51ºÚÁÏ Parking Policy

PARKING POLICY

Dear 51ºÚÁÏ Community:

Parking permits/decals ensure the safety of those individuals on the 51ºÚÁÏ campus and assist the Police Department in knowing the permissible vehicles allowed to park on campus. Parking permits/decals also help identify 51ºÚÁÏ students, faculty/staff and contracted employees. All visitors, vendors, and contractors must obtain a temporary parking pass from the 51ºÚÁÏ Police Department and display it upon the rearview mirror.

ALL faculty/staff/contracted employees are required to purchase a permit and have it affixed to their vehicle(s) in the proper location.

ALL validated students are required to purchase a permit and have it affixed to their vehicle in the proper location. Using the term ALL students includes all graduate students who attend classes on the campus of 51ºÚÁÏ at any hour of the day.

The proper location of a valid decal is placed on the backside of the rearview mirror. Taping the permit to any part of the vehicle is not permissible. Permits/decals displayed improperly will constitute an improper display violation.

Be advised that students with a permit ARE allowed to park in faculty/staff parking lots each business day after 6 p.m. until 7 a.m. the next day. After that time, they will be subjected to ticketing and/or towing. It is not permissible at any time to park in reserved, restricted, handicapped, loading zones, fire lanes, or grass.

Permits/decals are for the academic school year, valid from September 1st to August 31st, and parking is allowed only in the designated lots per the type of permit on the vehicle.

The parking rules and regulations will be enforced 24 hours per day by the 51ºÚÁÏ Police Department.

51ºÚÁÏ Parking Committee

51ºÚÁÏ Parking Manual — Rules and Regulations

I. Statement of Policy

The University Parking Committee has developed the motor vehicle rules and regulations. They apply to all individuals who operate motor vehicles on 51ºÚÁÏ (51ºÚÁÏ) campus. For the purpose of these regulations, motor vehicles include all self-propelled vehicles, which may or may not require state licenses. All University roads and grounds come under the jurisdiction of procedures and regulations set forth in this policy. 51ºÚÁÏ Police Officers and Security Officers, as designated, are authorized to enforce these procedures and regulations in the interest of the safety of individuals and property. The operation of motor vehicles on the campus of 51ºÚÁÏ is a privilege granted by the University. This privilege is extended to faculty, staff, students, and authorized visitors to the campus. Failure to adhere to these regulations as well as the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia may result in a warning or citation and the loss of parking privileges on the campus of 51ºÚÁÏ.

The official motor vehicle rules and regulations of 51ºÚÁÏ are outlined in this document; they supplement but do not supersede regulations established by the Division of Motor Vehicles of the Commonwealth of Virginia. These procedures and regulations replace all previously published University parking procedures and regulations and remain in effect until revised or rescinded by the University Parking Committee. These procedures and regulations complement other published University documents. All affected parties should carefully read this document and become familiar with its contents. Additional parking information is available to 51ºÚÁÏ students in the Student Handbook, issued by the Office of Student Conduct. The Committee reserves the right to amend this document and publish any changes to these regulations that it deems are in the best interest of public safety and security and to comply with the rules and regulations mandated by the Commonwealth of Virginia and the 51ºÚÁÏ Board of Visitors.

The parking program of the University operates as an Auxiliary Enterprise, and fees have been developed to support all costs associated with the program’s administration. Requests for special parking needs which are not discussed herein should be directed to the AVP for Public Safety/Chief of Police for assessment based on merit and space availability. The University Parking Committee shall be the final authority on matters of parking policy as it relates to parking on the campus of 51ºÚÁÏ. However, all parking violations may be appealed directly to the University Parking Appeals Committee (See Section XII, Appeal Procedures) within five (5) days of the violation.

THE UNIVERSITY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE TO VEHICLES WHILE PARKED ON VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY PROPERTY.

II. Types of Parking Permits/Decals

All vehicles parked on campus must display a valid University parking permit. Purchasing a permit does not guarantee you a parking space. All employees and students who are disabled are required to have a state-issued handicapped plate and/or placard, and a 51ºÚÁÏ permit.

A. Annual Parking Permits/Decals

Annual parking permits/decals are required on all vehicles parked continually on the University campus. There are four types of annual parking permits/decals: (1) Executive Reserved; (2) Faculty and Staff Restricted; (3) Contracted and (4) Student. The differences among these permits/decals are the cost of registration fees (See Section V, Permit Fees) and parking lot restrictions (See Section IX, Parking Areas). Permits/decals are for the academic school year, valid from September 1st to August 31st, and parking is allowed only in the designated lots per the type of permit on the vehicle.

NEW: 51ºÚÁÏ Commuter Lot for Employees and Commuter Students

The new commuter parking lot is in Lot 39 at the Multi-Purpose Center ONLY. There is no charge for students and employees who park in the new 51ºÚÁÏ Commuter parking lot. Students and employees who opt to park in the FREE designated lot, MPC Lot 39, Lot 40 and Lot 27C, must still register to obtain a free permit/decal.

B. Retired Faculty Emeriti

Occasionally the University issues, at no cost, a permit reserved for Retired Faculty Emeriti. The University Administration approves the issuance of this special permit to retired faculty who have been bestowed the honorary status of faculty emeriti. This designation allows the honoree to park in any non-restricted parking area on campus.

III. Types of Parking Passes

A. Guests of the University

Faculty and staff members who host workshops, conferences, etc., are responsible for obtaining parking passes for guests from the Police Department. The host faculty/staff member is responsible for ensuring that the pass is issued only to the specific guest(s) for whom it is requested. These passes may be processed and mailed in advance for the convenience of the persons for whom they are issued. Reproduction of these passes is prohibited. Parking Lot #7 is designated the official visitors’ parking lot.

B. Visitor Passes

All other visitors to the campus should immediately report to the Police Department Headquarters building to obtain a temporary parking pass before utilizing campus lots. Visitors should first report to Lot #7 after receiving a temporary parking pass and park in any available marked visitor space. In the event there is no available space, visitors are allowed to park in any open parking space in any other lot except those restricted for service vehicles, handicapped spaces, and executive reserved spaces.

C. Vendor/Contractor Passes

Contractors/vendors providing temporary services to the University may only park in spaces designated for them. All vendors/contractors should immediately report to the Police Department Headquarters building to obtain a temporary parking pass before utilizing campus lots. Contractor/vendor vehicles must display their parking pass at all times. The pass must indicate the company's name, campus location, vehicle license plate, and expiration date. The vendor/contractor’s temporary pass can be valid for up to 30 days.

D. Handicapped Permits/Decals

A faculty/staff member or student who has been issued a “Handicapped” permit by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), must have it displayed as part of the state tag or hung from the driver’s rearview mirror. This permit will identify the faculty/staff member or student as the authorized handicap permit holder. Individuals who use handicap permits/decals issued to others or use handicap spaces without the 51ºÚÁÏ and state permit will be cited. Vehicles used to transport a disabled individual, or passenger may park in handicapped spaces if the handicapped person is present and the proper permit/permits/decals discussed above are displayed.

E. Special Events

Special events are those occasions that require one-time parking privileges. These occasions include, but are not limited to: Fall Convocation, Founders Day, Commencement Weekend, Intercollegiate Athletic Events, and University-Sponsored Cultural Events. The AVP for Public Safety/Chief of Police will declare parking for these occasions as open and free to the public and/or reserved.

F. Other Permits/Decals

1. Temporary Replacement Vehicles – All employees and students requiring temporary parking privileges should report to the 51ºÚÁÏ Police Department for registration and issuance of a temporary parking pass valid for two consecutive days. This temporary pass will only be honored upon verification of a previously purchased permit that is still valid. An employee or student who needs a temporary pass because their registered vehicle is being serviced and has a rental vehicle, must present a renter agreement as proof before a pass can be issued for an extended period.
2. ROTC Reserved Parking – There are several parking spaces near the ROTC building designated for official ROTC government vehicle parking only. No other vehicles are allowed in these spaces before 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.
3. Cross-Enrolled Student Parking – ROTC students and students registered at other institutions, enrolled in classes at 51ºÚÁÏ, and registered vehicles at their respective schools will be issued 51ºÚÁÏ permits/decals at no cost. However, these students must prove that their vehicle is registered at their school.

IV. Obtaining a Parking Permit/Decal

ALL MOTOR VEHICLES THAT ARE PARKED ON CAMPUS BY MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY MUST BE REGISTERED IMMEDIATELY.

Parking permits/decals are valid each academic year from September 1st through August 31st. Each person who registers a vehicle shall be provided a copy of the 51ºÚÁÏ Parking, Policy, Rules, and Regulations manual.

The appropriate parking permit/decal will be issued by the University Cashier's Office upon receipt of:

1. Motor Vehicle Registration Application
2. A valid copy of a current state vehicle registration
3. Valid Driver’s license
4. The applicable registration fee
5. 51ºÚÁÏ identification card

Faculty and staff, who register more than one vehicle, must produce a valid permanent state registration document for each vehicle.

To obtain a permit/decal, you must complete the Permit Registration Application and submit it to the 51ºÚÁÏ Parking Portal at . The 51ºÚÁÏ Police Department will investigate any information found to be knowingly false on this application.

To purchase a permit, the individual must sign the "Authorization and Certification" section of the registration application to allow delinquent or unpaid traffic violations to be deducted from his/her wages or student account. Failure to do so will result in denial of a permit purchase. No permits/decals and/or temporary passes may be obtained by faculty, staff, contracted employees or students with outstanding tickets unless the Authorization and Certification process has begun or the ticket(s) on record is under appeal prior to the date of attempted obtainment. All permit/decal sales are final.

No more than a total of three permits/decals may be issued to any member of the faculty or staff. No more than one permit may be issued to a student.

No permit may be issued for any additional or replacement vehicle unless (1) the state registration bears the same name or names as shown for the first vehicle registered, or (2) bears the same address. Any registration for an automobile that does not bear the full name of the employee or student, or at least the same surname, can be approved only by the AVP for Public Safety/Chief of Police.

No permit may be issued to incoming freshmen, to include on and off-campus students, unless written authorization is received from the Director of Student Conduct.

Students, both undergraduate and graduate, who are hourly employees may only apply for a student permit and may not receive a faculty/staff permit. However, graduate students who are full-time employees are eligible for a faculty/staff permit.

Students whose employment with the University is under College Work Study or similar programs that are incidental to their main function as a student may apply only for a student permit and may not receive a faculty/staff permit.

All faculty and staff, including contracted employees, must obtain clearance signatures from the Cashier's Office for traffic citations in order to receive their final paycheck. Payment made upon separation must be in the form of cash, money order, credit card, cashier’s check, or other certified funds. No personal checks will be accepted.

Registration of a vehicle is not complete until the permit is displayed properly. A valid permit must be securely affixed to the backside of the rearview mirror facing the windshield. Taping the permit to any part of the vehicle is not permissible. Permits/decals displayed improperly will constitute an improper display violation.

V. Permit/Decal Fees

All annual permits/decals are valid for the period beginning September 1st through August 31st, per academic year. However, permits/decals sold on the dates shown below will be prorated and sold at the prices indicated.

A. Definitions:

Executive Reserved – These permits/decals will be sold only to the President, Vice-Presidents, Associate Vice-Presidents, and Deans. These spaces will be in the faculty lot closest to their buildings and will include a sign designating the space as being reserved for that person by official title only. Example: "Reserved Parking Dean, School of Business."

Faculty/Staff Restricted – These permits/decals will be sold only to faculty and staff (classified and contracted employees). This permit allows the holder to park in any space, except a "reserved" space, in any lot, which is designated "Faculty/Staff" on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contracted Employee Permit – These permits/decals will be sold only to contracted employees who work with GCA Services, Thompson Hospitality, and staff of the Multi-Purpose Complex for 51ºÚÁÏ. This permit allows the holder to park in any space, except a “reserved” space, in any lot designated “Faculty/Staff” on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Pre-Tax Payroll Deduction for Parking Permit/Decal – The purpose of the program is to allow University Employees to pay for parking expenses on a pre-tax basis through payroll deduction. The parking fees will be deducted from the employee’s paycheck before federal, state, and FICA taxes are computed, thereby resulting in tax savings. 51ºÚÁÏ faculty and staff are eligible for this payment arrangement if they are continuously employed at the University, and do not have any outstanding parking fines. Employees must complete “The Pre-Tax Parking Fee Program Salary Reduction Agreement form.” The Salary Reduction form, Employee Motor Vehicle Registration Application and a copy of the current vehicle registration card and a readable copy of the driver’s license must be returned to the Cashier’s Office starting August 1. The pre-tax payroll deduction from the employee’s paycheck will be processed in four installments based on approval of the salary reduction agreement form by the Payroll Office. 51ºÚÁÏ employees must elect to participate in the pre-tax parking fee program each year.  Summer permits/decals are a one-time payment or one-time payroll deduction.

Student – These permits/decals will be sold only to students who are validated or officially enrolled. This permit allows the holder to park in any lot designated as "Student Parking." No permit may be issued to incoming freshmen students unless written authorization is received from the Director of Student Conduct.  Students are allowed to only have one (1) parking permit per year.  If necessary, to get a replacement permit, the original must be removed and brought to the 51ºÚÁÏ Police Department to obtain documentation to secure a replacement permit.

Daily – These are available for VISITORS ONLY, except the spaces designated for employees, in Lot #7, located between Jackson Place and Barnes Street at University Avenue. Passes are required for this lot.
This lot is designated primarily for guests and short-term visitors of the University between the hours of 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Commuter Decal – These decals will only be available for those parking at MPC Commuter lots: 40, 39 and 27C and commuting onto campus. Lot 27C is a gravel lot near the Admission Building and across from the MPC building.

VI. Lost, Stolen, or Destruction of Permits/Decals or Change of Registered Vehicle

If a permit/decal is lost (a permit deemed not stolen by Police Department personnel through investigation and/or inquiry), it should be reported immediately to the 51ºÚÁÏ Police Department. Upon arrival, the complainant must complete documentation (Lost Permit Form) for University record, and a replacement permit will be issued at the full purchase price. The University will not be held liable for lost permits/decals and will not issue a refund for any permit once it has been issued. All permit/decal sales are final.

If a permit/decal is stolen, it should be reported immediately to the 51ºÚÁÏ Police Department. Upon arrival, the complainant must complete documentation (Stolen Permit Form) for the University record. A new permit will be issued at a replacement cost of $10.00, provided that evidence of a valid police report is produced and a sworn affidavit is completed certifying the theft. The University will not be held liable for stolen permits/decals and will not issue a refund for any permit once it has been issued. All permit/decal sales are final.

If a vehicle is sold, destroyed, or replaced with another vehicle, then a replacement permit/decal will be provided. If an individual disposes of a vehicle, the permit should be removed. An identifiable portion of the permit/decal, which was removed, must be taken to the 51ºÚÁÏ Police Department to obtain the necessary document to be taken to the Cashier's Office and a replacement permit will be issued for $10.00. Failure to present an identifiable portion of the permit may result in the registrant being required to pay the full cost for a new permit/decal.

VII. Immobile Vehicles

In the event a person’s registered vehicle loses its mobility on campus property, they must report it to the 51ºÚÁÏ Police Department immediately. Upon arrival, they are to obtain an official notice that will list the make and model of their vehicle, along with the state in which it is registered and the lot in which it is located to avoid any ticketing. If the owner fails to notify the 51ºÚÁÏ Police Department of their vehicle’s immobility, he/she is fully liable for any parking citations acquired during that time. The vehicle must be removed within 48 hours at the owner’s expense from campus grounds; otherwise, the 51ºÚÁÏ Police Department will tow the vehicle at the owner’s expense.

VIII. Renewal of Registration

Each year, on or before September 1, faculty/staff, contracted and students are required to renew their campus vehicle permit, which expires on August 31. It is the registrant's responsibility to ensure that a current year permit is affixed to his/her vehicle.

IX. Parking Areas

Vehicles must be parked in lots for which permits/decals are valid. The Parking Lot Locator Map is included on pages 12 - 13 and specifies all available faculty, staff, student, and visitor parking lots. The designation of a parking area is subject to change; therefore, information on the sign of a particular lot supersedes the designation in this document. PARKING ON GRASS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

X. Parking Violations and Sanctions

A. Citations

The 51ºÚÁÏ Police Department is authorized to issue citations for violations of University parking regulations. The University reserves the right to issue multiple citations per violation of occurrence.

B. Wheel Locks

To facilitate the enforcement of regulations pertaining to parking, the 51ºÚÁÏ Police Department may use wheel locks on vehicles that have three or more unpaid tickets or upon receipt of a second ticket for having “no permit”. To remove wheel locks, the owner or driver of the vehicle must go to the 51ºÚÁÏ Parking Portal and pay all outstanding parking fines and the wheel lock fee. The wheel lock fee is $100. All payment receipts must be provided to the police department for wheel locks to be removed from the vehicle.

• Removal of the wheel lock by unauthorized personnel is subject to a $100.00 fine in addition to the $100.00 wheel lock fee to be paid to the University. **Note: this is a criminal offense and may also be subject to criminal prosecution.**
• In certain circumstances and at the owner’s expense, vehicles may be towed in lieu of being wheel locked.
• Failure to pay all fines within 48 hours of having wheel locks applied will result in the towing of the vehicle.

C. Towing

Vehicles may be towed immediately at the owner's expense under the following circumstances:

1. When a vehicle is illegally parked and restricting traffic.
2. When a vehicle is illegally parked in a Handicapped Zone, Loading Zone, Fire Lane, or prohibited areas listed below.
3. When the location of the vehicle poses an immediate safety/security concern.
4. When three or more unpaid tickets have accumulated on the same vehicle.
5. When a vehicle is violating DMV Motor Vehicle Operational Codes.
6. When parking privileges have been revoked.

D. Revocation of Parking Privileges

Upon receipt of three (3) parking violations for “no permit,” the registrant will forfeit the privilege of parking on campus for the remainder of the academic year. Parking a vehicle on University grounds after such parking privileges have been revoked shall result in the implementation of a wheel lock or tow sanctions.

If a tow truck is already en route, the person responsible for the vehicle will still be required to pay towing costs before being permitted to move the vehicle. If a vehicle is towed, the owner or person responsible must report to the 51ºÚÁÏ Police Department to arrange recovery of the vehicle.

E. Violations

F. DMV Violations

Virginia Uniform Traffic Summons issued by the Police for traffic violations must be adjudicated in the General District Court in Chesterfield County.

XI. Payment of Fines/Fees

Parking citations must be paid within five (5) business days of issuance unless the citation is in the appeal process. All Payments can be made on the 51ºÚÁÏ Parking Portal at .

Employees and students who fail to pay outstanding parking fines within thirty (30) days of receipt of the citation could be subject to the collection procedures mandated by the Commonwealth of Virginia for past-due accounts. For employees, a payroll deduction will be processed against their regular paycheck. Payroll deduction will occur once the Cashier’s Office approved list is forwarded to the Payroll Office. For students with unpaid citations, the Student Accounts office will charge the student's account. All balances must be paid prior to registration in a subsequent semester, issuance of transcripts, or issuance of a diploma.

Upon the termination of employment with the University, all faculty or staff, including hourly employees and contractual or temporary staff, must gain clearance signatures from the Cashier’s Office for parking violations to receive their final paychecks. Payments made upon separation must be in the form of cash, money order, credit card, cashier's check, or other certified funds. No personal checks will be accepted.

XII. Appeal Procedures

NOTE: Generally, the following have NOT been recognized as valid reasons for upholding citations, but are not limited to:

• Ignorance of the regulations
• Late arrival for classes, appointments, etc.
• Inability to find a convenient legal parking space
• Inclement weather
• Returning to campus late at night
• Temporary parking to run into a building

Appeal Procedure

• Appeals must be filed online through the 51ºÚÁÏ Parking Portal, www.parking.vsu.edu, within five (5) working days of citation receipt. (Receipt is defined as the day following the issuance of the citation.)
• Reviews will be considered based on the written record. (Individuals may appear before the review panel upon request.)
• The Parking Appeal Committee may uphold or deny the original ticket.
• The Parking Appeal Committee shall review the ticket after submission of the online appeal.
• The Parking Appeal Committee may, at its discretion, seek clarification from all parties involved in the matter under review.
• The findings of the Parking Committee are final and e-mailed to you.
• There are no verbal decisions provided.
• Any e-mail correspondence ‘returned’ will not be sent a second time. (Please make sure the e-mail address is accurate upon submission).

XIII. Collection of Past Due Fines/Fees

The 51ºÚÁÏ Controller's Office, through the Offices of Student Accounts, Payroll, and Cashier, is charged with the collection of all past due fines and citation fees. In accordance with Commonwealth guidelines, they will use all “reasonable” methods of collection. Any unpaid debt owed to the University that is referred to in the Collections Section of Student Accounts is subject to a full range of collection actions. This includes but is not limited to, the use of payroll deduction, collection agencies, State Debt Set-Off, processes placing holds on student accounts, withholding the issuance of a student refund, and reporting the debt to a credit reporting agency. A financial hold prevents registration, receiving grades and transcripts, and receiving a diploma upon graduation.

These collection procedures will be applied to owners of the vehicles for which the parking citation was issued and/or to registrants of those vehicles, including any university employee or student. Any debtor to the University will be liable for ALL costs incurred in the collection of the debt, including reasonable attorney’s fees.

XIV. Authorization to Void Parking Tickets

The issuance of parking citations on the 51ºÚÁÏ campus is a civil responsibility of the 51ºÚÁÏ Police Department. Therefore, the AVP for Public Safety/Chief of Police or designee is the only assigned authority to administratively void, or rescind, an issued parking citation. The AVP for Public Safety/Chief of Police shall retain documented records of all “voided” parking citations that he or his designated representative authorizes. He shall make a monthly report available to the Committee and the Auditor. Any request to void an issued parking citation shall be made IN WRITING to the AVP for Public Safety/Chief of Police, with appropriate justification(s) included therein.

XV. Questions or Concerns

Questions concerning the University's parking regulations may be emailed to the Parking Committee Chairman at parking@vsu.edu. In addition, general inquiries may be made by calling 804-524-5223 or 804-524-6813. Questions regarding payment of fines/all fees should be directed to the Cashier's Office at 804-524-5150.

The University Parking Committee Members are:

AVP for Public Safety/Chief of Police/Parking Committee Chairman

Deputy Chief of Police 

Senior Housing Coordinator 

University Ombudsman 

Interim Dean, College of Humanities and Social Science 

Senior, Budget Analyst 

President, Student Government Association

***THIS POLICY HAS BEEN REVISED AND IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE UNIVERSITY PARKING COMMITTEE ON AUGUST 2025.

Parking and Safety Tips

• Always lock your vehicle.
• Park in well-lit, heavily traveled areas if possible.
• Do NOT leave valuables in plain view. Lock them in your trunk.
• When you approach your vehicle, have your key ready and check the floor and back seats before you get in.
• Remember that pedestrians have the right-of-way on roadways.
• Never offer rides to people you do not know.

If you observe a dangerous situation, equipment that may be damaged or vandalized, a suspicious person, or other issues of concern, contact 51ºÚÁÏ Police Department at (804) 524-5411.

51ºÚÁÏ Police Department
21012 Service Road
P.O. Box 9405
51ºÚÁÏ, VA 23806-1006

Parking Inquiries: 804-524-5223 or parking@vsu.edu
Emergencies: 804-524-5411
Non-Emergencies: 804-524-5360