In the fall of 2006, the University of Louisiana at Monroe will join the other members of the University of Louisiana System concerning the institution of parking fees for all faculty, staff and students.

ULM students will pay $50 per year for parking, thus putting them on equal footing with other universities’ parking costs. Faculty and staff will also begin paying the same amount for the necessary tags.

Funds collected will be placed in the parking account to improve and maintain parking areas. Students living on campus will continue to park in zones around their residence halls.

The Parking Committee finalized the decision in November 2005, which was made independent of current budget cuts. The choice was made merely to maximize organized parking and not because of financial issues.

“The Parking Committee is sensitive to faculty and staff concerns,” said Dr. Wayne Brumfield, vice president for student affairs and parking committee chairman.

“The Parking Committee consists of faculty, staff and student members. It will continue to review parking policies, solicit suggestions and work on long-term parking issues.”