By Madi Wimmer
In just the first weeks of the 2025-2026 school year, Concordia’s parking lots are already sparking conflict. Tickets are piling up, students are voicing frustration, and school officials are pushing back with reminders of the rules and regulations.
Parking tickets at Concordia are issued by student workers and one full-time staff member, who patrol campus lots during one-to-two-hour weekday shifts. Their primary task is to check whether vehicles display valid 2025-2026 parking permits, which officially cost $100 starting this year, and that those match the assigned lot.
According to Audra Freeman, Concordia Moorhead’s system and security coordinator, “There are multiple parking lots on campus that pertain to each permit; just be aware of the signage within the lots you are trying to park.” For example, S permits may only be used in S lots, while G permits are reserved for G lots for employees and off-campus students only.
Signs at lot entrances are color-coded to match permits, but confusion arises when students assume their permits only apply to lots near their dorm and classes.
If a vehicle lacks a valid permit or is parked in the wrong lot, staff check if the license plate is in the system. Confirmed violations result in a ticket being issued to the student via email.
Students have 10 days to appeal through CobberNet’s parking services section, and after three tickets, a vehicle may be booted. Freeman encourages students to reach out if they have any questions about parking tickets, permit rules, or temporary permits.
“If at any time they are unclear, please always reach out to Parking Services, because we’re here to answer questions and make things clearer for you.” says Freeman, Concordia Moorhead’s system and security coordinator.
Beyond availability, many students express concerns about fairness and the enforcement of how tickets are issued. Several reported frustrations with receiving multiple tickets for the same infractions or feeling that the appeal process was too limited.
In a survey of 35 students on campus, one Concordia student said, “I received two tickets for the same infraction. I appealed to one, since I was in class and had no way to move my car, but being double ticked in just two hours felt unfair. Even though one appeal was successful, it left a sour taste in my mouth, and I haven’t purchased a permit since.”
Others noted that the inability to appeal more than one violation, even under reasonable circumstances, feels like a “money grab” rather than a fair system. Another Concordia student emphasized the need for better communication: “This has been an issue for the past three years I’ve been here and all the ones beforehand from what I’m aware. My best recommendation for the school is to just communicate with the students about how the system works. All they must do is at freshman orientation, from day one, share the rules and regulations for everyone, and update them over the years if anything changes.”
Of those 35 students, 37% reported receiving at least one ticket in the last three years, with many receiving two or more. Over half (55%) said parking rules and regulations are communicated poorly, leading to frequent confusion and misunderstandings. Nearly nine in ten students (89%) struggle to find sufficient parking, and 52% emphasized the need for additional student parking. Although the survey only captured a small group of students, the responses reflect frustrations heard widely across campus.
One student summarized the frustrations:” Most student lots are a nightmare with how few parking opportunities there are, and how the school won’t listen to us.”
Another stated: “Don’t charge us $100 and then not expand parking lots! We need more parking! And when an event goes on, make sure dorm lots are not accessible.”
Safety concerns also arise when overflow parking requires long walks late at night.
As parking permits now cost $100 annually, many parking issues have become more noticeable, and students feel more invested in having their concerns heard.
Grace Phan of the Student Government Association explained, “The number one misconception is that most ticketing is done by other students… they’re just trying to make sure that students and faculty all have access to the lots that they’re registered for.”
She also says, “If it is a significant issue, we’re more than willing to hear their concerns and facilitate a conversation with facilities, if necessary, through SGA.”
