Back when Fullerton College welcomed back students for in-person classes in February 2022, parking was free. The college was primarily online during the pandemic from 2020 to 2022. FC’s 2022 Spring class catalog stated that all students enrolled would be eligible for free parking permits. That perk continued up until the Spring 2024 semester–but it’s now ending.
“Fullerton College previously used COVID-19 emergency funds to cover the cost of student parking permits. These permits help fund a portion of campus safety operations. With the emergency funding ending, the college is returning to pre-pandemic permit fees of $40 per semester,” said Pepe Barton, Director of Campus Communications, in an email to The Hornet.
This change was communicated through FC’s Campus Safety and the FC’s Fall 2024 class catalog. Students who purchased a semester parking permit before July 22, 2024 will have their permanent parking permit mailed. Students who purchase a semester parking permit after that date should pick up their permanent parking permit at the Campus Safety Office (Building 1500) within the first week of the Fall 2024 semester.
For any students who may be having issues purchasing a parking permit through MyGateway, Admission and Records (Building 2000) can sell a parking permit to students in person and have it be picked up through Campus safety, according to administrative assistant Fabiola Ramirez.
Parking permits can be purchased for $40 and daily parking permits for $3. EV charging rates and fees began on February 5, 2024 at all campus EV chargers. For the first four hours, the cost is 35 cents per kWh. After four hours, the rate increases to $5 per hour. Parking permits were originally not required from August 26-31, but the grace period has moved up until September 6. By September 9, campus safety will require students to have their permits displayed on their windshields. More information can be found on the Campus Safety website.
This change made by the Office of Administrative Services sparked opinions from returning students who found free parking permits beneficial. “Forty dollars could be a lot of money to some people, so I understand it can be a dent on their allowance or gas intake, but it depends on the person,” stated second year art major, Daniella Roybal.
Parking availability tends to be limited the first few weeks of the fall semester, which are commonly the busiest. “The advice I give students is to get here early the first week, if not two weeks. Get up early, get here early so you can hopefully find a parking space,” stated Jim McKamy, Campus safety coordinator.
Even arriving an hour or two early hasn’t granted students ample time to find a parking spot. Many are still left scrambling the parking lots until something opens up.
“It is a little frustrating that now I have to pay and it doesn’t guarantee me parking,” expressed second year student, Ebby Nielson, “I got here at 9:30 a.m. and I spent an hour circling parking lots before I found a spot.”
This article was updated on Aug. 29 to add additional information about temporary parking available to students.
Information on a temporary parking location was released in the Hornet Life Student Newsletter on August 22. Until Aug. 29, a shuttle will be provided to and from the FC parking lot near Walgreens off Chapman Ave. , with drop-off and pick-up at student lot 10, on the south side of Building 2000. The shuttle will run every 15 minutes between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Staff and students may park in the City of Fullerton Parking Garage for the first two weeks of the semester at no cost.
“At least they’re offering something rather than just having students figuring it out,” stated Royball.
For transportation assistance, students can look into the FC Pass Program. With the mandatory transportation fee that Fullerton College students pay each semester, you have unlimited access to the OC Bus (for school, work, shopping, the beach) during the current fall and spring semesters according to the website. The CARE program and Foster Youth Success Initiative (FYSI) program are two resources that offer transportation assistance for students who meet eligibility requirements.
