SMU is working to make things easier and safer for students before they set foot in a classroom. Students will notice differences from the comfort of their driver”s seat because SMU is implementing four major changes to parking and parking policies.
Starting this fall, first year males will have a new alternative to the Dedman 3 Lot, repeat parking offenders will have a new policy to follow, visitors will pay to park on campus, and Moody Garage will be gated and updated.
Unlike many other campuses, SMU allows first year students to bring a vehicle to school with them. Although first-year males have only been able to park in the Dedman 3 Lot in the past, this year they can also park on SMU Boulevard east of Dublin.
There is a limited amount of spaces available, but first-year males now have a choice. First-year women will still park near their halls.
The Dedman 3 Lot will also be home to a new distinction of SMU students: Habitual Violaters. SMU Police Chief Michael Snellgrove said that the old policy of automatic suspension after six tickets has been changed.
Anyone receiving six citations will be put on the H.V. list and must only park in the Dedman 3 Lot. Snellgrove said it is the responsibility of the student to know when six tickets have accumulated because the school will not notify the student.
Although parking can still be suspended, it is now up to the University Judiciary System to take action once habitual violators have accumulated ten tickets.
Tickets must be paid in full but full privileges will not be reinstated as a result of payment, according to the Vehicle Regulations and Parking Guide.
Visitors will not longer be getting a free ride when it comes to parking on campus.
The University Lot, next to the Airline Garage, is now designated for visitors and will be $1 per hour to park up to $5 a day.
The first level of Moody Garage will also be for visitors and requires a flat fee of $5 per day. The decision was made in an attempt to be evenhanded.
‘Its only fair that everyone using parking resources pays something,’ Snellgrove said.
Even Moody Garage itself will be getting a makeover this year with the addition of card-controlled access gates, new cameras and a sign indicating whether or not the lot is full.
Snellgrove said gates should be operational by Sept. 1 and can be opened with a student identification card or student number.
Guests will take a ticket and pay as they exit the garage.
Since the new cameras will be recording constantly but not monitored, Snellgrove said students should still take measures to secure their belongings and ‘practice sensible personal protection habits.’
Student Body President Thomas Kincaid said that Senate applauds the effort to make parking safer and is committed to continually improving the situation on campus.
‘We the students must continue to fight for enhanced safety while simultaneously working to keep parking fees and tuition under control,’ Kincaid said.
