There is a new way to keep track of and pay parking citations, buy parking permits and update vehicle information online with the new Parking Portal.

The online portal was launched by the parking services division of the University Police Department.

“Faculty, staff and students may purchase permits and day passes, pay citations and update vehicle information through their PAWS account,” said UPD chief Kent Martin.

“Visitors and guests may purchase and print a day pass prior to arriving on campus.”

The UPD anticipates that the update to the parking system software will make parking on campus more efficient and reduce the number of vehicles parked without a permit.

They hope that the Parking Portal will help to decrease these numbers by eliminating lines to buy parking permits in the beginning of each semester.

In 2017, the UPD issued 6,075 parking citations, according to Martin.

This number included 579 citations for expired permits and 1,678 citations for parking without a permit.

In the online portal, students are able to view the status of every parking citation they have received, which includes the date, location and amount the ticket was for.

From there, students can add individual citations and permits to a shopping cart and pay either though credit or add it to their student account.

Carlie Cuffle, a junior marketing major, thinks the new system will help students and others who park on campus save time and money.

“I know a lot of people and myself always forget to pay parking tickets on time, so then the fine doubles which is annoying,” Cuffle said. “I think the parking portal will make it easier to remember to pay your tickets since you can do it from anywhere, anytime on your phone instead of having to go into the campus police station to pay your tickets.”

Campus visitors are also able to take advantage of the new Parking Portal.

Kari Newberry, a parent of an Eastern student and a frequent visitor to campus, said the Parking Portal is a great idea, especially for campus visitors.

“Being able to buy guest parking passes is a great idea,” Newberry said. “A lot of campus visitors are frequent and it’s a hassle to go buy individual day passes from the police station. Having your parking taken care of before arriving on campus makes the trip easier.”

Abbey Sowacke can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].