Editor’s Note: As of publication, parking meters currently charge $7.50 per hour. Williams said discussion about an increase to this figure is ongoing, but the exact price of the increase is unknown. The story has been changed to accurately reflect this distinction.

Eastern Illinois University partially rescinded parking lot changes that previously gave students more parking options Wednesday. 

The South Coleman Lot has fully reverted back to staff only parking, and two rows of the Doudna Fine Arts Center D-Lot have returned to staff only, but the rest of the lot remains student or staff parking. 

All other lots changed in December are unaffected. 

Head of Faculty Senate Todd Bruns said the changes to the lots were rescinded because staff who needed to park close to where they worked or taught were often unable to do so because students would leave their cars overnight. 

Bruns also said staff have expressed relief over the changes. 

“We’re so glad that this is being rolled back,” he said. “I think it ended up being a good balance.” 

Nyla Williams, a student senator on the parking committee, said student reception hasn’t been as welcoming as the staff’s reception to the most recent changes. 

Williams said getting the lots changed in December was a big win, but having the changes rescinded is disappointing. 

“People I’ve talked to aren’t happy,” she said. 

In addition to students losing the ability to park in certain areas, parking fees increased Wednesday as well. 

Tickets will start at $40 and increase to $80 after five days if not paid off or waived using the one-time free waiver, according to Williams. 

Williams also said the parking boot fee will stay the same. Metered parking will continue to be $7.50 per hour, but an increase is under discussion, Williams said.

Luke Brewer can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].