Beginning next semester, new parking regulations will go into effect that will have an impact on incoming freshmen as well as upperclassmen.
Changes have been made and deadlines have been added to the procedure for upperclassmen wishing to get a parking spot in the Laclede Garage. Current Laclede permit holders who wish to return next fall must sign up by May 30 to be guaranteed a spot in the garage.
Students who wish to park in Laclede and do not park there now, as well as current permit holders who miss the May 30 deadline, will be entered into a lottery that will be drawn in the summer. The deadline for the drawing is June 13.
Any remaining spots will be offered in a second lottery for freshmen and those who sign up after June 13. If all spaces are filled, the remaining people will be put on a waiting list.
According to Ann Benson, manager of Parking and Card Services, the deadlines will allow the garage to be filled completely before school starts. In the past, the garage was not filled until later in the school year. Students are encouraged to sign up for parking while pre-registering for their classes.
In addition to the Laclede Garage changes, the President’s Coordinating Council recently approved the resolution first passed by the Student Government Association that would force incoming freshmen with general parking permits to park in the Olive Garage.
After approval by SGA, the resolution went to the Parking and Planning Advisory Committee before being passed on to the PCC.
To ensure compliance with the new rules, freshmen will be issued a different colored hang-tag. Incoming students are still welcome to sign up for premium spaces, if desired.
According to SGA President Mike Rozier, the plan will open up more spots for residents who need to leave campus during the day and return in the evening.
As for safety, freshmen parking in the Olive Garage will be able to use the University’s shuttle service, Department of Public Safety escorts and a golf cart shuttle. DPS will also be more watchful with more people walking from the east side of campus, Rozier said.
“Always walk on the inside of campus is something that needs to be accentuated,” said Chris Regan, director of Service Operations. “They only need to know one place to park. It takes off some of the pressure and makes it a little easier.”
