Hi!  As far as I can see,  your problem is not the customers but the geniuses who set up this arrangement.  It shouldn't be YOUR job to have to tell guests anything.  If parking is that limited, then when invitations are issued for events, the situation should be explained somewhere on the invitation or packet of materials regarding the event.  Guests attending should be required by the school to show their invitation or whatever when they drive up to the parking thing.  And if the lots fills up with either cars or reserved spaces, then there should be a SIGN which lights up to indicate that there are no more spaces. 

I agree the guests shouldn't be rude but I can see why they aren't taking you seriously because the school isn't taking any of this seriously.  There is just so much you can do and I'm really surprised that you are tolerating it at all although I well recall from my own working years that sometimes we don't have a choice.

It doesn't matter who donates what to the University, there have to be ground rules in place here and you shouldn't have to be the one to explain that to people.

Good luck to you!  Keep in touch with us and let us know what happens in the future. 

I feel that you are being put into a no win situation......which is not a good thing.  IF YOUR SOLE JOB IS TO WARD OFF THE PEOPLE DESIRING TO PARK THERE-then something indeed needs to be changed. 

As far out as this sounds-(road rage, etc....), your actual LIFE could be in danger if the wrong person comes along.

Rudness is part of working with the public,,,you will never avoid that unfortunate part of the business.  Smiling goes a long way.  Say what you must....do not do the ABC.s     Argue   Blame    Criticize.         Just smile, do not apologize, but state the facts and then the ball is in their court.  It is unfortunate that you are in this awkward position----so be sure to watch for a dangerous reaction from that one nut case that may be out there.   Best to you.

Thanks for bringing up something I was almost afraid to mention -- this person could be in danger because of this situation. 

I would smile, and say I'm sorry there is limited parking spaces, and they have been reserved. I'm surprised they didn't tell you about alternative parking. And if you know where there is some show them which direction. But I do agree with the other responses. It shouldn't be your reponsibility, but then again some people don't read all the print and are in a big butt hurry. This isn't fair to you, and I would take it up with the person who hired you. Your life is worth more, and you can tell your not happy under these condition. Maybe start looking for something you really enjoy, a passion of yours.

Sounds like the inmates are running the asylum to me.   From many years in customer service, I can tell you to NEVER argue with the customer or be rude in return.  Smile politely and refer them to your bosses if need be.  Just tell them, "I'm sorry, but there is no parking available and refer them to alternate nearby choices. If you are feeling proactive (and you should), find out what parking is available nearby and refer them there.  But, no matter what "kill them with kindness".  It's less likely, though not impossible,  they will continue to be rude in the face of your kindness.

Also, if I were you, and it's possible, find another job.  Sounds like you work for a bunch of idiots.  I don't understand why they can't post a sign or have gates you can secure if your lot is full.

You know, Mike, I don't understand that either.  Any parking lot worth its salt, regardless of size, should have a lighted-up sign which you could fix to say "Full" or "No vacancy".  I thought nearly all parking facilities had that.

I think the replies I have read to Snuggles predicament were excellent, excellent, excellent.  Mike was right, the lunatics are running the asylum, so when in Rome do as the Romans do, act crazier....Snuggles, you said there were only 55 places to park, sooooo....I have a solution for you...For the next event, find out what the name of the event is then ....take yourself to the closest paid parking lot, confer with the attendant there and tell him that he can make some extra money and you are going to help him make it.  Then explain to him what your going to do and that is...you are going to let 55 cars from his parking lot park in your lot, but they must give you the password to park there and that is the name of the event that is going on at your place....now he will be agreeable because he will be making money, your "parkers" will be happy, you can save your job and outwit the lunatics running the business.  In other words beat them at their own game.  They are taking no responsibility for the parking situation or your safety for that matter, soooooo you must take matters into your own hands. Do not discuss this with anyone but the parking attendant at the other lot....tell him you expect a tip and a tight lip.....good luck