Southeast Missouri State University announced Monday, July 8, that it has updated its campus parking system for the upcoming fall semester with the intent of improving the “overall parking experience for students, faculty and staff.”

SEMO’s parking is being reduced from six categories to three “distinct levels”, including resident parking for students living on campus, commuter parking for students who live off-campus and employee parking. Additionally, the university is eliminating its annual parking lottery system.

“We have long heard that parking can be a source of stress for our campus community,” SEMO president Dr. Carlos Vargas said in a news release from SEMO. “These changes represent efforts to make the parking process easier to understand and more efficient.”

According to the release, SEMO’s Department of Public Safety consulted with representatives from several other departments, including Campus Life, Residence Life, Student Success, the Dean of Students Office, Athletics and Student Government, to receive feedback for parking improvements. The new system will be ready for the fall semester, and DPS is working on updating parking signs across campus.

SEMO is also decreasing the cost of a parking permit from $190 to $180. A spring-only permit will cost $150. To purchase a parking permit for the fall semester, visit https://semo.aimsparking.com.