Henderson State University - Star Yearbook (Arkadelphia, AR)

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1,545 registered cars and only 929 total parking places create The clock ticks away as once again an- other student can't find a parking place. Late for class again! A In desperation, the student circles the entire campus twice, finally spotting a small space to squeeze into. Even though one side of the car will be over the yellow line, it will just have to do. Five minutes late for class already! Classes are finally over and the weary-wom student retums to his car to find a big yellow parking ticket stuck un- demeath the windshield wipers. For the third time in a month the student treks to the Security Office. No use trying to ex- plain that it was the other car's fault for not parking straight. The lack of parking on campus is not a new problem. It's been with students since the first cars were driven to school, and is not expected to improve. Beth McHenry, a sophomore joumal- ism major who commutes from Malvem, says, I have to allow 20 minutes before class just to find a place to park. With such a large majority of students who commute, many students face similar problems. During the fall semester 1,545 cars were registered, with only 929 total park- ing places available on the main campus. For commuters, this is a special problem, especially during the heavy course load Parking assles days - Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fri- days. These are the three days that more commuters take more classes. One com- muter says, The problem would at least be improved if the students who live on campus were to walk to class instead of driving. Students from Newberry and Garrett are often seen driving the short distance to campus, rather than walking. This would help to alleviate some of the prob- lem. The best place to park is the parking lot at 12th and Richardson Streets, with quick availability to the main part of cam- pus and 131 student parking places. The early moming parking place seeker knows that the lot north of Russell Fine Arts, with 108 available spaces, is the next best bet. He knows, too, that being early is important. This parking area is full be- fore 9:00 on MWF and 9:30 on TTH. The majority of the other 710 spaces are located adjacent to Smith and New- berry Halls. Parking is prohibited in some marked areas, but campus security is kept busy writing tickets for those who ignore the signs or who do not have a valid bumper sticker. It appears that early in a semester is the busiest time for tickets. In September alone 780 tickets were written by securi- ty. In an average month 250 are written, with an approximate total of 52000.00 per year. This money goes into the Univer- sity Special Account. Security reacts in different ways to giv- ing tickets. One officer says he doesn't like giving tickets, but it's part of my job. The boss says I have to. It'sjust one of those things that have to be done. Another of the security officers says he doesn't mind writing tickets. He says, They deserve it, so I give it to them. Some students found a solution to the problem of the lack of parking through carpooling. The rising costs of fuel were also a factor in encouraging more stu- dents to drive together rather than take three to six cars from the same town or community. A new service during the year offered aid to those students taking classes at both Henderson and Ouachita. The South Central Arkansas Transit bus made daily trips to and from both cam- puses. Riding the SCAT bus not only saved many students a trip themselves, but prevented them from having to lose a parking place. For others, however, the clock ticked on as once again the cry, Oh no, I'm late! was heard. Parking Problemsl21

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N 20!Student Life

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1 This sign located on Interstate 30 points out the exit for Ouachita and Henderson. Ouachita has the top billing on this sign, but at exit 78 Hand r- ig X son has top billing. Arkadelphia, a town that supports two universities, one high school, three football and basketball teams Y Q1 N Q .:. kW,QQ S'Nl'S 9?!mii . N . .5 I .fs X - I could only be one thing . . . Coming to school in Arkadelphia, or Arkadoo, as it is more affectionately known, is an experience that every stu- dent looks at with a variety of emotions. The most common complaint seemed to be, There's nothing to do here, espe- cially among those from larger cities. Even students from smaller towns often found it hard to adjust, but for nine months of the year Arkadelphia was home, and all students somehow leamed to make the most of it. Established in 1818, the county seat of Clark County is one of the oldest towns in Arkansas. The quiet town began as a settlement in 1809 was once a favor- 22!Student Life ite camping ground of the Caddo and Ouachita Indian tribes. Spanish explorer Hemando de Soto also visited the area in his search for the nearby Indian salt-licks. Arkadelphia's original spelling was Arcadelphia, a compound word from arc, a part of a circle, and the latter part of Philadelphia, meaning brother- hood. Thus, Arkadelphia means arc of brotherhood. The downtown area of Arkadelphia, located within walking distance of cam- pus, offers students the opportunity to do their banking at one of their major banks, shop for food and clothes and other items, or just windowshop. The comer of Main Street and 6th Street in town under went a physical change in the spring as the old Heard's Drug Store and other businesses de- stroyed by fire last year were tom down. These old buildings were a part of Ar- kadelphia's heritage and tradition that can't be replaced. For students who found there was nothing to do in Arkadelphia, a twice-a- year event offered a change of pace. The Festival ofthe Two Rivers, held in the fall and again in the spring, oHered something for everyone. Students, as well as area residents, competed in races of all kinds, viewed arts and crafts exhibits, and