UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center parking lot is in the process of being reconfigured to maximize the use of space and to increase safety.

Approved last year by UNLV's parking and traffic committee, the biggest change is the orientation of the spaces. Originally oriented toward the Thomas & Mack Center, the spaces are now oriented toward the Student Services Complex.

"Our primary motivation is safety," said Donald Drake, a UNLV police sergeant. "Now the students are not walking through rows of parked cars but down open drive aisles."

Additional changes include:
-- A reduction in drive aisles from 15 to five.
-- A total of 500 additional student spaces.
-- An increase in handicapped spaces at the Student Services Complex from 4 to 14.

Reconfiguration of the parking lot south of the Thomas & Mack will begin in the fall.