General Policy

This policy is designed to outline all vehicle stipulations for employees, students, visitors, and guests of Cottey College, procedures for the registration of vehicles, and issuance of parking permits. The criterion for the allocation of parking spaces and the rules governing the use of such parking spaces is also specified in the procedures below. Cottey College is not and shall not be liable under any circumstances for the loss of or damage to vehicles or contents thereof parked on the Cottey College campus. The College reserves the right to restrict the use of any parking space, area, or surface lot at any time and to temporarily or permanently relocate permit holders as necessary. Vehicles may be subject to towing, at the owner’s expense, and at the sole discretion of the College if parked illegally, in violation of policy, or a dangerous manner.

General Procedures

Following are the on-campus vehicle guidelines

• The speed limit in all parking lots is 10 miles per hour (if conditions permit).
• Any motorized vehicle operated on the Cottey College campus is to be operated safely and prudently as outlined in the vehicle laws of the state of Missouri and the operator’s manual specific to the vehicle operated.
• Any motorized vehicle operated or parked on Cottey College property, is required to be licensed, registered, or insured in accordance with the laws of the state of Missouri.
• Vehicles in all lots are restricted to marked, painted parking spaces only. Parking outside of designated parking spaces or along the curbs of landscaped islands or other curbed areas in the parking lots is prohibited. Parked vehicles shall not block drives, crosswalks, or fire hydrants or be parked in such a way as to impede the safe travel of pedestrians or other vehicles.
• Faculty, staff, and student vehicles parked on College property are to be registered and display a Cottey parking permit (unless prior approval is granted by the manager of campus security).
• Vehicles must be parked one automobile per parking space. Vehicles taking up more than one space are subject to disciplinary procedures except for large vehicles, such as moving trucks or vehicles with trailers used for moving, that may have short-term permission to occupy more than one parking space.
• Motorcycles and scooters must be parked in parking lots in marked parking spaces. Parking any motorized vehicle on walkways or other unauthorized areas is prohibited and will be subject to disciplinary action. Riding any motorized vehicle on walkways is prohibited except for mobility devices when operated in accordance with American Disabilities Act guidelines or Cottey-owned vehicles designed for such use.
• No vehicles are to be parked in designated fire lanes or placarded-accessible parking spaces without proper disabled plates or placards displayed.
• Parking marked as reserved or visitor or coned/taped off is designated for a specific use, person, or activity and is restricted to that use and to be only used by that designated person, group, or activity.
• Parking in the Chapel Drive is limited to 15 minutes.
• All vehicles parked in College lots must be in running condition and be maintained in a condition where they can be safely operated.
• No motorized vehicles are to be parked on or operated in areas not designed for parking use such as fields, grounds, grass, or vegetated areas except as approved by the director of the physical plant or a designee.
• Trailers, campers, etc. are prohibited in College lots, other than for short-term purposes as noted above or with prior approval of campus security personnel.
• Living or sleeping overnight in any vehicle (except for vehicles designed for such purpose and authorized) in any College parking lot is prohibited.
• Temporary parking is permitted in drives and unmarked paved areas for the loading and unloading of vehicles. The owner should place a paper or card on the front dash of such a vehicle with a contact number (cell phone) visible so the College can contact them in the event such a vehicle is blocking access by others.
• No major repairs are to be performed on any vehicle while parked in a campus parking lot. Minor repairs such as changing a tire, changing a battery, jump-starting,or changing a belt are permitted. No vehicles may be left unattended while in an elevated state. Any repairs performed on a vehicle parked on Cottey property will be at the owner’s risk and the College is not responsible for any resulting damage or injury from any improper repairs, techniques, tools, or procedures used during the repair.

Parking Permits

• Individuals, students, or employees must complete a registration form to request a parking permit for each vehicle they may drive and park on College property.
• Parking permits do not guarantee parking will be available. Parking permits are a visual confirmation that the vehicle has permission to park on Cottey property.
• Cottey College parking permits are issued so the College can contact the vehicle’s owner in the event a vehicle must be moved, is involved in an accident, etc. Permits identify vehicles that have permission to park in designated areas of the College’s parking lots.
• Parking registration forms are available online at the owner’s MyCottey page.
• Once submitted, the requestor will be advised to pick the permit up at the security office or it will be sent through campus mail to the requestor. Permits will also be available during New Student Orientation at the start of the fall semester.
• The application must be completed in full per the application instructions.
• When received, the parking permit must be displayed in the vehicle so that it may be easily seen by the security member. If alternate permits are issued, the owner will be advised of where to display them.
• Unless otherwise directed, parking is on a first-come basis; the owner may park in any unmarked parking space.

Winter Break and Summer Parking

• Extended parking over the summer and winter break is with prior approval only.
• Students authorized to remain on campus will be permitted to park their vehicles in areas to be designated at that time.
• The request is made through the director of campus security by email. The email will contain vehicle information (make, model, color, license number, and state), the dates it will be parked on campus, the name of the owner, and a contact phone number.
• Vehicles parked for extended periods will be parked in the center parking spots of the Hinkhouse lot.

Guest Parking

Guests may park in any open, unrestricted parking space. Overnight guests must complete an Overnight Guest Form on the MyCottey portal before parking their vehicle overnight.

Enforcement of Procedures

These procedures are enforced through disciplinary action by authorized the College. Personnel, contracted professionals, students, faculty, staff, guests, and visitors are expected to adhere to the College Parking Policies to promote the efficient and harmonious environment of our Cottey College community. Failure to follow these procedures can result in suspension, termination, or restriction of campus parking privileges. Questions on any of these policies can be forwarded to the manager of campus safety, security, and Clery by email to Mike Shuster at mshuster@cottey.edu. 

The College’s policy is to support the city police in enforcing the motor vehicle laws of the state and the city on the College campus and in the vicinity. Students leaving vehicles on campus over winter or spring break should park in the designated area.