Learning About Equity from an Undergraduate Research of a University Campus Parking System

Parking is one of the most contested resources on university campuses. Typically, parking spaces close to classrooms and administration buildings experience deficits in parking that often result in later arrivals being denied parking at their preferred locations. A challenge in parking space allocation is making sure that there are equity considerations. Improving equity means vulnerable users of the parking lot are identified, and the parking lot is designed in such a way that specific users are not disadvantaged compared to other groups. This paper discusses lessons learned about equity in design during a faculty-mentored undergraduate research project on parking. The purpose of the study was to estimate future parking demands of a university campus to propose parking strategies that ensured efficient use of the parking spaces. A survey of the parking users on campus revealed concerns about accommodations for people with disabilities. After reviewing the concerns, the study explored the equity challenges of the campus parking system to make proposals that improve access for vulnerable groups.