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OCTOBER 2021, ISSUE 1
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INMOTION VCU PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION'S QUARTERLY EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER
IN THIS ISSUE Message from the director - 2 GTK events kick off on MCV Campus - 5 P&T sets its sights on APO - 6 RamBikes rolls in the building - 8
DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE
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MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR BY JOSH STONE, CAPP
Welcome to another fall semester! Over the past week, it has started to cool down significantly, and the leaves will soon begin to change. After a rather long summer of heat, I am grateful for the weather change! Since our last newsletter back in May, Parking and Transportation has completed and undertaken many tasks. D Deck is done! That is not a joke; D Deck construction that started back in July 2018 wrapped up by the end of the past fiscal year, June 30, 2021. I know I speak for everyone involved when I say our lives have gotten easier since construction concluded, and subscribers are enjoying the wider parking spaces on the deck. In addition, the carbon fiber projects on the Henry Street Decks and Laurel Street Decks wrapped up, and these decks have reopened. Our new EV charging stations have been installed and should be active by the first week of October. Our rebate application has been accepted, and we will soon submit documentation to take part in that program. Seven new dual-port ChargePoint stations have been installed, with five on N Deck and two on West Broad Street Deck. We can’t wait to have folks take advantage of them and for us to finally be able to track usage and other essential metrics. In our July staff meeting, I introduced the Accredited Parking Organization program through the International Parking and Mobility Institute. Since that meeting, I have worked with our business analyst to divide the criteria and assign them to each unit. We also met with each unit individually to talk through the process and next steps. Our goal is to have reviewed the criteria and know where we stand in the application process by December 22, 2021. Hiring has remained a challenge throughout the summer; however, I am pleased to say that applications have been steadily increasing since September 1. In the coming weeks, we plan to hire up to three ESOs, one ESO supervisor, one account representative, a special event coordinator, and several hourly employees for parking operations and RamBikes. In addition, I am pleased to announce that Stacy Marzec was promoted to MPC senior operations supervisor, and Jay Bolling was promoted to accounts supervisor this quarter. Throughout the fall, you can expect to see us focus on the APO process, hiring/training new employees, planning summer 2022 construction projects, and prepping for another virtual campus forum, which will be held sometime in November. I want to express my appreciation for everybody during these COVID times and for adhering to the university masking policy. I also appreciate everyone in Parking and Transportation either reporting their vaccination or filing for an exemption before the required date. It is greatly appreciated. As always, my door, cell phone, and email are open.
PARKING
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P&T FINDS STRENGTH IN THE MIDST OF COVID August marked the beginning of the fall 2021 semester, and P&T transitioned seamlessly to yet another pandemic academic year. With new guidelines in place amid the resurgence of the virus, staff members stepped up efforts on-site and remained flexible to ensure operations resumed with minimal to no disruption. "I spent a lot of time thinking about ways that I can keep our customers as safe as possible and provide the highest level of service," comments Steven 'Mitch' Thomas, shift supervisor. While the semester has not arrived without its fair share of new experiences, tests and trials for teams, everyone has conquered them all with willing hearts and hands. Additionally, customers have shared in this humility by affording moments of grace when small issues do happen to arise.
Kendra Jenkins, accounts representative, notes of her own experience, "Although we have faced many challenges and new obstacles, the semester has had a great beginning. Customers have been friendly and understanding as we navigate campus after COVID.” While the pandemic has ultimately altered the way teams have interacted with each other and customers as a whole, it has also surprisingly deepened social connections and relationships within individual teams as well as a department. “We are stronger individually and as a team," echoes Jenkins, which is one benefit that is hoped to endure even after the pandemic is long behind us.
"I spent a lot of time thinking about ways that I can keep our customers as safe as possible" - Mitch Thomas
PARKING
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JOSH TACKLES ALL THINGS PARKING ON WW&L PODCAST Josh Stone, director, had the opportunity to participate in an episode for WW&L’s Park Your Thoughts podcast. During the series, hosts Philip Warren and Laura Skulman from Weldon, Williams & Lick interview key thought leaders in the parking industry about strategy, advice and tactics. They also dive into the big business of parking and what makes the industry move. Josh was able to share more about his career journey from ski instructor to parking king and shared his thoughts on pursuing CAPP certification, past job experiences, and, of course, all things VCU parking. To view the interview in its entirety, visit https://wwlinc.com/resources/blog-my-id/.
SPECIAL EVENTS START FLOWING IN After a relatively stagnant season, special events have now reemerged. With 15 events just in October alone, the Altria Theater is filling its calendars with concerts, shows and tours, which means the time to dust off those signal wands and safety vests has officially arrived. Not to mention VCU men's basketball will also return to welcoming spectators at their first game on October 16.
While staffing has posed somewhat of a challenge due to COVID, the team is encouraging existing staff to step in when they have availability. “We are in the process of onboarding special event attendants, but scheduled slots are still open to current P&T staff. Over-time is also approved to work events, event experience isn't necessary, and we would graciously accept anyone who is interested in signing up,” notes Stacy Marzec, senior operations supervisor and interim special event coordinator.
PARKING
ACCOUNTS MANAGEMENT AND OPS JOIN FORCES FOR “GTK” EVENTS The VCU Health System is a 24/7 operation, which means, unfortunately, exposure to customers is not always as frequent as that on the Monroe Park Campus. To help bridge this gap and foster deeper connections among VCU Health System customers, Mia Williams, assistant director of accounts management, and Bernard ‘Bernie’ Adams, assistant director of MCV Campus parking, concocted the perfect outreach solution. “GTK: Parking,” an acronym for “get to know,” is the brainchild of Adams and Williams and exposes departmental leadership to the VCU Health System community afterhours. “The GTK events are perfect for us because elaborating on what we do and why we do it gives us a heads up, and it's helping us to improve and restore our department’s image,” says Williams. “Employees are always interested and curious about what Parking and Transportation is doing,” she adds. Due to their varied work schedules, these customers may not always have the availability to meet the parking office’s standard hours. This is why the duo decided to hold GTK events during the evenings. Before the events, customers are notified that leaders from the department will be stationed at the Main 1 kiosk, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and are invited to say "hello," ask questions or take care of pending account business. “We know how busy they are, and this is our way of showing how valuable their work is to keeping us healthy and safe,” comments Adams.
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GTK events are held quarterly in the Main Hospital, with no plans to discontinue any time soon. “We enjoy a great partnership with the administration of the health system and appreciate the opportunity to service our customers in a greater way. We look forward to furthering engagement with staff,“ notes Adams.
PARKING
P&T SETS ITS SIGHTS ON APO P&T is currently undergoing a significant endeavor that will undoubtedly elevate our reputation within the parking industry—introducing: APO. Accredited Parking Organization (APO) is a new designation for parking organizations that have achieved a comprehensive standard of excellence. IPMI sets this standard to recognize industry best practices in responsible parking management & operations, customer service, professional development, security, sustainability, and more. The APO establishes a quality benchmark by which a parking management organization conducts its business and maintains its facilities and services. Becoming an APO signifies an organization's commitment to ongoing evaluation and improvement of program outcomes by implementing industry-best standards.
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Securing the APO certification will help change our mindset to ensure the department is learning and adopting industry best practices. It will foster an organization-wide focus on improving internal efficiency and operational excellence; assure the public that our department meets national and internationally endorsed standards for professionalism, accountability, creativity, responsibility, and performance; make a positive impression on patrons and stakeholders; give confidence to the public that our department adheres to a strict code of ethics; and, not to mention, we already meet a significant number of the metrics, so, why not? Team members have already met with leadership to segment key areas and survey needs. Teams are now in the gathering and auditing process. Updates will continue to be provided as milestones are reached.
I DECK...LOADING I Deck construction continues to progress quickly. So far, the precast panel erection has been completed, and the construction team’s focus has been shifted to precast detailing, MEPs, and construction of the main entrance. With a target delivery date of April 2023, the new deck will accommodate 1,205 vehicles and hold approximately 100 surface lot spaces. Though construction has been rolling along nicely, it has not come without its hiccups--one of which being challenges in obtaining state, local, and federal approval on the future improvements planned for N. 7th St. at the I-95/I-64 interchange. You can spot the construction where the former I Lot once resided at 900 N. 7th St.
PARKING
P&T HITS THE STREETS
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MCV Campus block party Each year P&T is invited to attend the MCV Campus block party. This event, typically held at the beginning of September, provides students the opportunity to partake in food truck delicacies and enjoy various VCU departments and organizations via tabling. Members from accounts management were able to participate in this year’s long-awaited event once again, which all teammates enjoyed.
TRANSPORTATION
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RAMBIKES ROLLS IN THE BUILDING RamBikes has officially completed its relocation to 1106 W. Broad Street. Sera Erickson and the team have now set up their fully operational shop in the space adjacent to the 1108 W. Broad parking office. The shop is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and offers bike rentals, bike repairs, classes and other bike-related assistance at no cost to VCU students and employees. Please make sure to stop by the shop and introduce yourself to Sera and the team when you have a free moment. In addition to receiving a relatively warm greeting, you may also leave with some pretty intriguing cycling tips and techniques.
NEW ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION PAGE REDESIGN You can now find all things alternative transportation in its new online home at commute.vcu.edu. The previous commute site has been decommissioned and users are now redirected to this new section, which is housed on parking.vcu.edu. You can find information from bikes and buses to ZipCars and scooters on these pages. All staff are encouraged to check out the new page during their free time.
EMPLOYEE NEWS
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ASK THE DIRECTOR: All employees are encouraged to submit their anonymous questions to the director. Boxes are located at 1108 W. Broad St. and the Eighth St. Deck office.
Q: It would be great to establish a ladder system to help staff have the potential for upward mobility. Some front-line workers have the talent and drive but require the experience to perform or resume build before the job opens. It can also be a tool to motivate/promote staff (i.e., ESO I vs. ESO II). Creating step levels that equal more duties/bonuses.
A: Excellent question. The university has a multitude of opportunities for employees to grow. My most significant bit of advice would be first to utilize your annual performance review goals. Set goals that push you and elevate you. Work with your supervisor to set goals that will help you move up in your career. I also strongly encourage you to develop a career development plan with your supervisor that continues to grow your career. Doing this, taking classes in Talent@VCU, Lynda.com, and taking advantage of VCU’s tuition benefits are all options for you. Be your own most prominent advocate. Take an interest in learning new skills and ask questions about why things are done and how. The best way to demonstrate you want to move up or advance is to step out of your comfort zone and try.
If you are a University and Academic Professional classification, the university has a stepping process for each classification, an initial three-step process and then another three-step “senior process.” You would need to meet with your supervisor, who would talk to me about budget, but if you achieve specific goals set, you could “level up” and receive raises as a result. The challenge with creating an ESO I, II, and III or an accounts representative I, II, and III is determining what skills or different tasks could be assigned to each level. There is a very fine line. The leadership team and I continue to have discussions about this, and if we land on something that makes sense, we will announce it. For now, I recommend being your own biggest advocate, showing a desire to learn, ask questions, and communicate your desires to those above you.
EMPLOYEE NEWS
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REMEMBERING 9/11 September 11, 2001, was a day that many Americans will forever have etched into their memories. While each one of us has been impacted differently by this tragedy, most of us can say that we have close friends, family, or acquaintances who were actually in the city during the turn of events. Bernard Adams, assistant director of MCV Campus parking, is one of those people. Having served as a New York police sergeant on the frontlines during the attacks on that day and facing the aftermath changed his life forever. Knowing this, Steven ‘Mitch’ Thomas was inspired to create a visual tribute along the Eighth St. Deck office wall to honor those lost and those who served. "I knew we had a team member (Bernie Adams) who lived and worked through the tragedy of 9/11,” said Thomas,“...and I wanted to honor him." Adams was blown away by the gesture, noting, “20 years have passed since a perfect blue sky morning turned into the blackest of nights. Since then, we’ve lived in sunshine and shadow, and although I can never unsee what happened there, the memorial rendered on the Eighth Street Deck honored the value of the life, those we loved and lost, our country’s resilience, and the strength of the American spirit. It left me with a tear in my eye and a warm feeling in my heart.” Special thanks to Mitch for taking the time to craft such a warm and thoughtful gesture.
PROMOTIONS Congratulations to the following employees on their recent promotions:
Joseph ‘Jay’ Bolling --accounts supervisor Stacy Marzec -- senior operations supervisor Brittny Griffin -- facility operations controller
CONGRATULATIONS!
EMPLOYEE NEWS
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WE’RE MAKING IT AMAZING!
GOOD TO KNOW P&T Forum November 16, 2021 1 pm - 2:30 pm
* to be held via Zoom
October Flu Immunization Clinics – MCV Campus/
Monroe Park Campus Go to https://hr.vcu.edu/currentemployees/employeehealth/flu-vaccination-clinics/ to sign up and get more information!
Wednesday, October 20th – 2 pm Guided Meditation (Presented by VCU HR and VCU Dept of Recreation & WellBeing)
In a time of chaos and uncertainty, our 30-minute guided meditation will provide a sense of calm, peace, and balance, while improving attention, focus, and ability to work through stressful circumstances. Register: Talent@VCU
