Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we have to pay for parking?
The University receives no money from the State of Illinois to support its parking program. This means that the money must be generated internally through parking permits, fines and meters.
Is everyone required to purchase a parking permit?
No, only those who bring vehicles to campus. This does, however, include the majority of faculty, staff and students. Many individuals take advantage of the shuttle service provided by Madison County Transit, ride bicycles or carpool.
Where does all this money go?
Several places. Revenue is used to:
- Keep the parking lot surfaces in good condition, including periodic crack filling, sealing and striping
- Maintain and pay the utilities on parking lot lighting
- Maintain and upgrade the network of emergency telephones
- Repair and replace parking meters
- Pay the salaries of individuals, such as the Parking Services staff and the parking service agents, who support the function
- Make the required payments on revenue bonds which have been sold to fund some of our large projects
How do I go about registering my vehicle?
The easiest way is to purchase a permit online. You may also go to the Parking Services office on the first floor of Rendleman Hall.
Is there any "open parking" on campus?
Students are permitted to park in the Red and Yellow permit lots the week prior to and the first week of the academic term to give them ample opportunity to conduct necessary business. Students may also choose to pay to park in Lot B or at meters during that time. The Red and Yellow lots also have open parking during semester break periods when classes are not in session.
What happens if I don't pay my citations?
A number of things are possible. If citations are not paid by their due dates, you will be placed on accounts receivable. If you are a student and citations remain outstanding on accounts receivable, you won't be allowed to enroll for subsequent semesters. In addition, you will be denied services at various points on campus and will not be able to receive a transcript until the debt is satisfied. Discipline under the Student Conduct Code could also occur. If you are an employee, you may face disciplinary action through Human Resources. Both students and employees also risk the very real possibility of being towed.
Who makes all these rules anyway?
All policies and procedures, besides those established by the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees, are formulated by the University Parking and Traffic Committee. The group's recommendations are forwarded to the Vice Chancellor for Administration for consideration. The Committee consists of 12 voting members recommended to the Vice Chancellor by the Student, Faculty and Staff Senates. The Vice Chancellor also appoints a number of non-voting ex-officio members who work directly or indirectly with Parking Services.
If I get a citation and feel it is unjustified, what can I do about it?
You may go to Parking Services to file an appeal or you may appeal online. A portion of the citation must be paid first, however. If the appeal is granted, a credit will be placed on accounts receivable. You have 14 calendar days after the issue of the citation to file.
How does this appeal thing work?
There are two steps to the process. First, Parking Services reviews the appeal and issues a decision. If the appellant is not satisfied, they may re-appeal to the Appeals Committee. This is a group of faculty, staff and students who volunteer their time to consider parking appeals. The appellant is invited to appear before the group, but is not required to do so. The decision by this group is binding.
How can I avoid getting a parking citation?
- Buy a permit.
- Park only where your permit allows you to park.
- If you are using a parking meter, make sure you put enough money in the meter to cover the time you will be using it.
- Do not park at meters that are out-of-order.
- If you loan your vehicle to someone, make sure he or she knows where to park. You are responsible for all citations issued to your permit/vehicle.
- All areas not specifically designated for parking should be considered "No Parking" zones.
- When the lot you usually park in is at capacity, do not park on the grass, at the end of an aisle or in an unauthorized zone. Rather, move your vehicle to an alternate lot where your permit is honored.
- If you are driving a vehicle other than the one you have registered, simply transfer your permit to the substitute vehicle and park in your usual lot. If you forget your permit, you may purchase a temporary permit for the substitute vehicle online or in Parking Services, or park it in a pay area on a pay basis.
How are parking rates determined?
Upgrades to a number of our parking facilities and the construction of several new lots were financed by a sale of revenue bonds. Parking rates are established at a level sufficient enough to pay the debt service as well as subsidize routine operations and maintenance, snow removal, and the scheduled and non-scheduled upgrading and replacement of equipment and software. The Parking and Traffic Committee and the Office of Financial Affairs also have the responsibility to review the rate structure annually and make adjustments as necessary based on programmatic or financial needs or results.
Are there regulations pertaining to campus traffic?
- Speed limits on campus range from 10 mph in parking lots to 45 mph on University Drive.
- All traffic accidents involving property damage of over $250 must be reported immediately to University Police by owners or operators of the vehicles involved.
- Truck traffic is not permitted on University roads except for the delivery of goods or services or for official University business. Trucks are defined as commercial-type vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weights of 8,000 pounds or more.
- State of Illinois citations are issued at the University for moving violations. These citations may not be paid or appealed at Parking Services.
What are the rules governing crosswalks?
Drivers must yield when a pedestrian enters or is in a marked crosswalk. When a crosswalk covers two lanes of traffic, drivers must wait until pedestrians have cleared the entire crosswalk before proceeding. This applies to crosswalks on University Drive.
Pedestrians should use crosswalks whenever available. When crossing at any place other than a marked crosswalk, pedestrians must give the right-of-way to drivers. Drivers, however, must still be on the alert for pedestrians at all locations. Crosswalk regulations are strictly enforced by University Police.
