The Parking Operations and Campus Access Management department (POCAM) supports students, faculty, staff, and visitors at UNC Greensboro in getting from destination to destination. There’s a wide range of parking, transportation, and access services at UNCG, and POCAM is entrusted with such a big part of what makes campus life real for every Spartan.
POCAM responsibilities range from complimentary motorist assistance, Spartan Chariot shuttle bus operations, parking permit registration and management, to motor-pool vehicle rentals and after-hours temporary SpartanCard issuance.
If you think you’ll ever be in need of a jump start, a ride to and from your Spartan Village apartment, or a last-minute parking permit registration solution, get to know some of the faces who show up every day just to make this one thing a little less difficult for our campus community.
Chakra Cook – Front Office Customer Service Representative
What does a typical day look like for you?
Every morning is a bit of a mystery, and the job is mostly about rolling with whatever comes your way. That said, August and the beginning of January are our “Super Bowl seasons” because parking permits take over everything. During those times, my days are packed, fast-paced, and fueled by problem-solving – but the rest of the year keeps me on my toes in different ways.
What fun activities do you like to pass the time during work or at the end of the day?
Downtime is a great excuse to connect with my coworkers. Since we spend so much time together, I really enjoy learning about their hobbies, interests, and families — it makes work feel more human. When I get a moment to myself, I tend to fall down research rabbit holes on things I’m curious about. Recently, I’ve been learning about Lesley Riddle and his huge influence on the Carter Family.
What skills should students develop to succeed in any workplace environment?
If I had to narrow it down, I’d say communication, emotional intelligence, and resilience are the holy trinity. Being able to clearly express yourself, read a room, handle feedback, and bounce back when things don’t go your way will take you far — no matter the job title. Technical skills are important, but these are the ones that keep you thriving when work gets complicated. I’m still pretty new in the workforce, but these are things I’ve been working on.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?
I didn’t leave the United States until October 2025, but by August 2026, I’ll have visited four other countries. Once I started traveling, I was hooked. It’s become a huge part of my life because it pushes you out of your comfort zone and teaches lessons you just can’t learn by staying in one place. Travel has a funny way of testing you and helping you grow at the same time.
Park, Ride, & Thrive
Each semester brings something new: incoming freshmen, busy dorms, and another round of classes underway. Students can prepare for the best by simply knowing what resources are out there.
Over 650 students rely on Park & Ride services daily. Providing a reliable spot to park their vehicles, this option works to accommodate commuters living off campus and prevents both students and employees from facing the challenges of everyday traffic. Park & Ride Shuttles operate Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m., and Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
POCAM encourages students to explore other alternatives to driving, such as the Greensboro Transit Agency (GTA), riding a bike, or carpooling. Oliver Murdick, a deck operations associate, says, “The Spartan Chariots and the free pass for the GTA are a fantastic service to combat the walking problem.”
Got somewhere to be but don’t have a parking permit? No problem! You can use the ParkMobile app to locate approximately 200 spaces on campus, with instructions at the site on how to pay for parking. To ensure convenience for all visiting motorists, the maximum length of occupancy is two hours.
Along with ParkMobile, Passio Go! helps students stay up to date with bus routes like the Campus Loop and Spartan Village Express. The Campus Loop passes through 13 stops while the Spartan Village Express serves five. An average of 7,850 bus trips are taken each week. All chariots are equipped with wheelchair lifts.
Oliver Murdick – Deck Operations Associate
What’s one thing you wish more students knew about your job?
I wish students knew that we can see them on the cameras.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I oversee parking operations at night.
What fun activities do you like to pass the time during work or at the end of the day?
I like to juggle.
What skills should students develop to succeed in any workplace environment?
The best skill to have in a workplace is patience.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?
I’ve never owned a car.
Every Trip Counts
When it comes to figuring out permits or paying a ticket, Chakra Cook, front office customer service representative, says, “A lot of students come into our office looking like they’re about to receive a court summons — and I get it; parking can feel intimidating. But honestly? We genuinely try to help.”
Parking enforcement can sometimes feel overwhelming, but here are a few comforting details students should keep in mind about parking citations:
- The UNCG Parking School Community Service Initiative offers students an opportunity to complete community service to remove one specified parking citation per academic year. Learn more about eligibility here.
- Most parking fine revenue goes to North Carolina’s public K-12 schools, including those in the Guilford County area.
Andrew Clapp – Maintenance Supervisor
What’s one thing you wish more students knew about your job?
It is dangerous; we are among cars all day, with only a reflective vest or coat to ensure we are highly visible to drivers.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I go to every coin-operated meter on campus. I collect the coins and replace the battery if necessary. The rest of the week varies depending on the needs of the parking infrastructure; I may be replacing poles and signs in parking lots or decks. I will also be putting in new stop blocks in parking lots, including drilling holes for the rebar to secure them to the asphalt. The campus has many parking needs to attend to.
What fun activities do you like to pass the time during work or at the end of the day?
Growing up in Colorado, I love to ski.
What skills should students develop to succeed in any workplace environment?
Interpersonal social skills, even in a modern workplace, you must learn to interact with coworkers on a personal level.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?
I am a veteran of the US Navy Seabees.
“Our goal is to work with students and staff to find parking options that actually fit within the rules,” says Cook. “Ticketing, booting, and towing are last resort situations, not our favorite hobbies. If you come talk to us, chances are we’re trying to help you avoid those outcomes, not create them.”
Understanding even a small part of the process can help provide greater context around parking enforcement and encourage students to lean on the campus programs available to them.
James Knight – Former Spartan Chariot Driver, Now Parking Enforcement
What’s one thing you wish more students knew about your job?
The amount of noise, from both inside and outside the bus (traffic, passenger conversations, radio, etc.), is more prevalent than most students would believe. Also, the process of navigating different weather conditions while operating the bus makes each shift both different and interesting.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Volunteering to help vulnerable populations at various non-profit organizations during the day, then working 2nd shift driving the Spartan Chariot.
What fun activities do you like to pass the time during work or at the end of the day?
Listening to Music, Walking/Getting Exercise, and Learning New Things.
What skills should students develop to succeed in any workplace environment?
Communication, Teamwork, and Problem Solving.
What’s an interesting fact about yourself?
I have met several musicians, comedians, athletes, and politicians over the years! Each meeting made for a great memory and a great time!
Moving Campus Forward
Getting around campus takes many forms, and POCAM helps coordinate them all. At times, the team adapts services to accommodate special events, with a Spartan Chariot reserved to provide direct transportation to destinations such as Greensboro’s First Horizon Coliseum for athletic events or the Kaplan Center for professional development opportunities like the recent career fair.
These adjustments reflect the intentional effort to meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff and contribute to a broader mission of enhancing the University experience.
Parking is the first step, but succeeding as a Spartan is the next. Reach out to POCAM with any questions or concerns about how to improve your campus parking experience.
Story by Lauren Segers, University Communications
Photography by Sean Norona, University Communications
