To better connect with students and employees, the University of Arkansas Transit and Parking Department has launched a new online effort called Talk T&P.

It is a new website that was designed in conjunction with WordPress technical assistants from Information Technology Services on campus. You can find the website at talktandp.uark.edu.

On the home page of the website it reads, "Talk T&P exists to encourage the worthwhile pursuits of students and employees at the University of Arkansas. It is about providing in-depth information, making positive connections, sharing valuable insights, and celebrating success." 

David Wilson, communications director for Transit and Parking, said the website is a new format for communicating to the people served by Transit and Parking.

"We are using Talk T&P to help us convey that Transit and Parking is a proud supporter of everyone on campus," he said. "The perception is that Transit and Parking is just a big bad traffic cop, but in reality we are simply people who have a genuine interest in supporting others in their University of Arkansas experience."

Talk T&P is completely separate from Transit and Parking's regular website at parking.uark.edu. The regular website has information about parking areas and bus routes, about how to secure a parking permit, and about requirements and guidelines.

Talk T&P, on the other hand, has photos from around campus, features about different individuals, and informative articles of interest to a wide variety of readers.

"If you need to get the nuts and bolts about Transit and Parking issues you should go to the regular website," Wilson said. "If you want some information about what goes on behind the scenes or info about campus life you should go to Talk T&P."

The content in Talk T&P is the result of input from various employees within the department and also its two student interns.

"The interns have been excited about their work with the website," Wilson said. "They've made some great contributions, and it helps to have their perspective when we decide what will be included."