Honors students from professor Donna Bowman’s Core II class patrolled the campus in cardboard cars April 22.

The cars were colorfully decorated in decals such as flames and flowers resembling “The Mystery Machine.” The license plates read “WHR2PRK,” “Parking” and “Got Parking?” 

The cars had informational QR codes on them linked to the class’ research. The code takes users to a website titled “Cars and Community,” where students and faculty can find parking permit maps, parking infographics and a form to voice their thoughts on parking. 

“I think attention needs to be paid to the disconnects between perception and reality when it comes to parking. What can be done to improve the experience of the transportation user, whether that be better information or a system that’s more responsive,” Bowman said.

Her class also talked to visiting groups of potential students, giving them maps of where they can park on campus. Before even experiencing parking on campus as students, those visitors were given information about parking. 

“What stands out to me is how perceptions can be changed once we learn just a little bit beyond our own experience. The history, geography and financial aspects of transportation put our personal experiences in a different perspective, and can make us into more passionate advocates for the health of our community,” Bowman said.

The students said there is a lot to learn about parking from their project. They talked with UCA police chief John Merguie and assistant director of Facilities at the Physical Plant Michelle Ellington.

Freshman Kyla Oler said, “There is much to learn from the project. It shows the differences between how parking is viewed by students versus the staff and organizations that create transportation resources. It highlights the lack of information provided to students about our transportation resources and showcases our ideas on how to fix that.” 

Ultimately, Donna’s class wants the UCA community to know more about parking options and how they can motivate changes.

“I hope this teaches other students how important they are in creating a change, no matter how large or small the problem may seem,” Oler said.

After going around campus Friday, the class presented their project to the whole Schedler’s Honors College freshman class the following Monday. 

More information can be found at https://loving-soda-7ef.notion.site/526f82c6588049c3bcc2ce398bbb114b?v=179c686bae034bcc94e9e5b11c2bc5a7.