Due to construction, more than five parking lots have reduced spaces at the University.

Among the University’s five decks and numerous surface lots, undergraduate students account for approximately 47 percent of spaces utilized, according to the parking services Web site.

However, with some parking lots shut down for construction those numbers could change.

Students living off campus are labeled as ‘undergraduate commuters,’ and consequently are last under the housing section in the parking services priority system.

Parking services would not grant an interview by press time.

“With all the construction, I think that campus will become a lot more congested with a greater possibility of not obtaining parking,” said Brian Miller, a sophomore from Charlotte, N.C.

Despite closing some lots, there are plans to increase the amount of lots available.

In addition to the construction of the Tate Student Center parking deck, plans are underway to construct another deck adjacent to the University Health Center, according to the parking services Web site.

Security is also an issue in relation to parking. Personnel are stationed 24 hours a day in three of the five parking decks most commonly utilized, leaving two unguarded, according to the University Police Department’s Web site.

There are 25 call boxes located across campus, but not all parking lots and decks are equipped with them.

The boxes, which provide a direct link to the University police department, allow students to report emergencies quickly or request the escort van service.

“The escort vans are better than taking the buses at night because it offers better security because someone knows exactly where you are,” said Amina Farooq, a freshman from McDonough.

Though the boxes can aid in emergency situations, they cannot protect from theft and damage to cars.

Students sign a parking contract releasing parking services from liability as a result of damages.

Despite a low incidence of auto theft, the police department advises students to use deterrents such as alarms and have windows completely rolled up.

“The best thing students can do is be aware of their surroundings,” said Lt. Lisa Boone of the University police department.

While these tips could reduce the possibility of theft and overall safety, accidents, particularly hit and runs, can be equally dangerous.

“Having cameras and signs indicating surveillance would probably help deter people from fleeing the scene of an accident if they knew they could get caught. They would think twice,” Pace Pegues, a junior from North Carolina said.

“Even though the police patrol areas to help keep things safe, there is only so much they can do because they cannot be everywhere,” said Pegues. “My car was actually broken into in broad daylight.”