While many students have enjoyed less parking enforcement on campus the past few weeks, the unmonitored parking spree will come to an end Monday, March 16, 2026. During the afternoon of Wednesday, March 11, students received an email from Eagle Parking with updates regarding parking on campus.
On January 30, 2026, the parking system management switched from LAZ Parking to the university’s jurisdiction. The EMU Department of Public Safety will now oversee all parking management, led by Chief of Police Matthew Lige. This transition left a gap in enforcement while DPS transferred funds, hired and trained new staff, and created a system to effectively enforce parking regulations on campus.
Throughout the month of February and the start of March, many students, staff, and visitors took advantage of this gap in enforcement. Gated lots were free and open, and parking passes were not enforced, so students were able to park in any lot, regardless of which parking pass they purchased.
The March 11 email informed students that gated lots will return to normal operations on March 16 and parking enforcement in lots will increase. Eagle Parking encourages students, faculty and staff to check that they have the correct permit and that their information is up to date. Students were also reminded in the email to park only in the lots designated for the type of permit they have purchased.
Chief Lige told The Eastern Echo, “My team and I are grateful for the patience and understanding from students and staff as we navigate this transition. The listening sessions have proven to be a valuable guide as we move toward normal operations.”
Eagle Parking has hosted three of four student listening sessions on campus. Any students who would like their voices to be heard can join Chief Lige for pizza and conversation Monday, March 23 from 4-6 p.m. in Student Center Room 352.
