While many of the jobs on campus have strict parameters, the student ticket writers for Parking Services have more flexibility. They are allowed to roam the parking lots looking for violations such as not having permit tags, parking in the wrong lots or parking incorrectly. From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., these students are working hard to ensure everything is orderly.

“This job helps you if you have someone who walks up as you are writing a ticket. Maybe they are having a bad day, their class got out late or they have to run and pick up their kids. You are able to void them. You have officer discretion. You can work with them,” – Brian Eldridge

“This job helps you if you have someone who walks up as you are writing a ticket. Maybe they are having a bad day, their class got out late or they have to run and pick up their kids. You are able to void them. You have officer discretion. You can work with them,” Brian Eldridge, a student ticket writer, said.

According to Mark Sutton, Parking Services Manager, many of the student ticket writers want to pursue a career in the field of criminal justice. Eldridge, for one, is studying to become a police officer.

“No matter what career you go into, this job helps you because I think talking to people, working through situations with people, is an important aspect to any job you can have,” Eldridge said. “I can’t think of many jobs where you don’t talk to anyone, even if it is just a supervisor or other employees.”

In essence, the student ticket writers, and all of Parking Services for that matter, are willing to work with students.

“For instance we had a guy come in today. He just can’t seem to remember to hang his permit. So what we came to the conclusion is that he is going to adhere his to his windshield, because his mirror doesn’t work very well,” Sutton said. “We write a lot of tickets, but we also void tickets for the right reasons.”

During move-in week, the student ticket writers are more willing to work with students, but during the majority of the school year, most tickets must be voided through a paper appeal.

In addition to being flexible with the tickets, the department tries to work around the student ticket writer’s school schedule as well.

“I always tell my student ticket writers that I want school to be their first priority. So if they have to study for a particular exam on a certain day, then I’ll tell them ‘don’t come in today’,” Sutton said. “We will reschedule those hours for a different time. Not all departments have that flexibility, but we certainly do have that.”

This allows the student ticket writers the ability to focus on why they are here and not try to juggle both as many students do with other jobs.

jkirk@mavs.coloradomesa.edu