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The Quinnipiac Chronicle

The Student News Site of Quinnipiac University

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

The Student News Site of Quinnipiac University

The Quinnipiac Chronicle

    Retention, limited parking regulates freshman cars

    Many freshmen feel trapped on campus without cars and demand to know why it is regulated.
    Since 2001, freshmen have not been allowed to register cars on campus due to the current retention rate and limited parking issues.
    “When our enrollment was much smaller, parking did not need to be as restrictive,” said Joan Isaac-Mohr, vice president and dean of Admissions. “With our growth, and not being able to build additional campus parking, we had to eliminate the ability for resident freshmen to bring a car.”
    Isaac-Mohr said most colleges do not allow freshmen to bring cars to campus, and many universities, such as Villanova University in Pennsylvania, even restrict sophomores from bringing cars.
    Before last year’s newly adopted policy, freshmen were allowed to have cars on campus.
    “Less than 50 percent [freshmen] did – and those that did bring a car often found they were running errands for friends and providing their own shuttle service,” said Isaac-Mohr. “With the activities on campus and in the area, and their academic courses, a car often can serve as a distraction.”
    Erik Fricke, a freshman psychology major, disagrees. He said it is very frustrating to have a car for two years in high school and then adjust suddenly to life without one.
    “I work for the radio station and I would like to go to as many concerts as possible to interview the bands,” said Fricke. “Not having a car makes it a very difficult task to make it to these concerts.”
    Molly McGuire, a freshman mass communications major, also finds it inconvenient to not have her car on campus.
    “I’m from New Hampshire, and it would be so much easier on my parents to not have to worry about driving down to pick me up all the time,” she said.
    According to the Student Handbook and the Quinnipiac University web site, there are exceptions to this rule.
    The Handbook states “any student who wishes to appeal this policy for medical or employment reasons may do so in writing to the chief of security,” which is John Twining.
    If an appeal is felt necessary, the student is required to provide a letter from their doctor indicating that a car is essential for medical treatments. In the case of employment, a current pay stub must be provided.
    In the hopes for freshmen parking, there might be solutions in the near future.
    Isaac-Mohr said until the Sherman Avenue “Rocky Top” parking area is completed, considerations will not be made to allow resident freshman parking on campus.
    In the meantime, she hopes that freshmen are taking advantage of the shuttle to get around town and are spending time getting to know the campus, the area and their new friends.
    Isaac-Mohr encourages freshmen residents to get involved with appropriate organizations and Student Affairs, to share any suggestions of other ways to provide accessible services.
    Issac-Mohr said she likes the expanded shuttle service.
    “Student Affairs and Security have done a great job and we are all looking for ways to make your years at Quinnipiac a great experience,” she said.

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