Martini, Please is a column one could crush. That was until I FIU community paying for parking. sprawls across their face that you about a broad range of issues that missed a class on the first day of the We jointly shook our heads in realize you’ve made a big mistake. affect students. spring semester because I couldn’t frustration, paid our hourly fee and They’re on the wrong floor, or find parking. Now, as a senior, I went about our day. better yet, the wrong building. serve as a cautionary tale for every Nowadays, I alternate between So for 75 cents a day, the daily

Metered parking popular alternative at BBC JULIANE SUNSHINE Modesto Maidique Campus Contributing Writer 80 students and faculty 29% were polled at MMC and With the student body reaching nearly to BBC within the first week of 54,000, parking has become a big issue for members of the FIU community. The Park- 50% school on their parking habits on campus. ing and Transportation Department manag- es 16,000 parking spaces on both campus. 21% Back in 2011, former executive di- rector for the department said supply of parking spaces was not the problem. “Convenience next to the buildings is always going to be a problem when you have 40,000 Biscayne Bay Campus students and 8,000 faculty and staff at MMC and it’s the busiest time of the day,” he said. To hear from members of the comunity about 34% 14% their parking habits on campus, 12 faculty mem- bers and 69 students at The Biscayne Bay Campus and the Modesto Maidique Campus were polled during the first week of the spring semester. The results are as follows: at MMC, 50 per- Key: cent have never parked illegally or in visi- Has never parked illegaly 52% tor parking, 29 percent have parked illegal- or in visitor parking ly and 21 percent have parked in a metered parking space usually reserved for visitors. Has parked illegaly In this context, illegally means any un- designated parking spot: faculty, adminis- trative, student of the year, handicap, etc. Parked in metered (visitor) space nia young/panther press SEE POLLING, PAGE 5 www.PantherNOW.com Panther Magazine – Thursday, January 19, 2017 5 GARAGE RANKINGS Parking Hacks Gold comes in last place FIU Mobile KAY SAYS which can make your trek to class so much better. On the FIU Mobile Parking is usually easier application, students can here because a few lots 2 surround it, especially the PG5 is home to Moe’s, log onto MyFIU, see the large parking area next to Dunkin’ Donuts and course catalog, places to the bus stops. Papa John’s, the college eat on campus. One KAYLEEN student’s triad of weakness. highlight from the PADRON That and its proximity to application many may almost every important Every student knows building on campus, overlook is the ability to the struggles of finding 4 makes it one of the hardest get parking updates right parking throughout the Coming in with a 4 garages to find parking. from your phone. semester. So the real rating, the brand-new PG6 After all, who can resist question is, which one is building is a great garage finding a good parking It allows you to plan the hardest place to find with quick elevators spot and a warm donut a parking spot? Using 1-6 and the best on-campus early in the morning? ahead, save some time and scale, with 1 being the empanada stop located on Whatever you do, don’t decide which garage you hardest and 6 the easiest, the first floor. try looking for spots here will park in before even here is how I rank the In addition to parking during lunch time; hungry getting to campus. garages. spaces available to students college students are not the on the first level ramp nicest drivers. —a luxury not offered in other garages— it offers way more students spots 6 than almost every garage at FIU and the new sign 1 The ever-trusty red outside the garage letting Drum roll, please. The Ride Flag garage, also known as students know what level award for worst parking PG4, will be rated as a has available parkign is a garage goes to Gold A new app, Ride Flag, has made solid 6. Because this older huge time saver. Garage. Any student of commuting to campus so much garage is settled between faculty member who has easier. The Parking and two of the most busiest been here for more than a lots, it’s usually empty. Be semester will see the shock Transportation Department prepared for the morning value of its No.1 ranking partnered with the app and it allows workout though; with all 3 as minimal. students and employees from the those flights of stairs, it As a freshman and University connect with other could definitely get your Panther garage, or PG3, newly-taught driver, I blood pumping for those has a 3 rating. Because of always kept my distance Panthers and coordinate rides. way-too-early classes. the gym and nature trail, from this garage from hell. parking can be hard to find Close to the elevators you After downloading the app, you at times. To think people can find a row of cars as must create a login using your FIU have time to exercise and long as the line at Pollo email and join the “FIU circle.” live healthy during finals Tropical at 12 p.m., waiting Reduce driving time and costs, 5 week is beyond me, but try for exiting students. Blue garage comes at a avoiding this garage during It makes you connect with people from the FIU close second with a 5 rating. after-lunch hours. Unless contemplate the pros of community and get this app. Although it’s further away you want to park next to an taking 7 a.m. classes, as from the Graham Center, 8-foot vehicle with “Cool it’s the only time you can it’s still closer to the center Story, Bro” stickers inches find a spot in this garage. of the University than the away from crossing the Registering a Car rest of the garages. As the white line. Kay Says is a column Parking Permit neglected step sister to about a broad range Students living on campus Gold, it offers a great view of issues that affect of the , students. are limited to one parking spot and for those who donʼt have a car, that spot often stays vacant. To avoid Polling asks students about the hassle of finding visitor parking, students can their parking habits register their visitor's car on parking.fiu.edu. POLLING, PAGE 4

I found that the majority of fresh- tiresome, thus results in parking in men polled at both the Modesto the visitor section without paying as Temporary Pass Maidique and Biscayne Bay have never they already pay fees per semester for parked illegally or in the visitor sec- parking. tions for fear for tickets. All seven faculty members polled at For times when you have a rental car, your carʼs in the However, seniors openly talked BBC answered yes when asked if they shop or just using your parentʼs car for the day, you can about regularly parking in the visitor have parked illegally or in metered get a temporary pass from the Parking and Transportation section or illegally of the hassle of spaces. Department for free. finding parking. Part of the reason why some stu- When major events happen at dents park illegally or in visitor is their school, parking is “impossible,” said reluctance to walk a long distance to one senior. Students either pay their their destination on campus. fines, appeal the tickets they receive, One student polled says she has while some students have yet to get trouble finding parking at the main caught. campus, is usually in a rush and But students aren’t the only people doesn’t want to walk far. parking illegally, faculty members Overall results showed that metered of the school said they don’t have parking at BBC is used far more often enough spots and drive around looking than at MMC. for an area to park in and it becomes Nia Young/Panther Press 6 Panther Magazine – Thursday, January 19, 2016 PantherNOW.com #DRIVINGSTRUGGLES Zipcar rentals are an option for students stranded on campus

THE LEVELER alternative to carrying no must have no more than a your wallet. The only concerning by car. Overcoming a little more than two bags of maximum of two driving On the whole, this is part of Zipcar relates to laziness can be a more groceries at a time across incidents within the past a brilliant idea. Miami is its fueling system. As beneficial solution to the the highway. three years and zero in the one of the world’s greatest mentioned, gas costs are environment and one’s FIU recently partnered covered with the one-time health. By all means, enjoy with Zipcar, a company application fee and the the wonders Miami and the that has been renting out annual membership fee. world have to offer, and vehicles for 18 years. This means that when you have fun being behind the AUBREY CARR Students pay $15 – a If you’re under 25, Zipcar can be the least need to fuel up, you use the wheel! discounted price thanks Zipcar card you receive as As always, with expensive way of going about getting a rental to sponsorship from Ford a member and the bill is great power comes great Anyone who has ever – and can use a car for as car. sent to the company. responsibility. Even the visited Miami is well little as an hour to as long At first, this sounds best rental option for a aware of the struggles that as a week, so a quick trip phenomenal to a broke desperate college kid must accompany not having a to the doctor’s office or a college student, but it be approached with the car or a friend with one. road trip to New Orleans could negatively impact wisdom to refrain from Students who live on are equally as possible. the environment if the taking advantage and campus without access to a Insurance and gas people who use Zipcar creating a bigger carbon vehicle are nearly stranded; costs are included in the past eighteen months. cities and deserves to be take advantage of the footprint. even getting groceries at application and annual fee, If you’re under 25, easily explored by all company’s bank account the nearest Publix can be making for even less hassle Zipcar can be the least who visit and inhabit it. that’s bound to be bigger Aubrey Carr is a staff miles away from the dorms than a normal rental. expensive way of going Without a good bus or than any undergraduate’s. writer for Panther Press. most centrally located on Of course, there are about getting a rental car, metro system, and with Zipcar seems fantastic Her column, The Leveler, campus. limitations on who can join since it’s challenging to such a modern city plan, and it’s a pleasure to have covers global social justice But there may be an Zipcar. The student must find a place that will rent cars are necessary to see this as an option, but keep and political commentary. answer to taking that day be a licensed driver in any a car out to someone under more than the shelter of in mind that it’s not always trip to Wynwood or an country, at least 18, and 25 and without violating FIU’s campus. a necessity to get around FIU continues to improve its parking situation

During my freshman year, First, it’s always best to arrive allow for more time making PANTHER HEALTH a professor actually advised early to campus to ensure you friends, getting involved and my class to arrive early in the have lots of good parking spots learning more about what FIU morning, just to ensure a good Hunting for that to choose from. The best time to has to offer. parking spot. From that and coveted parking spot find parking is still in the early Second, it’s best to park near through experience, I learned has been made easier hours of the morning, usually where your class ends. It may that you had to arrive early on during the recent before 8:00 a.m. seem cumbersome to walk across campus if you wanted lots of years. After that time, it’s more campus for the first class, but MAYTINEE good parking spaces to choose difficult to find parking as the at the end of the day, it’s much KRAMER from. spaces begin to fill up fast. easier and faster to walk a shorter Another issue was that the This can be a hassle to people distance when you’re tired and Being a commuter school, University had more parking lots who have classes later on in the ready to leave. FIU brings in a lot of traffic, and than parking garages. Parking The counters are the biggest day, but if they come later, they FIU is dedicated to its parking is often considered a lots expand outward, therefore improvement as they help keep have to spend a large amount community and by working nightmare, especially during the limiting the number of spaces track of cars entering and exiting of time searching for a spot, or towards improving its parking first few weeks of classes. available. Parking garages garages, and automatically waiting in hopes of someone and transportation system, the As the University continues however, expand upward and update drivers on how many staff, leaving campus to take their spot. university has ensured comfort to grow in size and number, it stack the car lots, therefore student and administrative spaces However, arriving early to and efficiency for its faculty, staff has taken the necessary measures ensuring hundreds of spaces for are available in each garage. campus doesn’t have to be a and students. to ensure that its faculty, staff commuters. Despite the many upgrades bad thing. It can actually be and students have decent and Hunting for that coveted and improvements, however, beneficial to an enriching college Maytinee Kramer is the plentiful parking spaces. parking spot has been made easier there are still some difficulties experience. Assistant Opinion Director for A few years back, FIU did not during the recent years with in finding good parking. For Aside from reducing the Panther Press. Her column, have the many garages, virtual the addition of the new parking new and returning students, I stress and hassle of endless Panther Health, is a commentary parking decals, apps and the garage, PG6, and the garage recommend these tips to ensure searching for a parking space, on maintaining one’s health garage count signs it has today. counters all across campus. smooth sailing: spending time on campus can during college. PARKING BLUES

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Ernesto Gonzalez/Panther Press 7 Panther Magazine – Thursday, January 19, 2016 PantherNOW.com PANTHER EDITORIAL Parking struggles affect faculty and staff, Traffic hurts the environment EYES ON THE cars on the road from campus harms carpooling home not just students EARTH see higher levels the environment, with a few of my of air pollution on it’s actually worse neighbors. Parking on campus sucks. such as in the Gold Garage, but the average.” when cars are going As college However, the lack of parking spaces availability of the cheaper Faculty/Staff Not only is at higher speeds. A students, our available after 8 a.m. affects students and spaces has decreased. This decrease in Miami a place where car burns more fuel schedules are university employees alike. According availability for university employees you often need a car “while accelerating not always in to FIU’s Analysis and Information has affected the availability of student to get around, but to get up to speed” accordance Management Factbook, the University parking as employees have had to resort AMANDA JUNG FIU is unique from according to The with each other. has 8,030 full-time and part-time staff to parking in student spaces. a typical college Environmental However, when ranging from office & administration FIU’s status as a commuter school It’s no secret campus in that many Leader. possible, we should support staff to graduate assistants. This should mean the University has enough that with FIU of the students In hopes of carpool to classes, data excludes employees of different parking spaces available to fulfill the being a commuter commute to campus cutting the amount games and school companies like Chili’s and Barnes & need of its community. But, it doesn’t. school, it brings a on a daily basis. of cars that are on events. Noble. The University’s parking problem lot of traffic, thus It’s unusual for the road and the And if you Any employee working at the is not just a student problem, it’s affects causing difficulties me to bump into amount of time that live close to FIU, University – like students – must purchase the community as a whole. Faculty in finding a good someone without people spend in their consider walking a parking decal if they want to opt out of and Staff should not be pressured into parking space. them telling me cars looking for to school. We have the metered parking. The more expensive purchasing the more expensive Admin Those of you about how hard it parking, I propose enough cars on the parking decal, the more accessibility parking upgrade because they are unable that drive to school was to find parking two solutions. the road and not you are given when it comes to parking. to find a space with their decal permits. might actually spend on that particular First, I think FIU enough people However, unlike students who are They should not have to go down the more time looking day. should consider taking a stand for limited to parking in student-designated decal food chain and park in a student- for a parking spot It’s also common building more the environment. If spots, faculty and staff are able to park designated spot and students should not some days than you to hear that some parking structures. you were wondering not just in their designated spots but in have to compete with non-students for are actually in class. parking lots were This would cut how to do your part, student spots as well. their spaces. FIU has made efforts to But have you blocked off for a the amount of here’s your chance. For example, the administration improve their parking situation, with the ever stopped to special event or that time people spend decal, which costs $286 a semester, new PG 6 garage and their introduction think what this Gold Garage was circling around FIU Amanda Jung gives the option of parking not just in the of apps such as the FIU Parking and extra time in traffic full and they had looking for parking. is a contributing spaces labeled ‘Admin,’ but also Faculty/ RideFlag, but they need to pause and and parking our to park all the way Second, I think writer for Panther Staff and Student. Faculty/Staff on the plan for the future. FIU’s enrollment and cars does to the over at PG 5. that we all need to do Press. Her column, other hand, ranges from $84 to $140, and employment is continuing to grow, but environment? While the extra our own part. When Eyes on the Earth, also gives them the option of parking in instead of focusing on more buildings, The time spent driving I was younger, it is a commentary student spaces. the administration needs to plan its Environmental around campus was exciting to hear on current global This editorial board has noticed that parking. What good is a new building if Leader tells us that to find a parking that my friend was environmental more “Admin” spaces have become no one is able to get to it on time? “areas with the spot and sitting in picking me up for issues. available in different areas of the school, largest number of traffic a few miles school or that I was FIU parking problems are not just in MMC but BBC

Now to not only avoid parking on FIU’s Biscayne of paying a fee of $15 plus, I to the University. unfair and even inconsiderate WHAT’S UP FIU damage to the thousands Bay Campus is between the was able to delete my vehicle Aside from traffic, to have to pay such a high of cars, trucks and SUV’s hours of 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 and add my mom’s. Being the shuttle situation is price for transportation to a on all of FIU’s campuses, a.m. anything after is war. able to edit and delete has unfavorable. I’ve always place I already pay to go. getting rid of the physical Yes, new buildings are truly saved me money and questioned why I have a I’m not sure when things decals actually saved paper. amazing and effective, but worry. parking deduction from are going to change or if No wonder we’re the most how effective is a parking If I reminisce on the my tuition without it going they will change at all, but energy efficient, eco-friendly garage if your car is more parking and traffic situation towards my commute, at I do know change needs LAQUAVIA SMITH campus in Florida. than 50 miles away? at FIU — on all campuses least not where I can see. If to happen and I’m pretty If we think about how At times, I feel as if the — I do still have a few you all are unfamiliar with confident numerous students The University has many students, teachers and most renovations and/or complaints. Within the BBC the Panther Shuttle, it’s $2.50 feel the same. always gone the extra mile to non-instructional faculty add-ons and development community specifically, per person, per trip. ensure that their faculty, staff attend our campuses just happens on the main Modesto morning traffic through Let’s say you are a Laquavia Smith is and students are comfortable imagine how many papers Maidique campus. Don’t get Alonzo Mourning High Monday, Wednesday and a contributing writer as well as in an eco-friendly, were used for decals alone. I me wrong, BBC has recently School is killer and unfair. It Friday student, that’s $15 for Panther Press. Her energy efficient environment. can recall one of my friends been blessed with exceptional definitely adds on 15 minutes dollars a week you are column, What’s Up FIU, is From water-bottle tweeting, “wow, FIU decides dormitories and a new paint to my commute and I wish spending solely to get from a commentary on the latest re-fillers to water bottle to go virtual after I have four job, however parking will there was another route or a MMC to BBC and vice versa. style and entertainment news. collecting machines, FIU parking decals ruining my always be an issue for us. lane solely for cars traveling As a commuter, I find it has thought of everything. Hyundai.” Aside from the parking With their newly developed I laughed so hard at the decals and newly placed parking garage, PG 6, they tweet just thinking about her parking garage, the ability want to ensure that our dark blue four-door sitting FIU gives you to switch MAGAZINE academic experience is as in the driveway of her house vehicles throughout the year PANTHER smooth sailing as possible. as if it was the spokescar for has helped me tremendously. EDITORIAL BOARD Production Manager Over the years, FIU has FIU. Parking decals are like As a freshman, I never Nia Young Panther Press is published on Mondays made major changes that lent, you can remove a little, drove to school, however Editor in Chief Director and Thursdays during the Fall and Spring have affected us. Some of you can remove a lot but once I entered my sophomore semesters and once a week during these changes include LED you’ll still have a few pieces year I used my mom’s white Cayla Bush Robert Jaross Summer B. One copy per person. Additional lights, “go green” graduation left on your black jeans. Mercedes-Benz and would News Director Asst. Director copies are 25 cents. Panther Press is not gowns and even virtual However, as a student constantly get citations, 20 Guethshina Altena Alfred Soto parking decals. The virtual responsible for the content of ads. Ad who commutes to the BBC dollars here, 15 dollars there. Sports Director parking decals have honestly campus and rides the shuttle, It wasn’t until I got a car CONTACT INFORMATION content is the sole responsibility of the Jayda Hall been one of the best things company or vendor. Panther Press is an I’m not at all affected. I can’t of my own that I realized Modesto Maidique Campus: Parking and Transportation Opinion Director even begin to tell you how I needed to “add on” my GC 210, Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m. editorially independent newspaper partially Michelle Marchante could have done. many times I’ve driven into vehicle. (305) 348-2709 funded by student and services fees that are Over the years, I was so campus and spent over 20 A year later, my lovely Entertainment Director Biscayne Bay Campus: appropriated by Student Government. used to seeing different color minutes to find somewhere Red two-door Fiat was added Martina Bretous WUC 124, Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m. sticker decals with FIU in big to park. Here is what I’ve on and in business, until Multimedia Director (305) 919-4722 letters on the back window learned from my experience: summer came. Later on in Editor-in-Chief: Javier Sanlley of cars and even the fuzzy Tip number one: Come the year, I had to put my girl (305) 348-1580 Copy Chief adhesive left from where one early. Tip number two: Come on the bench, and back to the Advertising: (305) 348-6994 tried to remove the sticker. early x2. The best time to find Benz I went, however instead Eshrat Nikrooye-Asli

SEND US YOUR LETTERS DISCLAIMER EDITORIAL POLICY Have something on your mind? Send your thoughts (400 words maximum) The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views Editorials are the unified voice of the editorial board, which is composed to [email protected] or drop by our offices at either GC 210 or WUC 124. of The PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from of the editor in chief, management, and the editors of each of the four With your letter, be sure to include your name, major, year, and copy of your editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers sections. Panther Press welcomes any letters regarding or in response to student ID. The Beacon will only run one letter a month from any individual. and/or members of the University community. its editorials. Send them to [email protected] 8 Panther Magazine – Thursday, January 19, 2017 www.PantherNOW.com

Drowsy driving a hazard to campus community

hours every night. This statistic is JULIETA RODRIGO troubling as the AAA Foundation Staff Writer for Traffic Safety found that drivers who sleep six to seven The start of a new semester hours a night are twice as likely can be rejuvenating, inspiring to be involved in a crash as those and filled with new opportunities sleeping more than eight hours, for students. However, it can also while drivers sleeping less than be a dangerous time, particularly five hours a night increased their for those students who drive to risk four to five times. campus. For students, it is imperative Increased congestion on that we do not allow assignments, college campuses at the start of extracurricular responsibilities, every semester correlates with and other tasks to take precedence an increase in car accidents, over sleep. according to statistics released by Law student Aby Rodriguez the Brain Injury Society. told Student Media that she has Many of these accidents are driven drowsy before and it was caused by drivers who are sleep scary. deprived. “I had to keep the A/C on really Like alcohol, sleepiness slows cold and sing along to the radio so reaction time, impairs judgment I wouldn’t fall asleep,” she said. and vision, decreases awareness Rodriguez also encouraged and vigilance, and intensifies students to take naps when they can and finish their assignments before 9 p.m. On Jan. 5, FIU’s Healthy Living Program Facebook page shared an article titled “The Single Best Way Worrying about school to Ensure a Better Night’s Sleep, while you try to get sleep Starting Tonight.” will affect you, and you The main takeaway was the won’t wake up relaxed. importance of “setting a bedtime and sticking to it.” Using smartphone apps to track how much sleep you’re getting is Aby Rodriguez a way to ensure you are meeting Grad student your body’s sleep needs every Law night. While some nights may be more difficult than others because of personal obligations or homework, moodiness and aggressive Rodriguez said it’s best not to behaviors. allow those things to affect your Data released by the National sleep. Highway Traffic Safety “Worrying about school while Administration reported that you try to get sleep will affect you, drowsy driving was the cause of and you won’t wake up relaxed.” 72,000 crashes, 44,000 injuries, With these tips, students can and 800 deaths in 2013. work on reversing the statistics College students are particularly on drowsy driving, saving lives susceptible to sleep deprivation and ensuring a more prosperous while school is in session, with and safe future for the community almost three-quarters reporting around them. PantherNOW.com that they sleep less than eight Here when you need us. Junior survives ‘plum ambush’ during parking war during the fall 2016 semester. Lorenzo wasted so much time searching for a spot, HEATHER O’DELL “I was circling around Red Garage for a while, and she said she ignored the purple goo dripping from her Staff Writer I finally saw someone backing out,” she said. “I didn’t back windshield and proceeded to her 9 a.m. class. hesitate and put my blinker on right away. As soon as the “As soon as it happened, I felt the blood rush to my car backed out, another car came and was waiting for my head,” she said. “Then I thought to myself, ‘Did someone t was an early Monday morning, and Amanda really just throw a fruit at my car over a parking spot?’ It Lorenzo, a junior majoring in logistics, was sounds funny when you put it like that.” rushing to make it to her first class of the day. In Lorenzo said she and her mother, Darlene Lorenzo, addition to living in Broward County, Lorenzo usually have bad road rage. But after hearing her is constantly frustrated with the traffic on the Next thing I know, a plum was flying daughter’s plum story, Darlene Lorenzo realized it is not Turnpike. at my car. worth it. IBut nothing irritates her more than the never-ending “Sometimes you just have to let it go,” her mother search for parking at FIU. said. “It isn’t worth getting upset over parking spots or Amanda Lorenzo “I’m not sure if it’s my two cups of coffee in the traffic.” Junior morning or the anticipated anxiety from trying to find a This semester, Lorenzo hopes to avoid any “fruit wars” spot before my morning class, but I am always on edge Logistics with any fellow panthers. come Monday morning,” Lorenzo said. “Fighting for parking really isn’t worth it,” Lorenzo FIU is notorious for parking and traffic issues for same spot; I was furious.” said. “But hey, I did get my spot and survived a plum students that commute. Although the University has But Lorenzo said she was clearly there first, so she ambush.” improved parking by adding a new parking garage, pulled in the spot. students are still stressed over finding available parking. “Next thing I know, a plum was flying at my car,” she Lorenzo said her worst parking experience happened said. “Yes, a plum.”