Starting Sept. 8, 2015, visitors to our campus will no longer have to pay parking fees after 4 p.m. or on weekends. In the coming weeks, new signage will go up around the campus lots announcing the changes to free parking hours.

The move is part of an effort to improve and increase access to our campus, and to create a friendlier environment and experience to our neighbors and community.

“During the day when most classes are in session, parking is at premium. We relieve the pressure put on our parking resources by offering shuttle services and following a pay-to-park structure,” said President Cheryl Roberts. “But in off-peak hours, we’re pleased to offer free parking to our community members so that they may visit us with ease.”

Currently, visitors to campus pay a fee to park until midnight and on weekends.

Another positive change to the parking permit system is that the pay machines will now allow visitors to purchase permits in incremental amounts of time in between the posted rates. For example, if a visitor only wants to buy 15 or 30 minutes of additional time without going up to the next hourly rate, they’re allowed to do so.

Robin Blacksmith, Director of Campus Safety and Security, said this allowance for incremental purchasing “will be a positive change and represent a fairer way for a visitor to purchase and pay for the exact amount of time they need.”

Blacksmith also reported that security will still continue to patrol the campus and parking lots during the periods of free parking to ensure the safety of visitors to the college.

When the change goes into effect on Sept. 8, the machines will operate from 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will not accept payment during the off hours.

Current parking rates are $3 for 2 hours, $5 for 4 hours and $7.50 for all day parking.