ETSU parking has changed over the years, but the amount of tickets students receive remains consistent.
Throughout the 2002-2003 school year, approximately 18,000 parking tickets were issued. The percentage of students who paid their fines was unavailable when the parking office was contacted.
“The parking office takes care of the tickets,” said Jack Cotrel, chief and director of the department of public safety. “The officers take the parking tickets and download them into the system.”
The most common violation is students parking in faculty and staff-designated parking areas, which results in a $20 fine. Another common violation, parking in a service vehicle spot, can result in towing.
In November 2000, there were 7,046 parking spaces on campus. Approximately 3,950 were designated to students, and 1,652 were undesignated. The only addition to parking since then is the Center for Physical Activity.
“Our students are a lot better off here than some students at other universities,” said Cotrel.
There are approximately 8.5 parking spaces for every 10 students.
“Historically, the first two or three weeks, parking is most hectic. After that, it slacks off,” Cotrel said.
“Last week was a warning week,” he said.
ETSU’s master plan included a parking garage, but with the budget cuts, it is unlikely to happen in the near future, said Cotrel.
The parking committee has also discussed assigned parking for on-campus residents, but no action was taken due to feelings that it would give residents an unfair advantage.
ETSU parking has changed for the better within the past five years. Lighting has been added to most parking lots on campus, as well as popular walking areas. In July, lights were added to lots four, five, six, seven and eight, which are located in front of McCord and Cooper Halls. Parking lot 11, located in front of Frank Clement Hall, is also brighter than it used to be.
“The lighting on campus has improved (by) 30 to 40 percent. If students feel an area should have more lighting, drop me an e-mail or write me a letter,” Cotrel said.
Improved lighting will also cut down on burglaries. There have been no auto burglaries since school began Aug. 26.
“CD players are the prize that are taken out of vehicles. A deterrent would be to take the face off,” Cotrel said.
Sixteen emergency phones are also located across campus parking lots. They are checked every two weeks to make sure they are working properly, said Cotrel.
If students find one that is not working, they are asked to notify public safety.
For more information, contact public safety at 439-4480.

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