Resolution of a miscommunication between Elon University administration and students has resulted in a revised parking policy for residents of The Crest Apartments. Students can pay $160 for a parking pass that will allow them to park on campus during the day, or they can receive a free pass that will allow for parking on campus only after 5 p.m.

This change comes as a result of student feedback when about 25 people were given a $50 ticket last week for parking in The Crest without a parking pass. Originally reported as a $100 ticket, Sue Johnson, assistant to Campus Safety and Police, said two infractions were circled, but students were technically only charged for one. They were then notified they would be required to purchase a $160 pass.

Under the new policy, students who purchased a $160 pass but wish to switch to the free pass will be refunded. The $50 ticket has been waived.

The complex was formerly considered off-campus housing available through B.C. Parker Real Estate. The university acquired the apartments through the Preiss Company last semester, meaning on-campus policies, including parking, went into effect.

Juniors Rachel Stanley and David Brown and senior Kileigh Browning were three students who voiced their opposition to the policy, contacting administration and representatives from Campus Safety and Police and Residence Life. Their main concern is the lack of communication between residents and administration regarding the policy change.

"It's unprofessional to assume a fee and not tell people who are affected and then let them know by penalizing them," Stanley said in a previous interview. "If it was two business entities conducting business, they would have to lay all the conditions out on the table ahead of time."

Smith Jackson, vice president and dean of Student Life, was instrumental in constructing the revised policy and admits the university could have done a better job of making the students aware.

While the parking regulation was included in summer preregistration materials, Jackson said the students were obviously still not expecting it. He praised the students who came forward with their concerns.

"When the students brought it forth, it created awareness," he said. "It's a good thing when students petition to do things like that. I saw it was a real concern, not an isolated student concern. In this case, it worked out where everybody was happy. I wish it was always that way."

Brown said he was pleased to see student concerns taken into consideration.

"I have received positive feedback from all students in regards to the outcome, and we were able to meet the needs and wants of (the) residents at The Crest," he said. "I am excited that I was able to make a change in the decision."

While Stanley is glad a resolution was possible, she said the lack of communication between residents and university administration has continued.

"All of the information I have received is from students, and I feel that we only obtained these options because of student pressure," she said.

But there continues to be a disconnect between Residence Life and residents of The Crest, according to Stanley.

"Even though this confusion has resolved in favor of the students, it is still disheartening to see that major communication problems have not been resolved," she said.