Hazel Bozikowski | Visual and Photo Editor | hbozikowski@mail.smcvt.edu
Parking on campus has become a source of frustration for students. According to students, unclear rules and steep penalties are their main concerns. With reports of students receiving large fines and even having their cars booted, many individuals are looking for better communication and understanding from the administration about where they are allowed to park.
While complaints of ticketing are common among students, Jennifer Drury, Services and Engagement Coordinator for Public Safety said they have issued fewer parking citations this year.
“It’s inconsistent ticketing,” said Sam Cavossa ’26, who received a $80 ticket for parking in a space he believed to be for students in Tarrant. “I have parked in this spot maybe 30 times and just the other week I received a fine.” Cavossa also mentioned his frustrations concerning safety for his vehicle. “I had over $200 stolen from my car when I parked in Tarrant and when I reported it nothing was done, but I’m getting an $80 ticket for parking? That isn’t fair,” he said. Cavossa also appealed the ticket and nothing was granted.
Signage and clarity has been another issue regarding parking, especially during the winter. “There is a lack of clear signage and enforcement,” said John Fischer ’26. “I was parking in Dion during a snowy day and none of the lines were visible. I thought there would be some understanding, but I received a ticket anyway for parking in two spots,” Fischer said. Fischer appealed the fine and was able to cut the cost in half due to snowy confusion.
Kate Oxley ’26 has faced two warnings, an incorrectly issued ticket and a boot this past year. “I didn’t have to pay for the warnings, and there was a random ticket in my account made out to a car with a completely different license plate than mine,so I didn’t pay it,” Oxley said. A few weeks later, Oxley left her car on with her hazards blinking while she quickly ran into Cronogue Hall, when she came out there was a boot on her car. “I had to pay $80 to remove the boot and then an extra $60 for being in a fire lane, which didn’t have a sign. I think the only reason I received a boot on my car was due to leaving that wrongly issued ticket in my account unpaid,” Oxley said. After Oxley spoke with Jennifer Drury, Services and Engagement Coordinator, the random ticket was removed from her account, but she still had to pay $140 to remove the boot and the fine from being in a fire lane. “I didn’t know that after two warnings my car would be booted,” Oxley said.
According to the St. Michael’s College Parking and Traffic Regulations website, there are currently 833 student parking spots, with around 800 permits issued to residential students. The student spots are highlighted purple on the parking map. The Office of Public Safety suggests looking at the map and student handbook if you have any confusion before parking.
“There are several vehicles on campus without valid permits, as there is no way to track them,” Drury said. Vehicles parking on campus without a permit take spots away from students who have paid for a parking pass, thus causing parking frustration for many. Appeals are also granted more times than not if a ticket is given. “Currently we have accepted 70% of appeals this year, compared to 75% last year. It’s important to note that we received more appeals last year,” Drury said. Applying for an appeal is more likely than not going to result in removing the fine or adjusting it to a lesser amount.
Once again the Office of Public Safety encourages students to revisit the parking map if they have any confusion about where they can park.