Sam Houston State University parking lots are emptier than normal this semester as students stay off campus and take blended or online classes to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Parking & Transportation Office Deputy Chief and Associate Director of Public Safety-Support Services Christopher Standerfer said the pandemic has caused parking sales to decline.
“Since the pandemic began, parking sales have declined by approximately 15% from the same time last year,” Standerfer said. “While the parking revenue generated offsets the majority of operating costs within Public Safety Services, we do not anticipate a reduction in service to the university community.”
Standerfer explained what parking fees are used for across the campus.
“Parking fees cover costs associated with parking lot improvements, new construction of parking lots and garages and Parking and Public Safety staff,” Standerfer said.
It is too late to get a refund on parking permits this semester, but in the future, students should contact the Parking & Transportation Office by the 20th class day to let them know they no longer need the permit.
Standerfer said they do not know the full impact of COVID-19 on their department yet, but will continue to work hard for SHSU.
“Unfortunately, we will not know the full impact of COVID-19 on our department until the end of the current fiscal year,” Standerfer said. “However, we will continue to provide the highest level of services to the campus community.”
The Parking & Transportation Office is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information, call the Parking & Transportation Office at 936-294-1800 or email at parking@shsu.edu.