Although the number of participants in sorority recruitment will be at an all-time high, University of Alabama administrators are not concerned about parking problems when the more than 2,000 girls descend on the University’s campus.
Kat Gillan, director of greek affairs at the University, said cooperation between the sororities and the administration allows all involved in recruitment relatively stress-free parking during rush week.
“The Alabama Panhellenic Association has a wonderful working relationship with parking and transportation services,” Gillan said. “We work together year round to try and alleviate any parking issues that arise during the recruitment process. There are designated parking areas for advisors, chapter members and residents.”
Ronnie Robertson, UA director of traffic services, confirmed parking during rush week would not be an issue for participants who have acquired their appropriate parking passes.
“Sorority recruitment will start before classes begin, which will allow for more useable parking spaces in that area,” Robertson said. “In the past, the University has been able to accommodate the vehicles associated with this event, and we anticipate we will be able to do so again this year. Students with parking permits are allowed to park in their zone, which includes the Barnwell and Tutwiler parking lots.”
Robertson said the heaviest traffic will occur at the end of rush week, when more students have begun to arrive on campus. As more students begin to move into their dorms and apartments, parking availability will most likely be affected.
“Traffic is usually heavy the last day,” Robertson said. “Students should walk or take the Crimson Ride and not try to drive in the sorority area. No parking will be allowed on Magnolia Drive during Recruitment Week. Colonial Drive will be closed starting at noon on Friday, Aug. 16, and remain closed Saturday, Aug. 17, until recruitment is finished.”
Robertson also said all greek and non-greek students would have substantial parking during rush week in Barnwell and Tutwiler for students zoned for those areas. Students who have commuter permits and visitors can park in the West Commuter parking lots off Campus Drive during recruitment week.
