Delaney Kwiatt came to IU in 2018 as a freshman from a small town in northern Indiana. She stayed in Read Residence Hall planning to earn a degree in interior design.
Arriving on campus ready for the start of her freshman year, Delaney felt lucky to be one freshman able to bring their car to college. With her parking permit posted on her front dash, Delaney parked her car at the IU Memorial Stadium. Little did she know, students are required to move their car for game days by 6 p.m. the evening prior to any men’s home football and basketball games. This is when Delaney started racking up her parking citations, not knowing that she must move her car to an eligible lot for that time.
IU Director of Parking Operations explains that the stadium is the main lot for on-campus students and commuters, including some campus housing parking.
Fines range from $25 to $200 for parking and meter violations. If a student wrongly parks at the stadium on game day, the current fee is $40. IU parking operations collaborates with external towing companies to perform towing services on cars that have received six or more citations in a year. These cars are deemed scofflaw and become eligible for towing. Still in her first semester at IU, Delaney says she made the drive to Ellettsville to pick up her towed car after she received multiple citations.
Students have the option of adding the tow fee to their IU Bursar account if they present a valid IU Crimson Card at the site of towing. The 2020 towing charge listed is $135 with potential additional service and storage fees added on. In the state of Indiana, it is illegal for companies to tow unless it is clearly stated in the specific area.
Students who wish to appeal tickets must do so within 14 days of the issue date. The appeal will then be reviewed by a board and determined if it is eligible to be waived. A list of acceptable and unacceptable reasons are listed on the IU parking site. Students must be prepared to offer proof if necessary in order to have a valid appeal.
IU Director of Parking Operations explains what is considered during the citation appeal process.
In order to avoid these fines, students, faculty and staff must purchase a permit that coincides with their affiliation with the university and park only in their designated zone. IU Director of Parking Operations Amanda Turnipseed said that permits are sold by zones, not by specific lots. Certain zones may be sold for campus housing only whereas others may be for appointed graduate students or IU employees. Rates differ based on multiple factors and are typically sold at an annual cost.
IU Director of Parking Operations explains who reviews citation appeals.
Some lots on campus allow paid, short-term parking. Students may choose to pay to park in the multiple metered lots rather than purchasing a permit. These lots have clear signage that overnight parking is prohibited. These lots are open Monday through Friday for $1 per hour but most have maximum time limits and may not be the best option for someone who needs longer-term parking.
All parking questions or concerns may be directed to the Office of Parking Operations at parking@indiana.edu or in person at the Henderson Parking Garage.
