VICTORY: We’ve Won Better Parking for Graduate Assistants!

After months of organizing and collective action, we have WON significant parking concessions from the university that benefit all Graduate Assistants:  

• WIN #1: ACCESS TO N LOT. Starting May 12, 2025 through July 2026, Graduate Assistants with Area 2 parking permits will have exclusive access to designated GA-only spaces in Lot N (in front of Science 1). 
  • PLUS A MAJOR VICTORY FOR INCLUSION: Graduate Assistants with accessibility parking permits will have access to accessible parking spaces in Lot N. 
• WIN #2: 20% DISCOUNT ON GARAGE PARKING. For the 2025-2026 academic year, GAs will receive a reduced garage rate of $872, saving $226 compared to this year’s rate of $1098. 

These two agreements are one step toward resolving the unfair changes the university made last August, when they abruptly announced that GAs were no longer permitted to park in Premium Commuter lots, restricted GAs from parking in N Lot, and increased GA garage prices for 2024-2025 to an outrageous $1098. For months, many of us experienced the daily frustration of walking past a nearly empty N Lot, spaces we previously had access to. 
Our response was swift and unified. We filed two formal grievances documenting how the university had violated established past practices. Despite the administration's attempts to delay resolution by denying our grievances for months, we persisted. It wasn't until we were days away from scheduled arbitration hearings that they finally offered this resolution. This victory belongs to every GA who signed our petition, made signs, rallied at Lot N, attended hearings, and stood in solidarity throughout this challenging process. 

While this is a temporary win, this makes us more determined than ever to strengthen our Collective Bargaining Agreement during contract negotiations next year and protect GAs from unfair parking changes. 

In solidarity, 
GEU Executive Board