Enhancing campus orientation: How Offstreet streamlines parking for a smooth start
Campus orientation is a pivotal event for new and transfer students, designed to welcome them to the university, provide essential information, and generate excitement for the journey ahead. For many institutions, orientation is a mandatory event, making it crucial to deliver a seamless and enjoyable experience. One key aspect of this experience is parking, which, when poorly managed, can lead to confusion, frustration, and a negative first impression.
The parking challenge
Organizing campus orientations is often the responsibility of the admissions department or student life and leadership teams. However, these events frequently require the involvement of multiple departments, each with their own parking needs—whether it’s reserved spots for VIPs, guest speakers, volunteers, or simply ensuring that attendees have convenient and affordable parking options.
The problem? Traditional parking solutions are often inadequate for such large-scale events. Whether it’s physical permits, coupon codes at pay stations, or promo codes in mobile-pay apps, these methods are cumbersome for attendees and difficult for Transportation and Parking Services (TAPS) to manage. Moreover, campuses utilizing License Plate Recognition (LPR) systems for enforcement need a modern, virtual permit solution that integrates seamlessly with their existing infrastructure.
A real-world scenario: Simplifying orientation parking with Offstreet
Imagine this: TAPS is tasked with streamlining the parking process for a 3-day campus orientation event. Both department guests and event attendees need virtual permits. Here’s how Offstreet makes it happen:
- Department guests: They receive a unique link to register for complimentary parking for the event. Offstreet handles everything—from registration to permit creation—ensuring that guests can park without hassle, and charges are billed back to the department afterward.
- Event attendees: Upon registration for orientation, attendees are provided with a link to pay for their parking at a discounted rate of $8 per day. Using Offstreet, attendees easily register their vehicle and pay online, without the need for an app or a physical permit. The license plate-based virtual permit is automatically recognized by the LPR system, ensuring a smooth and citation-free experience.
Key Offstreet features in action
- Pre-registration: Both attendees and guests can register for parking in advance, right up until the event starts, allowing for better planning and avoiding last-minute chaos.
- Guest checkout flow: A web-based registration page enables attendees and guests to register their vehicle simply by following a link provided by the department. There’s no need to download an app or create an account, making the process quick and easy.
- License plate-based virtual permits: Attendees and guests only need to enter their license plate into the system—no decals, no searching for pay stations, just seamless parking.
- Guest communication features: Offstreet ensures that all instructions, files, and directions are clearly communicated via email confirmation and reminders, reducing confusion and ensuring a smooth arrival.
- API integrations, including LPR: Offstreet integrates with the campus’s existing enforcement software, ensuring that vehicles with valid permits are recognized, preventing citations and enhancing the overall experience.
- Payment options: Attendees can conveniently pay for their discounted parking sessions through various methods, including Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, or credit card, with an optional code if required.
Implementing Offstreet for campus orientation
The process of implementing Offstreet for campus orientation is designed to be straightforward and efficient:
- Configuration: Offstreet’s team assists in configuring the system to match the university’s specific operations, including setting up user accounts and permissions.
- Integration: Offstreet seamlessly integrates with the university’s existing enforcement software, as well as any necessary permit or pay station systems.
- Training: Offstreet provides thorough training during onboarding, ensuring that staff are confident and ready to manage the system.
- Rollout: The solution is gradually rolled out to departments, with tips and support provided by other customers who have successfully implemented Offstreet.
- Billing: Departments are billed for usage through the university’s internal billing system, with detailed reports generated in Offstreet.
Benefits and impact
Offstreet’s impact on campus orientation parking is significant, both in terms of operational efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction:
- Optimized operations: By allowing guests and attendees to self-serve, TAPS can significantly reduce the administrative workload, save money, and enforce parking rules more effectively. The system also supports last-minute requests and improves traffic demand management (TDM).
- Improved stakeholder relations: A seamless parking experience creates a positive first impression for new students and their families. By making the process faster and more user-friendly, Offstreet enhances the overall experience for all stakeholders.
- Increased compliance: With a simplified process, it’s easier for attendees to follow the rules, resulting in more accurate data and better detection of misuse or fraud.
Campus orientation is a critical time for making a strong, positive impression on new students and their families. Offstreet simplifies parking, turning a potential headache into a smooth and enjoyable experience. If your institution is looking to optimize its orientation process and leave a lasting positive impression, Offstreet offers the perfect solution.
Ready to transform your campus orientation?
Learn more about how Offstreet can streamline your campus parking process and enhance the orientation experience for everyone involved. Discover Offstreet today.
