“The operation of a vehicle on the Nicholls State University campus is a privilege granted by the University,” says the University Parking/Traffic Regulations Handbook. University Parking Services lives by this handbook, but many students know little about it or what is in it.According to the handbook, all vehicles, including visitor vehicles, should be registered and have a $50 Nicholls State parking decal. “A student can be ticketed for not having their decal in the correct spot,” Gayle Landry, University Parking Services secretary, says. “It is called improper placement.”

University Parking Services has sold 5,246 decals to students and faculty so far this school year. “That is about average,” Landry says, sitting in her cramped office in the corner of the Student Union.

A first replacement decal is free of charge, but a second replacement decal is $50. Decals are usually paid for in tuition and fees. The decal owner is responsible for all tickets written for that decal.

Regulated campus parking times are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.

The Parking Services Office begins giving out tickets five class days after the first day of class during the fall semester. Tickets are issued the first day of class during the spring semester and summer intersession.

Violations of parking regulations result in a $20 fine, except handicap violations, which are $250, to be paid at Fee Collection. If a fine has not been paid or an appeal has not been filed within 15 class days, the recipient will be notified by an E-mail of an additional $20 delinquent fee. The University can prevent class scheduling and withhold grades and transcripts until fines are paid.

If a faculty or staff member fine is not paid within 15 working days of the violation, a warning letter is sent to the violator. If it is not resolved within another 15 working days, a warning letter from the appropriate vice president will be sent. If a faculty or staff member fine is not paid, it can be assessed from future paychecks.

“One hundred forty-one tickets have been written for faculty and staff members this semester,” Landry says. “And some of those are repeat offenders.”

Anyone who feels they have been fined unfairly can appeal it. “I estimate we have had about 100 tickets appealed so far this semester,” Landry says.

Tommy Ponson, director of Parking Services, hears all appeals first. It can be appealed a second time to the University Parking/Traffic Appeals Committee, which will make a final decision. The student and University have the rights to present witnesses and evidence.

“About one in 10 appeals make it to the committee,” Landry said.