Frequently Asked Questions

Are there enough parking spaces?

There are enough spaces on all campuses for the number of faculty, staff, students and visitors we have daily at Southern Miss.  With the heart of campus being more focused on pedestrian traffic, parking that is convenient to certain buildings is limited.

Do I need to have a permit if I park on campus?

Yes.  Vehicles parked anywhere on university owned and controlled properties 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 avoid getting parking citations?

Purchase your parking permit when you arrive on campus.  Always park in a legal parking space in your designated zone.  Finally, when in doubt, refer to your parking regulations, observe the parking zone signs around campus, or call the Parking and Transit Department.

Is my permit transferable to another car?

Yes.  You are allowed to have four vehicles registered to a virtual permit. However, only one vehicle is allowed to park on University property at any given time.

Does my virtual permit expire on any certain date? Yes

• Annual - Valid August 16, 2018 - August 15, 2019
• Fall Semester - Valid August 16, 2018 - December 7, 2018
• Spring Semester - Valid January 2, 2019 - May 10, 2019
• Summer Semester - Valid May 11, 2019 - August 15,2019

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 and Transit 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’s pass from the following locations: 

Hattiesburg Campus

To obtain a parking pass for your vehicle, visit the Information Booth on East Memorial Drive (front entrance of campus) or Parking and Transit Department in McLemore Hall, first floor. Visitors must show a valid driver's license to obtain a visitor’s pass.

Parking metered spaces require payment regardless of the type permit displayed (i.e. Faculty/Staff, Student, Vendor, or Visitor).

Gulf Park Campus

To obtain a parking pass for your vehicle, visit the Parking Management Office located at 138 Beach Park Place (behind Elizabeth Hall). Visitors must show a valid driver's license to obtain a visitor’s pass.

GCRL(Halstead Road and Cedar Point locations)

To obtain a parking pass for your vehicle, visit the Business and Financial Affairs office in the Oceanography Building (on Halstead Road). Visitors must show a valid driver's license to obtain a visitor’s pass.

How can I appeal a citation I don’t think I should have received?

Faculty, staff and students can request an appeal hearing.  You must file for a appeal within five calendar days of issuance of the citation. Any individual receiving a parking or traffic citation may log into the citations portal to request a hearing on the citation, complete a citation appeal form or make a payment online. 

Have the price of citation fines changed?

Please refer to your current parking regulations for fine structure as fines can change from year to year, or contact the Parking and Transit Department.  Up-to-date copies of the parking regulations are always available online.

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 faculty, staff, students and visitor.  Quarters Only - 25 cents per every 15 minutes

Why do you give citations at night when there is not a parking problem?

The guidelines for parking are in effect at all times to help maintain a safe and secure environment. Mandatory tow areas (service areas, fire lanes/hydrants, handicap parking, handicap curb cuts, purple heart, reserved parking- which includes spaces, lots and visitor parking, sidewalks/grounds , obstructing traffic and no parking/tow areas) are enforced 24 hours/7 days week. Violation of these areas can create an unsafe environment or impede accessibility, and will not be allowed. Citation and towing is an accepted method of discouraging illegal parking.