Orientation season officially kicked-off Monday spurring hoards of rising freshmen to hit campus’ streets, the bookstore shelves, and Talley Student Center. Parking, a frequent issue with large campus orientations, has held up well, however, resulting in a positive atmosphere for parents and orientees.

Gregory Cain, assistant director for parking services, said although campus saw virtually two orientation groups, there were no problems finding areas for parking.

“The Lee Hall Lot did fill, and it spilled over into the West Lot, which we recommended, and also some into the Dan Allen parking deck,” Cain said. “But none of those areas got to a point where it became a concern.”

Initially, this year’s orientation parking appeared more difficult with the closing of Central Lot, behind the Student Health Center, and the soon-to-be construction in the West Lot.

“The one thing that will change is that we will be taking the upper section of the West Lot where the deck project is to begin,” Cain said. “Around 450 spaces will be taken out.”

“This has caused our decks to be used to a much greater extent than they have in the past but they haven’t been completely filled,” said Cain. “But from what we’ve seen we don’t think that’s going to create a problem we can’t manage well.”

“It looked good out there yesterday and it looks good out there today,” Cain said.

Robin Weaver, mother of incoming freshman David Weaver, said she did not park on campus because she knew it would be problematic.

“We knew parking would be an issue,” Weaver said.

Weaver also said she was very impressed with orientation and with the First Year College.

“Very impressed,” Weaver responded about her experience at orientation. “I’m also very impressed with the First Year College. I wish I was 18-years-old again.”

Laura Robinson, another Wolfpack mother, said her son, James Robinson Jr., is her third child to come to N.C. State, but that parking was very good this time.

“They did an excellent job, it’s a long walk, but it wasn’t that bad,” Robinson said.

Caitlyn Watts, an incoming freshman, said the orientation was a little on the boring side.

“I thought they could have done more to get it going,” Watts said.