The Georgia Southern Department of Parking and Transportation has issued 1,709 tickets and 1,474 warnings on the Armstrong Campus to-date for the 2025-2026 academic year, collecting a total of $24,935 in parking ticket revenue. 

In a recent survey of 36 Armstrong students, some responders shared their experiences with tickets and fines, with many indicating their disapproval of certain campus parking policies. 

Common Complaints About Campus Parking

One recurring grievance was the lack of residential parking spots. Thirty-six percent of survey participants mentioned that residential lots are often full, when asked if they felt that parking is regularly available for where they need to be on campus. 

“For $130 per year, I should be able to park wherever I want,” one campus resident wrote. “What if I’m running late to class and can’t find close enough parking, so I park in the commuter lot and get a ticket for it? It’s unreasonable to get fined $25 for trying to get to class on time.” 

Freshman Danielle Ferguson wrote, “It’s annoying there is not enough parking for Windward then I have to park in Timbuktu.” 

Additionally, the majority of responders who had received tickets indicated some inconsistency with the way citations are issued — 73% percent of survey participants who were ticketed said they had parked in the same spot before and not received a citation. 

Students Report Sign Visibility Issues

Half of all survey responders said that they found parking signage to be unclear or confusing. The majority of participants who said they had received a parking citation claimed they were not even aware that they were parked incorrectly. 

While the parking signs on campus are in compliance with state regulation — 18 inches by 12 inches, with ¾ inch lettering— many responders still feel this isn’t enough. 

Survey Question: Have you ever found parking signage to be unclear or confusing?

“Yes, around the parking spots near university hall, I have no idea where I’m allowed to park so I steer clear of that area entirely.”

“There needs to be more clear signage of what parking is specifically student, staff, visitor, etc. It is difficult to tell sometimes where I’m allowed to park with my student commuter permit.”

“I feel like it’s so difficult to figure out where to park because the signs are busted and so tiny.”

One participant wrote of seeing a parking sign that a bush had almost completely grown over. Certain signs that mark reserved spots for the Vice President and Dean in the recreational center lot are currently either partially or completely covered by foliage. 

Director of Divisional Communications & Digital Strategy, April Burke, said that regular maintenance on parking signage is conducted annually. 

“In preparation for the new academic year, the department will update signage to reflect FY27 parking needs and pressure wash signs where mildew has accumulated,” she wrote.

Students’ Responsibility: How to Avoid a Ticket

“For those who choose to purchase a permit, it is expected that they understand and follow all parking regulations,” Director Burke wrote, adding that students can find the most up-to-date parking and permit maps on the Parking and Transportation website. 

Parking signage is not required for each individual spot — only those that broadly signify the concerned parking zone. Many ticketable offenses, including backing in or pulling through parking spots, are not stipulated by signage. Students are expected to know that these rules apply across campus.

Though students may speculate, Burke reassured that there is not any incentive for officers to issue tickets and she reports that ticket revenue is put back into Parking and Transportation for things like maintenance and equipment. 

“More than 40% of the tickets issued in Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 (to date) were warnings,” Burke said. “Our approach is rooted in education, not punishment.” 

Many survey participants described ways that they believe clarity on parking policy could be improved. Freshman Alex Pashikov offered one solution; “I think marking each spot with different color paint would make it very easy to understand.”

If students would like to give feedback or suggestions about transportation routes, they are encouraged to reach out to the Parking and Transportation team through email ([email protected]) or phone (912-478-7275).