Parking pass prices were raised another five dollars to its annual cost this year, after being raised five dollars last year.
Parking passes rose from $80 to $90, a 12.5 percent increase, since 2012.
Some students took this increase in stride, but it was a breaking point for others.
In addition to the price increase, the process of getting a parking pass has changed. Students filled out an application for the passes online.
Once students have registered online, they need to visit the Business Office to pay for the pass.
After paying for the pass, it was ready to be picked up from the campus police station.
Junior Logan Corle said he bought his pass on the first day of classes. He said he preferred the new online registration rather than mailing in the form with a check.
“I think it was easier,” he said. “It was basically the same thing as the paper. Plus, you didn’t have to waste an envelope and a stamp.”
Corle said the Business Office sent him mail a month before school began with the link for the online registration.
Corle said buying his pass right away is the best way because he doesn’t have to worry about repercussions and tickets.
The new process is not what is causing concern for some; it is the price. Amy Buxbaum said these periodic price changes are justifiable and necessary.
“The increase offsets increases in expenses to maintain lots.”
Commuter and junior Ashleigh Eller said she does not feel the same.
She said she always tries to snag a spot along Highfield Avenue because she said she thinks campus police do not check there as often as other parking areas.
“I can’t afford it, and neither can my parents,” she said. “As long as I am able to park there, I won’t buy a parking pass.”
Eller said she tries not to park in the larger parking lots because those are where campus police focus on their enforcements.
Eller said ultimately the price is what deters her from buying the pass.
“If they have such a big issue with students not buying or having passes, they should consider how much they charge for one.”
