Honors Projects

Abstract

The current research investigates the effects of parking on daily stress and emotional stability and perceptions of equity at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). It draws from the perspective of students, faculty, and staff via a quantitative survey of over 500 respondents that assessed parking behaviors, mental health indicators, and institutional trust. The results indicate that unpredictability, rather than simply lack of space, is the largest source of stress related to parking. Commuter and resident students reported arriving at least 20-30 minutes earlier than expected. Faculty, staff, and students reported feelings of anticipatory anxiety about driving to BGSU, with emotional disruptions experienced as well as cognitive fatigue as a result of the unpredictability of parking. Many respondents reported that BGSU oversells parking permits, and that commuters are disproportionately affected, leading to a feeling of inequity. Participants strongly endorsed solutions such as increasing parking in areas of high demand, as well as providing technology to monitor real time availability. The findings indicate that parking should be viewed as more than just a functional system, but rather should be viewed as part of student well-being, academic preparedness, and institutional transparency.

Major

Supply Chain Management

First Advisor

Dr. William Sawaya

First Advisor Department

Management

Second Advisor

Dr. Christopher Rump

Second Advisor Department

Applied Statistics and Operations Research

Publication Date

Winter 12-8-2025

Download

Share

COinS