In University Operations, unsung heroes across several divisions work every day to provide the enabling infrastructure that contributes to our thriving and vibrant community. The Parking Services team in the Division of Auxiliary and Business Services embodies this work by ensuring that everyone at Virginia Tech can navigate parking on our campus safely. 

Parking Services manager Pam Tate and enforcement officer Jimmy Griggs shared their experiences working on the team, as well as an exciting initiative to spread joy around the holidays.

What Parking Services Can Do

“Everyone knows us for citations, but that’s only about 10 percent of what we do,” noted Griggs on the services provided by the team. The parking enforcement team spends most of the day maintaining parking lots and garages, ensuring that ADA spots are accessible to those who need them, helping to move broken down vehicles, and providing support when safety issues arise. 

While enforcement officers do issue citations for vehicles parked illegally, they also offer several key services that make parking at Virginia Tech easier and safer. From snow removal and lot maintenance to a-frame and barricade delivery for events, the Parking Services team is always finding ways to help. 

Parking Services can also assist in jump starting vehicles if they will not start, as well as helping folks get into their vehicles if they have been locked out. These services are available from Monday-Friday, 7a.m. to 5.pm. by calling 540-231-3200, and 5 to 9 p.m. by calling the Virginia Tech Police Department at 540-231-6411. 

Parking Services also plays a key role in making events at Virginia Tech run smoothly and safely. The Parking Services team assists with athletics events like football and basketball games, as well as campus events like commencement. The team works together during these events to keep roadways and parking areas clear from hazards, as well.

Close up image of a golden ticket to be used during parking services' golden ticket initiative
A close-up image of one of the many golden tickets given out by the Parking Services team.

Golden Tickets

In addition to the many services they provide, the Parking Services team has taken their dedication a step further with a program called Golden Ticket. Beginning in 2023, Parking Services started giving out “golden tickets” to folks with very few or no citations who are parked legally, handing out prizes during the two weeks before the end of the fall semester.

When they launched the initiative, the Parking Services team pulled together prizes without any university funds; employees on the team pitched in with their own money to create snack and goodie bags for winners. For the 2024 golden ticket initiative, the team partnered with concessions to create 18 candy bouquets for golden ticket winners. 

What is the best part about being on this team? 

Griggs and Tate both noted that the best part of working in Parking Services is the people they work with. “It’s like a big family,” Griggs said of his colleagues in parking enforcement and across the team. 

Tate also noted that the Parking Services team deeply values the working relationships they have built with other areas. The team works to maintain partnerships with areas like facilities and athletics so that they can jump in and help whenever they are needed. 

The Parking Services team provides critical services to the entire campus that often go unnoticed. Any community member who has parked a car on campus, attended a large event, or needed assistance with a locked or broken-down vehicle has benefitted from the work of the Parking Services team. The unsung heroes on the team work tirelessly to keep our parking areas safe and to ensure that the community can navigate the campus without hinderance. 

Learn more about Parking Services.