Online system adds convenience to parking appeals process

Clemson University has adopted an online parking appeals system to provide greater convenience to members of the campus community.

With the new system, now in place, faculty, staff and students who feel they were unfairly or incorrectly ticketed for a parking violation must file their appeals online.

Some things have remained the same: You still have 15 days from the date the citation/ticket is issued to file your appeal, which will be reviewed by a Parking Review Board made up of faculty, staff and student members.

To appeal a citation, go the municipal court Web page.

You may also view, pay or appeal a citation through the parking services Web page.

Anyone with a CU username and password can access the online appeals system from the convenience of their office, apartment or residence hall or home. The municipal court has placed a computer in its G-01C University Union lobby for walk-in customers who want to take care of appeals while in the vicinity.

“We hope this new system of online appeals will be convenient for the university community,” said Municipal Judge Deborah Culler, “but our ultimate goal is to encourage a better understanding of and compliance with campus parking regulations.”

Culler pointed out a few of the most common issues that prompt appeals:

•  Clemson operates under revised parking regulations on game days. Inside Clemson issues a special e-mail during the week of every home football game. If you have a car parked on campus or plan to drive a car on campus during a football weekend, read the information and heed the warnings to avoid the expense and frustration of your car being towed from a space designated as reserved football parking.

•  Everyone, including visitors, must obtain and display a parking permit to park anywhere on campus at any time. Short-term and temporary permits are available for those with short-term business on campus or for employees and students who must switch out cars for any reason.

•  Resident students are not authorized to park in employee spaces until after 7 p.m. and must move their vehicles by 7 a.m. (See parking regulations for exceptions.)

•  Commuter students are not authorized in employee spaces until after 4:30 p.m. and must move their vehicles 7 a.m. (See parking regulations for exceptions.)

•  Students are not authorized in 24-hour employee parking spaces at any time — vehicles may be towed from these areas.

•  Employees and students are not authorized to park in service vehicle spaces at any time.

•  Visitor spaces are not available to students or employees until after 9 p.m. and must be moved by 7 a.m. This includes metered visitor spaces, with “VISITOR” stenciled in space.

•  Rules are enforced 24 hours a day/7 days a week, regardless of whether classes are in session. Many employees work when classes are not in session, and Clemson has many visitors on campus at all times, including parents, friends, prospective students, donors and guest lecturers.

•  If you must park near a building to load or unload or if your vehicle breaks down in an area or space not covered by your permit, you MUST contact the police department for special permission.

•  If you park anywhere other than a marked space, your vehicle will be towed — no warning, no ticket you can pay later. Clemson cannot post “No Parking” signs on every patch of grass and pavement that people choose to park on; however, authorized parking spaces and areas are clearly marked.