Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do I have to pay for parking?

The Transportation and Parking Services (TPS) department is completely self-sustaining. We receive no state funds or tuition dollars. If you park on campus you are utilizing the services of TPS. Your purchase of a parking decal, paying the meters, or the pay-to-park lot enables the department to manage, build, and maintain the parking lots on campus along with the budgets for operations and maintenance. 

Who sets the rules and regulations of transportation and parking services?

The Board of Regents of the University of Central Oklahoma has determined that it is in the best interest of the University that rules and regulations be established and enforced to govern the keeping and use of motor vehicles by UCO employees, students, visitors, and other categories of users on campus. Accordingly, University Administration has developed and instituted these Parking Regulations to facilitate the safe and orderly conduct of business and to allocate the limited parking space available on campus.

Do I need a permit to park on campus? 

Yes, all cars parking on University property must display the appropriate parking permit unless parked in the Visitors Pay-To-Park Lot or at a parking meter.  Whether you are faculty/staff, commuter, campus resident, or visitor, the appropriate decals are available at the TPS customer service counter located in the Nigh University Center (NUC), room 309a.  Vehicles found on campus without decals will be cited.  If you plan to drive a vehicle other than the one registered, either transfer your decal from your registered vehicle to it, or come to the TPS office and pick up a temporary decal before bringing the substitute vehicle to campus.

Where do I get a parking decal?

Order a parking decal by clicking here.  Pick up your decal at the TPS office in the NUC, room 309a.

When are your offices open?

Our normal offices are Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm. During the summer we are open Monday - Thursday 8:00 to 5:00pm and Friday 8:00am to noon.

How do I contact you?

You can reach us at (405)-974-2780 or parking@uco.edu.

Once I get a parking decal, where do I park?

You must park only in the parking lots reserved for your permit type.  Lots 7, 8, 17, 27, and 41 are reserved 24 hours for Faculty/Staff.  All other Faculty/Staff lots are open to student parking after 4 p.m.  If you are found parking in the wrong lot, your vehicle will be cited.  A valid parking space is defined by parallel lines on both sides of the vehicle, and a line, curb, parking block or other type of barrier in front of the vehicle.  See the UCO Parking Map HERE for more details. 

I drive a motorcycle, where can I park?

Motorcycles are not allowed to park in a regular vehicle space, just as cars are not allowed to park in motorcycle spaces. Motorcycle spaces are available in lots 4, 6, 10, 14, 28, 36, 39, 44, 46, and 53. Motorcycle spaces have signs in front of them that designate the spots as motorcycle spaces and have the word "MOTORCYCLE" painted on the ground. See the campus parking map and look for the little motorcycle figure, which designates where motorcycle parking is.

There seems to be no parking available the first few weeks of school, what should I do?

There is almost always parking available north of Ayers street near Wantland Stadium and the Wellness Center. We recommend going straight to lots 1, 2, or 3 during the first couple weeks of school and walking to class. Follow TPS on Twitter at UCOParking and on Facebook at UCO Transportation and Parking Services. We will update where the best place to park is throughout the day during the first few weeks of school.

How many parking spots are on UCOs campus?

We currently have 56 parking lots and roughly 6,500 parking spaces.

My decal was lost or stolen, what do I do?

Call TPS right away to find out the procedures you'll need to follow. We encourage you to file a police report with campus police, and in some cases that may be required. A new decal will cost half of what the current decal price is. (i.e. if a decal costs $100 at the time, a lost/stolen decal replacement will cost $50)

I found my decal that was lost or stolen, may I use it?

No. Once a decal is reported as lost or stolen it is considered an unauthorized decal and cannot be used again. Unauthorized use or possession of a lost/stolen decal will result in a $100.00 fine, immediate surrender of the lost/stolen decal, may be subject to revocation of all parking privileges, and could be subject to criminal charges.

My friend is leaving, may I purchase and use their parking decal?

No. While a decal is transferable from car to car, the decal is NOT transferable from person to person.

What do I do if I get a ticket? 

You may pay your ticket fine at the TPS customer service window.  If you believe the ticket is unwarranted, you may appeal the ticket online at http://www.uco.edu/parkingappeal within 72 hours (3 business days) from the date of the citation.  You will be notified of the date, time, and location of the next Parking Appeal Board meeting by email.  Results of the Parking Appeal Board will be emailed to you. 

What happens if I do not pay my tickets?

Student records, transcripts, and diplomas could be held by the university if the student owes money. The student could be prevented from enrolling in classes as well. Should the student no longer be enrolled at the university they will be sent to collections if their tickets go unpaid. Also a vehicle with 5 or more citations will be considered a habitual violator of TPS rules and regulations and will be put into "tow status" meaning the vehicle could be impounded.

Where do visitors park? 

Visitors are always welcome on campus.  Please instruct your visitors to park in the Visitors Pay-To-Park Lot located just East of the NUC or at a metered parking space. 

What if my car breaks down on campus? 

Call Campus Police (974-2345) with the following information:

• Location of vehicle
• Vehicle description & license number
• The date and time you expect to move the vehicle (usually within 24 hours)

How do I avoid parking tickets?

• Read and abide by the parking rules and regulations.
• Do not park on campus property anytime unless your vehicle displays a current UCO parking permit or decal.
• Park only in those lots authorized by your permit or decal.
• Properly display your parking decal affixed on the lower left front windshield.
• Lots 7, 8, 17, 27, and 41 are reserved 24 hours for Faculty/Staff.

What is SafeWalk?
UCO Police Services provides a service for the university community called SafeWalk.  This service is aimed at making people feel comfortable moving to their cars or between buildings on campus by requesting an employee from Police Services to walk with them.  SafeWalk phones are located in most academic buildings and require a push of a button to connect to the Police Services communication center.  You may also make a request in person at the Police Services building, or from any phone by calling ext. 974-2345.  Provide your name, current location, and where you want to go.

How can I suggest improvements or address concerns with parking on campus?

We welcome your input and want it. If you have suggestions or concerns about parking, please contact Parking Manager Josh Stone at (405)-974-2782 or by email at either jstone23@uco.edu or parking@uco.edu. He'd be happy to sit down or discuss parking with you.