Freshman Parking

VCU encourages freshman residential students to take full advantage of academic and social activities around campus. For this reason, the university focuses on reducing the number of cars on campus. Besides being pedestrian friendly, VCU’s campus has other modes of transportation available, such as Zipcar, public transportation, rental bikes, and mass transit.

This policy also supports VCU’s commitment to sustainable practices. By using alternatives to single occupancy vehicles, VCU’s students reduce road congestion and air pollution.

Residents have several options to get around without a car:

• Parking decals cannot be purchased by other students for first year residential students. Violations of the protocol are pursued through the Student Code of Conduct and/or will result in revocation of future parking privileges.
• To promote good VCU-neighborhood relations, residential freshman parking in the streets and neighborhoods surrounding campus is not allowed and may be considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. Surrounding neighborhoods with resident-only permit parking further prevent long-term parking.

• Exceptions include medical conditions, employment, over 21 years of age, military reservists, university obligations, and other extenuating situations.
• Students entering their second year (i.e. third semester) at the University are eligible to register a vehicle on campus even if they have not completed enough credits to obtain sophomore standing. Students who begin as freshman in the spring semester of an academic year are permitted to register a vehicle on campus for the coming fall semester.
• Pre-college credits, advanced placement credits and CLEP credits, do not change student status as a freshman or first-year college student.

Students who can demonstrate a compelling need to have a vehicle can petition for a waiver.

Waiver requests must be approved in order to purchase a parking permit and bring the vehicle to campus. Your signature on your waiver request verifies your understanding of the Student Code of Conduct as stated in the VCU Student Code of Conduct. Falsified information may result in revoked parking privileges or judicial action.

Please allow two (2) weeks for the approval process. Petitions for approval are not automatic and are generally given only when a student's transportation circumstances cannot be accommodated by local or campus transportation services.

Requests for Waivers Based on Part-Time Employment
Approval will be granted upon verification of employment and a work schedule meeting the minimum of 20 hours per week requirement. Parking & Transportation reserves the right to verify the continuation of employment throughout the semester. Failure to provide updated information may result in suspension or loss of privileges. Requests should include a signed, notarized letter on company letterhead from employer stating days and hours of employment and the employer's telephone number.

Request for Waivers Based on Medical Reasons or a Disability
Approval will be granted if the student provides the appropriate documentation to establish a need for this accommodation. Accommodations based on medical issues, whether temporary or permanent, also require a letter from a licensed physician indicating the nature of the condition (impact and duration) and detailing the need for the accommodation.

Requests for Waiver Based on Extenuating Family Circumstances
Approval will be granted if the student provides the necessary documentation to positively prove the need.

Requests for Waiver Based on University Obligation or Commitment
Approval will be granted if the student provides the necessary documentation from a University sponsor/coach/instructor indicating a legitimate need. This letter should explain in detail the nature of the problem, the reason(s) for the student to have ready access to their own transportation and the time-frame being projected for this need.

Complete a Waiver Request