Even though the theme for Tuesday’s Chats with the Chancellor was supposed to be the University’s financial crisis, most students asked about parking instead.
 
Students asked Chancellor Michael Martin about parking on game days, parking lot construction and inadequate parking space on campus.
 
About 70 percent of students’ questions were about parking, said Billy Gomila, University Relations editor of media relations.
 
One student asked why the University is building another parking lot in the wake of the budget crisis, Gomila said.
 
Martin encouraged students to take advantage of Tiger Trails Transit System. He also directed students to the Office of Parking, Traffic and Transportation for answers.
 
Martin said two residential lots will be closed for tailgating Saturday, but he did not say which ones.
 
“We use those for gameday parking, which is lucrative to the University,” Martin said.
 
The profit from closed-off parking lots on game days goes toward the cost of home games and cleanup, Gomila said.
 
But some students did question Martin about the University’s budget situation.
 
Martin said the main questions regarding the budget cuts were related to majors and foreign languages.
 
Four foreign language programs will be dropped, and foreign language departments with few students are likely to be cut.
 
Students also asked if certain classes will still be available next semester, Gomila said.
 
Many students attended the event for snacks, Scantrons and blue books provided by Student Government.
 
SG hosts Chats with the Chancellor, which gives students the opportunity to discuss any questions with Martin.
 
The next chat will be Oct. 19. SG is still working on the details, but it plans to have Martin on board Tiger Trails buses as he meets with students.
 
Martin said he believes questions asked at Chats with the Chancellor will be more energetic later in the semester.
 
 
 
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Contact Celeste Ansley at [email protected]