SEMO parking changes spark controversy among students: residents vs commuters

The parking situation at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) has become a hot topic of debate this semester. In July, SEMO’s Department of Parking Services (DPS) made the unexpected decision to cancel the annual parking lottery, opting instead to implement a new, simplified parking plan. This overhaul has divided the student body, with residents and commuters taking opposing sides in the ongoing parking saga.

Residents on the Defensive

For campus residents like junior agriculture education major Hollie Bryant the new parking system feels like a direct blow.

“It’s horrible,” Bryant said. “I’m so scared to go back on Tuesday morning because I don’t think I’ll be able to find a spot.”

The elimination of the parking lottery — previously a lifeline for seniors seeking preferred spots — has led to increased competition for spaces. Bryant, who often parks around LaFerla Hall, has found that the reduction in parking categories has created chaos, with both residents and commuters crowding into lots closer to their classes.

Senior elementary education major and resident Julia Hall echoed Bryant’s frustration. While appreciating the convenience of parking near various campus locations, Hall is troubled by the financial implications.

“I think the permits are pretty expensive for not being guaranteed a spot,” Hall said. “If you can’t find a spot, you have to park quickly, then that’s another $20 ticket on top of what you paid for the permit.”

Commuters Claim Victory

In contrast, commuters like Rachel Files and Gabby Kozuszek have found the new system more accommodating. Senior construction management major Files lived on campus for three years before commuting, has seen notable improvements.

“I think it's made it significantly easier to find a spot,” Files said. “I also know that there's just fewer students on campus this year, but I do think it's a great decision. It was something I was complaining about a few years ago when I could only park in the resident spot outside of Vandiver.”

Files also appreciated the early communication from DPS about the changes. “They did a really good job at emailing out the information,” she said. “As a returning student, I think they did a good job of explaining the changes.”

Junior early education major Gabby Kozuszek, who has transitioned from on-campus living to commuting, also supports the new system.

“Since I’ve shifted over, I think it makes more sense to have it streamlined,” Kozuszek said. “It’s nice not to have to worry about where you can and can’t park.”

Kozuszek acknowledged the benefits but noted ongoing concerns about availability.

“I think it did address some issues because it’s easier to understand,” she said. “But depending on the time of day, there’s still not enough parking. I don’t know if that’s due to the number of students or the changes in the system.”

The End of Preferred Parking

Under the old system, SEMO students had to enter a parking lottery for a chance at preferred parking.

The distribution was tiered by credit hours: 55% of permits went to students with 90 or more hours, 30% to those with 60 to 89 hours and 15% to those with 30 to 59 hours.

This setup favored seniors who had accumulated the most credit hours, ensuring they had the best chance at securing a spot close to their classes.

The New System and Its Impact

The new parking system aims to simplify categories, but it has inadvertently highlighted a divide between residents and commuters. Kozuszek noted the increased clarity but still struggles with parking.

“I think they made it easier to understand,” Kozuszek said. “But I can see how people who live on campus might be struggling to find parking. The only problem is there’s just not enough parking.”

Concerns Over Costs and Tickets

Ticketing has also become a point of contention. Shepherd, Parking Services Supervisor, reported a slight increase in tickets issued this year.

“I’d say there’s a slight increase, just because everyone’s still figuring out how the new system works,” Shepherd said. “We’ve been giving people leeway. If they come in and explain, we usually can write the ticket off, especially if it’s just one or two. But yes, there has been a slight uptick in ticketing as people adjust to the new rules.”

The Administration Responds

According to DPS, 1,739 commuter permits and 1,185 resident permits were sold this semester. With 11 resident lots and 12 commuter lots, including those on River Campus, the demand for parking spaces remains high.

Shepherd explained that the new system was chosen for its simplicity, though DPS had considered several alternatives, including completely unrestricted parking and various splits between employee and student parking.

“We realized that the previous system was getting confusing for everyone,” Shepherd said. “We aimed to make it straightforward for both students and staff.”

DPS is actively working with student groups to address ongoing concerns and plans to evaluate the new system’s effectiveness at the end of the year.

“We’re going to take notes on what worked and what didn’t,” Shepherd said. “We want to make sure we do what’s best for everyone, and if that means adding more lots or rearranging existing ones, we’ll do it.”