Frequently
Asked Questions
Are
there enough parking spaces?
There are enough
spaces on campus for the number of students, staff, faculty and visitors
we have daily at Southern Miss. The problem is that we do not have as
many convenient parking spaces.
Why
don’t you just build a parking garage?
The possibility of a garage has been studied, but current
fees of $50 annually will not begin to cover such a tremendous expense.
This endeavor would increase permit fees comparable to those found at
all major universities around the nation.
How
much would it cost to build a garage?
The cost of a simple
garage can run $7,000-$8,000 per parking space. This is compared to an
asphalt lot, which is about $800 a space.
Do
I need to display a permit if I park on campus?
Yes. Vehicles parked
anywhere on university property require a valid parking permit 24 hours
a day.
I
only come to campus at night. Do I need to register for a parking permit?
Yes. Night students
are required to register for a permit just as day students.
What
are some ways to keep from getting parking citations?
Purchase
your parking permit when you arrive on campus. Always have your permit
properly displayed. Always park in a legal parking space. Finally, when
in doubt, refer to your parking regulations, observe the parking zone
signs around campus, or call the Parking Management Department.
Is
my permit transferable to another car?
No.
Decals are not transferable. They are registered to a particular vehicle,
however hangtags are transferable from one vehicle to another, but not
from one person to another.
What
happens if my permit is lost or stolen?
You
must first contact the Parking Management Department and report the incident.
Then come by the Parking Management Department to obtain a replacement
permit. If a lost or stolen permit is found on a vehicle parked on campus,
the vehicle will be towed and violators will be charged.
Does
my decal expire on any certain date?
Yes.
Parking permits expire August 15. The expiration date can be found on
each permit.
What
happens if I just park there for a minute, or a friend or teacher told
me to park there?
If
you are in doubt, contact the Parking Management Department for the answer.
A professor or friend may intend to be helpful, but will not be responsible
for your citation. If you even stay for a minute or two, your vehicle
is still as illegally parked as if it had been there all day.
What
can I do when a parent or friend comes to visit me on campus?
They
must obtain a visitor pass from the Parking Management Department or the
Information Booth. Parking metered spaces require payment regardless
of the type permit displayed (i.e. Adminstration, Faculty/Staff, Student,
Vendor, Visitor).
Can
I have a hearing on a citation I don’t think I should have received?
Yes.
Students, staff, and faculty can request a hearing. You must file for
a hearing within 10 days of issuance of the citation. Hearings are held
once a month for faculty/staff and once a week for students. You have
a choice to be present or not. Hearing forms can be obtained at the Parking
Management Department.
Have
fines changed in price?
Please
refer to your current parking regulations for fine structure as fines
can change from year to year, or contact the Parking Management Department.
Up-to-date copies of the parking regulations are always available.
Can
students park at meters?
Yes.
Anyone can park in metered parking as long as the meter is paid. Meter
parking is short-term parking for business use by students, staff, and
faculty.
Why
do you give tickets at night when there is not a parking problem?
The
guidelines for parking are in effect at all times, except service zone
parking, fire lanes, handicap, No Parking areas and blockage, inconvenience,
or impact safety of individuals cannot be allowed. Ticket/towing is an
accepted method of discouraging illegal parking.
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