Murray State’s construction of the Learning Commons, a planned new dorm and common area, announced at the Spring 2025 Board of Regents meeting, adds to the obstruction of parking for the campus community.

Since August 2024, the University has begun building projects, namely Jackson Hall, the under construction nursing building.

Its construction has resulted in either the temporary obstruction or restriction of parking areas for students and faculty, especially accessible spaces — or the permanent closure of the Faculty Hall parking lot that Jackson has been built on.

Both caused a scarcity of parking at Murray State, the redesignation of zones, with earlier issues of The Murray State News reporting faculty with disabilities saying they had to cancel classes because of this, and further frustration from the campus community asking why the University is selling parking it doesn’t have.

Additionally, the University has made millions of dollars in profit from parking passes and citations in the last three years, according to an open records request.

The frustration continues with the construction of the Learning Commons being built on the empty grass plain to the north of Hart Residential College.

In the college’s parking lot, the construction has claimed the north section, which is fenced off. The section is being used for construction vehicles, pipes, and dirt and gravel mounds.

After complaints made on the open forum for Murray State students on YikYak, The Murray State News polled its followers on Facebook and Instagram, asking for their thoughts on the matter.

The News will keep the identities of those who answered anonymously for their privacy.

“I pay $200 for a yellow parking pass just to wind up parking in (Stewart) Stadium,” one follower answered.

“WE NEED MORE PARKING,” one follower answered. “Stop taking it away for construction.”

“We already didn’t have enough parking spaces,” one follower answered. “This is a nightmare.”

“Parking has always been an issue for campus,” an alum answered. “(I) wish they would do something about it.”

“Shoes down,” one follower answered.

David Looney, executive director of auxiliary services, spoke at the Student Government Association’s first meeting of the semester on Jan. 14. He said the University would be looking into “mitigating strategies” to assemble more parking.

The News contacted Looney the following day, inquiring what these strategies will be and he answered there is nothing to report yet. 

“We will let you know as spaces are identified and a plan develops,” Looney said. “If you have any suggestions, please feel free to let us know.”

Auxiliary Services can be reached at (270) 809-6990, or can be visited on the first floor of Hart Hall. Also, Looney’s email address is [email protected].