Many students focused their New Year’s resolutions on attending classes and making better grades, but some of the hassles that discouraged students from attending class still linger on campus.
    Parking problems and the heavy load of traffic keeps some students sleeping through class, but the Office of Parking, Traffic and Transportation has some advice for students on how to avoid parking violations and to minimize traffic on campus.
    Gary Graham, director Parking, Traffic and Transportation, said he encourages students to use common sense when parking. Graham advises commuter students that if they arrive on campus around 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. to not waste time going to the main commuter lots because they are most likely full.
    Graham said students should familiarize themselves with alternative lots, such as the Alex Box or X-109 lot, located on Nicholson Extension near CEBA.
    He said another way to cut down on time searching for a parking spot is to listen to the parking updates on KLSU. The University radio station, 91.1 FM, gives updates every half hour between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
    Graham also advised students to be aware of the bus system.
     “It saves on gas and time,” Graham said.
    Along with using the campus transit system, students are also encouraged to ride a bike.
    There are bike racks near most buildings on campus, and Baton Rouge officials are working to make Baton Rouge more friendly for bikers.
    Construction on the first part of the East Baton Rouge Parish Mississippi River levee bike and pedestrian path is nearly complete.
“The next phase – from Skip Bertman south to Brightside area (Farr Park) – is currently under design. However, at this time is not funded for construction,” said Bryan Harmon, assistant director and chief engineer of the Department of Public Works.
    Officials said they hope this part of the bike path will encourage students who work or live in downtown Baton Rouge to ride a bike to and from campus, reducing the number of cars on campus.
    Even with the other transportation options such as the bus system, campus transit and bikes, many students still need to commute by car to campus.
    Graham said that the University is working to make the lives of commuter and resident students easier as the academic year progresses. Along with trying to minimize traffic and parking hassles, the University is working on its Five Year Parking Master Plan.
    The Five Year Parking Plan involves campus parking improvements, a proposed shuttle route and parking garage, increasing parking fees and providing more spots available on campus. The plan began in 2005 and will continue through the year 2010.
Contact Elizabeth Miller at [email protected]