On April 2, 2026, during his second day in office, Eastern Michigan University President Brendan Kelly joined with EMU Chief of Police Matthew Lige to announce three changes to campus parking. These changes were student-driven and are intended to bring improvements to student life on campus, the announcement said.
On Jan. 30, EMU regained control of campus parking. All parking operations are now run by the EMU Department of Public Safety, headed by Lige. Lige made it his mission to re-invent the parking system to be more efficient and student friendly. He and the rest of DPS held four listening sessions allowing students to share their thoughts and opinions about parking on campus.
After hearing the student feedback, Lige partnered with Kelly to make changes quickly. In an email sent to all EMU students April 2, a short video was attached listing the new changes to parking.
In the video, Kelly said, “I want you to know that we heard you. We’ve been moving quickly to make improvements.”
Changes announced for campus parking
Overnight parking restrictions lifted
All overnight parking restrictions across campus have been lifted, effective immediately. Parking will not be enforced overnight. This change is effective in all lots across campus.
Waived spring and summer semester parking permits for 2026
Students enrolled in spring and summer classes will no longer need to purchase separate parking passes. This change has only been implemented for the year of 2026, although it may be renewed.
Ford lot open to all residential and commuter permit holders
This lot near the center of campus was formerly only available to commuter students, but now students with a residence hall parking permit may park here as well. This may be beneficial to students living in the Westview, Cornell or Village apartments, as the Ford Lot is much closer to central campus than the corresponding residential lots.
Residents of Downing Hall may also find this parking space useful.
“It’s nice to take advantage of a lot that’s really close by and typically empty every night,” said Gabe Muro, a Downing Hall resident.
“These changes are the result of your voices, your feedback, your ideas, and your willingness to engage with us,” said Chief Lige in the video. “And we are not done. Additional announcements about fall semester parking improvements will be shared in the coming months.”
For more information on Eagle Parking, visit its website.
