Parking Regulations

Western Michigan University Parking Rules

Statement of Authority

These rules are established by the Director of Public Safety as authorized by Section 4.3 of the Western Michigan Traffic, Parking and Pedestrian Ordinance. These rules are effective upon issuance on July 1, 2020, and continuing without expiration.

Rules 1.0 Words and Phrases

1.1  The following words and phrases when used in these rules shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section.

1.2  “Alternative Fuel Vehicle” means a vehicle that runs on a fuel other than "traditional" petroleum fuels (petrol or diesel) and also refers to any technology of powering an engine that does not involve solely petroleum (e.g., electric car, hybrid electric vehicles or solar powered). Vehicles that use low-polluting, non-gas fuels such as electricity, hydrogen, propane or compressed natural gas, liquid gas, methanol, and ethanol. It is not gasoline, diesel or kerosene.

1.3  “Employee” means a person who is employed by Western Michigan University as a full-time, part-time, temporary employee, or adjunct as defined in the Department of Human Resources Policy Manual.

1.4  “Extended University Program Student” means a person is enrolled only in classes, which meet at the regional centers, offered by Extended University Programs.

1.5  “Full-time Student” means a student who is enrolled to take five (5) or more credit hours during any semester.

1.6  “Graduate Assistant” means a graduate student who is paid by Western Michigan University as a teaching assistant, research discovery assistant, or research application assistant.

1.7  “Part-time Student” means a student who is enrolled to take four (4) or less credit hours during any semester.

1.8  “Student” means a person who is enrolled to take classes at Western Michigan University during any semester of the current fiscal year.

1.9  “Student Employee” means a person who is employed by Western Michigan University as an enrolled student, non-enrolled student or work-study student. This person is considered to be a student.

1.10  “Virtual Permit” means a non-tangible internet based permit where parking rights are assigned to a registered vehicle license plate.

1.11  “Visitor” means a person who is not an employee or student at Western Michigan University.

Rule 2.0 Vehicle Registration

2.1  All motor vehicles, including motorcycles and mopeds, parked on Western Michigan University property by employees, students and people residing on campus must be registered with Parking Services for a virtual parking permit. A physical permit or sticker will be provided upon request per WMU collective bargaining agreements.

2.2  Student parking permit purchases must be completed prior to parking on the first day of class for each semester. Parking permits are not required in student commuter and residential lots between semesters when class is not in session. During this time non-permit violations (Accessibility spaces, reserved spaces, 15 minute spaces, 30 minute spaces, "not parked in marked space" infractions, tow zone, etc) will still be enforced at all times. Permits to park in employee lots are required throughout the year from 2 A.M. to 5 P.M. Monday - Thursday, and from 2 A.M. to 4 P.M. on Fridays.

2.3  Employee motor vehicle registration must be completed on the hire date.

2.4  Vehicle registration is complete only when the license plate has been registered and parking rights have been purchased. Physical permits (hangtags/stickers) provided per bargaining agreements are required to be properly displayed.

2.5  Parking stickers and permits expire whenever one of the following occurs:

• The expiration date is reached.
• The ownership of the vehicle changes.
• The eligibility for parking privileges changes.
• Parking privileges are revoked.

2.6  Parking rights may only be used by the person who was issued the permit. Permits (virtual and physical) may not be transferred to another person or another vehicle.

2.7  Employees, students and people residing on campus who wish to register a vehicle must provide Parking Services with their current resident address and must update their account when a change occurs.

2.8  All outstanding parking violations must be paid before parking rights or a physical permit will be issued.

Rule 3.0 Vehicle Registration Fees

3.1  Registration fees shall be paid according to the following schedule for Motor Vehicles, Motorcycles, Mopeds:

• Permits are valid for time specified only, no upgrades or enhancements are expressed or implied.

• Students may purchase one and seven day permits for $5 (1-Day Permits) and $15 (7-day Permits) respectively from the Parking Services website or kiosk.

3.2  Virtual parking permits must be paid in full at the time of purchase. Payments may be made using cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, or a Discover credit card.

3.3  Prorated refunds will be granted during fall and spring semester for the following reasons:

• Graduation at the end of fall semester.
• Special circumstances.

3.4  Special permits for vendors and service contractors shall cost $300 and be valid for one year from the date of purchase.

3.5  Virtual permits –Prior to parking on campus, it is the permit owner’s responsibility to update their account with any changes to their vehicle or license plate as soon as a new plate is issued.

Physical permits provided per collective bargaining agreements - If a vehicle is traded for another, a windshield is replaced, or a change in residence occurs, a new sticker will be provided for a $25 administrative fee provided the majority of the old sticker, including the number, is presented at Parking Services.

3.6 All permits remain the property of Western Michigan University and must be surrendered at the request of Parking Services.

Rule 4.0 Parking Lot Restrictions

4.1  Each parking lot is restricted to parking for a specific permit designation. Vehicles may only park in lots authorized to the registering individual. Residence hall lot designations are determined by the residents address and are not interchangeable at any time.

• Accessibility, 30 minute spaces, 15 minute spaces, designated reserved spaces, tow zone and not parked in a marked space infractions are enforced 24 hours a day.
• Other restrictions may be posted.
• Refer to 4.4 and 4.5 for exceptions.

4.2 Western Michigan University campus apartment parking lots (“B”, "D", and “E”) are not interchangeable.

4.3  Parking permits (physical and virtual) will be enforced from 2 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and on Fridays from 2 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spaces listed in 4.1 will be enforced at all times.

4.4  Between the hours of 5 p.m. and 2 a.m., Monday through Thursday, permit restrictions will not be enforced except those spaces listed in Rule 4.1.

4.5  Parking lot permit restrictions will not be enforced between 4 p.m. Friday and 2 a.m. Monday, except those listed in Rule 4.1.

4.6  “V” permits may park in any legal parking space, except those listed below:

• Accessible spaces (formerly known as handicapped).
• Designated reserved spaces, i.e. Presidents, Vice Presidents, Deans, Directors, Maintenance spaces.
• Metered spaces unless the fee is paid.

4.7  Extended University Program students are not considered visitors and must purchase a parking permit.

4.8  All vehicles with a valid parking permit (physical and virtual) may park in lots P3 and P4 at the Parkview Campus.

4.9  Only alternative fuel vehicles may park in designated alternative fuel vehicle spaces. Appropriate parking permits are required for each specific lot these spaces are located in.

4.10  Only electric vehicles may park in designated electric vehicle charging spaces. Vehicles in these spaces must be charging.

Rule 5.0 Parking Rights

5.1  No physical permit is required on a vehicle if it has its license plate registered with parking rights purchased through the virtual permit process. If registered with a virtual permit, the vehicle shall park according to its assigned designation with its plate facing the aisle so it can be easily read.

 5.2  Students are allowed to register multiple vehicles to their account, however, only one may be selected for the parking rights of the virtual permit. In the instance where a student needs to use a temporary vehicle (rental, loaner, etc) it is their responsibility to add the vehicle to their account and select it for virtual permit coverage. Upon discontinuing the use of the temporary vehicle, it will remain on the account until a request is made to Parking Service for removal.

 5.3  Each employee virtual permit may have several vehicles listed on their account although only 2 vehicles can be registered for parking rights at any given time. However, if both vehicles are found on campus at the same time or within a 3 hour time period a citation will be issued. In the instance where an employee needs to use a temporary vehicle (rental, loaner, etc) it is their responsibility to add the vehicle to their account and select it for virtual permit coverage. Upon discontinuing the use of the temporary vehicle, it will remain on the account until a request is made to Parking Service for removal.

5.4  Motorcycle sticker permits issued per collective bargaining agreement shall be affixed to the rear fender as close as possible to the rear license plate.

5.5  Hanging parking permits issued per collective bargaining agreement shall be hung from the rear view mirror and be visible from the exterior.

5.6  Any parking permit sticker issued per a collective bargaining agreement shall be affixed to the inside lower passenger side corner of the front windshield, with all the adhesive supplied, so it can be read from outside the vehicle.

5.7 The purchase of a parking permit allows for the assigned vehicle to be parked in a WMU parking lot according to it's designation. A parking permit does not allow for the vehicle to be used as a residence. Residing in a parked vehicle, with or without a parking permit, is expressly prohibited and can result in the vehicle being towed.

Rule 6.0 Visitor Parking

6.1  Visitors must obtain a valid visitor permit to park on campus, park at the parking meters or in a 30 minutes space. Persons attending conferences on campus must obtain a parking permit from the conference manager and park in a designated parking area, for the duration of the conference.

6.2  Parking meters are for the exclusive use of visitors. Employees and students with a valid WMU permit (virtual or physical) may park at the meters in Lots 44 and 48, and must pay the posted fee.

6.3  Parking meter fees must be paid during the following times: Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking meter fees are $1.50 per hour. Payment at a meter may be made with U.S. quarters, by cell phone or online through ParkMobile. Instructions are listed on each campus meter. Register for a ParkMobile account at www.parkmobile.com or call (800) 280-4146. Payments made at meters or to ParkMobile are non-refundable.

6.4  Visitors may purchase one and seven day guest permits for $5 (1-Day Permits) and $15 (7-Day Permits) respectively from the Parking Services website portal or from the kiosk.

Rule 7.0 Designation of Parking Stickers and Permits

7.1  Students living in residence halls may purchase a virtual parking permit with the following designation according to their assigned residence hall:

• Spindler Hall - “A”
• Main Campus South Neighborhood Halls - “C"
• Valleys I, II, III - “F”
• Henry Hall & Western Heights - “K”

7.2  Commuter students may purchase a virtual parking permit with the “W” designation.

7.3  Graduate teaching assistants may obtain a virtual permit (GH) which expires August 31 of the current academic year. Graduate research discovery and research application service assistants may obtain one temporary virtual permit that must be renewed each semester of eligibility.

7.4 WMU campus apartment residents may purchase a virtual parking permit with the following designation according to their assigned apartment.

• Western View Apartments - "D"
• Stadium Drive Apartments - "W"
• Arcadia Flats – “C”

7.5  Any student may purchase daily or weekly temporary parking permits which allow parking in a designated area according to the above rules.

7.6  Residents of Spindler Hall may purchase one "A" or "W" parking permit.

7.7  Each full time benefits eligible employee virtual permit may have up to 2 vehicles registered. However, if both vehicles are found on campus at the same time or within a 3 hour time period, a citation will be issued.

In compliance with a collective bargaining agreement, WMU employees may be issued one mirror hanging tag parking permit and one parking sticker or two stickers if the bargaining agreement so dictates. Requests must be made formally to Parking Services at parking@wmich.edu. Additional stickers may be purchased for $300 each.

7.8  Temporary employees and adjunct faculty with current teaching responsibilities are eligible for a virtual permit (PH).

7.9  People who belong to the following groups may obtain a “V” virtual permit:

• The President’s Circle.
• Other dignitaries as determined by the Vice President for Business and Finance.

7.10  Special permits will be sold/issued to vendors, service contractors and construction workers under contract.

Rule 8.0 Accessible Provisions (formerly known as handicap)

8.1  Accessible parking spaces are reserved for vehicles displaying an accessible license plate or accessible certificate from any state. Students with disabilities and employees must also register their vehicle with parking services and pay the virtual permit fee for the time period the vehicle is to be parked. Refer to rule 2.1 for details.

8.2  If all accessible parking spaces are full in an area, a vehicle displaying an accessible license plate or accessible certificate may park in any available non-reserved parking space as long as virtual permit parking rights have been purchased. Vehicles displaying an accessible permit need a special designation from the Secretary of State of Michigan to park at a meter without paying the designated fee.

Rule 9.0 Special Parking Regulations

9.1  On 24 hour notice, by posting at the entrance of a parking lot, all vehicles in that lot shall be moved from the lot to another designated parking area until the originally posted area is reopened.

9.2  For certain events, entire lots or portions of the lots serving certain facilities may be restricted to vehicles with permits for the event and/or separate fees may be charged.

9.3  Parking Structure II, located west of Miller Auditorium, is open from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. 7 days a week. The structure has designated parking areas for visitors, student commuters (with a virtual permit) and employees (with a physical or virtual permit) to park. Visitors must purchase a virtual permit or use the meters and pay the posted fee ($1.50 per hour). One-day visitor permits for the structure may be purchased for $5. Portions of the ramp are designated “W” student parking and "R" employee parking.

9.4  Western Michigan University Parking Services will accept minor coins for payments not to exceed:

• $0.50 in pennies
• $2 in nickels
• $5 in dimes
• $10 in quarters

Any maximum coin amounts must be in coin rolls with the payer's name, address and telephone number printed on each coin roll.

9.5  Event Parking – Parking Services reserves the right to charge a user fee for the use of its parking lots for events. The cost schedule is as follows:

Weekdays

• 1-2 hours - $100

• 3-4 hours - $150

• Full day - $200

• Metered lots add additional $100 to above cost

• 300 or more attendees, $2 per person

Weekends

• Weddings – Set standard $100

• Under 100 people – No charge

• 100-199 people

  • 1-2 hours - $100

  • 3-4 hours - $150

  • Full day - $200*

• 200 people and over:

  • $2 per person

Digital Signs

• $60 per sign, per day.

The use of WMU parking lots are for event participant vehicle parking only. The lot itself is not considered a venue and shall not be rented without another designated locale for event participants.

Rule 10.0 Penalties

10.1  Vehicles parking in violation of any provision of Western Michigan University Traffic, Parking and Pedestrian Ordinance or these rules will receive a parking violation notice.

10.2  Violation fines may be paid online at www.wmich.edu/parking, by telephone at (269) 387-4609, or at Parking Services, 2507 West Michigan Avenue, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-3870. Payment methods include cash, check, Mastercard, Visa or Discover. Checks should be made payable to WMU Parking Services.

10.3  Persons who disregard three or more parking violation notices will be subject to the following additional penalties:

• A hold will be placed on student registration for classes and academic transcripts.
• WMU vehicle registration will be denied.

10.4  Persons who disregard six or more parking violation notices will be subject to the following additional penalties:

• The vehicle may be impounded.
• Civil infraction notices may be issued.

10.5  University disciplinary action may revoke a person’s driving and parking privileges on Western Michigan University property.

10.6  Misuse of any parking sticker, permit (virtual or physical) or parking rights will result in revocation of said sticker, permit or rights and the vehicle may be impounded.

Rule 11.0 Appeals

11.1  Appeals must be submitted within 14 days from the date the citation is issued. Appeals must be submitted on line at https://wmich.edu/parking/tickets. Written appeals will only be accepted in person under extenuating circumstances.

Rule 12.0 Refunds

12.1  Long term permits, such as semester and yearly, can be returned prior to expiration. The amount of refund returned would be reduced by $15 per week from the date of sale.

12.2  Short term payments, such as meters, 1 day and weekly permits, are not refundable.

12.3  If a refund is required or granted by Parking Services after a cash or a check payment has been made, it will be first applied to the WMU student account to pay any outstanding balance. Any remaining balance will be refunded to the student.

Issued by Scott Merlo, Director of Public Safety.