UW-Eau Claire has faced a prominent demand for parking permits around campus, but lacked the space to comply with such an interest.
Luckily, a solution has recently been found in accommodation.
Chippewa County Technical College and UW-Eau Claire have come to an agreement offering students an opportunity to purchase a permit in a newly designated “C” lot.
Both institutions, in pursuit of a relationship that constitutes both student flexibility and the promotion of increasing opportunities, announced this new allotted space.
The Manager of Parking here at UW-Eau Claire, Christine Mattson commented on the “C” lot and what it entails.
Mattson said, “The UWEC parking office has worked closely with CVTC due to their proximity with this lease and other lease agreements to provide more parking options for UWEC students.”
Available for the 2023-2024 school year, students who as of yet do not actively have a parking permit, are eligible for this pass.
Located off of West Clairemont and University Drive, the coined “C” lot is within a 10-minute walk commute to upper campus. Students will walk in the pedestrian overpass that expands over the six lanes of traffic on Clairemont Ave.
The lot is distinguished as being on the eastern section of CVTC’s large parking lot, and the south side of the Clairemont intersection.
Although there has been limited advertising, this opportunity has helped several students and has proven to be a welcome addition to campus parking.
According to Blugold Media, several students over the past few years have attributed great frustration to obtaining parking permits. However, this “C” lot seems to be openly embraced by many.
In spite of the long walk to lower campus, Ella Josephs, a second-year, biology major and pre-vet emphasis student said a few words.
Josephs said, “It’s great that the university made this work for extra parking. There are so many students and this is a great opportunity for them to be pretty close to campus. So I’m really glad this worked out.”
The permit is said to cost $150 and is set to expire in the Spring on May 17th, 2024.
Although this commute is lit during night hours, there are safety accommodations for students who would like an added sense of security.
The UW-Eau Claire Police Department’s partnership with Housing and Residence Life also extends to assist students commuting to the “C” lot.
The SafeWalk Service runs weekly and will be available and helpful for those with permits in the “C” lot. This is a program where students are provided a walking escort to ensure their safety and well-being during their commute.
There is also the option of a SafeRide, which allows students to get an escorted ride back to their designated parking lot. Hours for both the SafeWalk and SafeRide are available seven days a week, from 8:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m.
The “C” lot has proved to be yet another example of the relationship and one of many leases between CVTC and UW-Eau Claire.
A great opportunity for students looking for close proximity to McPhee or upper campus, the “C” lot may be for you.
Weiss can be reached at [email protected].
