The Liberty University Police Department (LUPD) showed its support to students by communicating how to navigate campus parking with confidence and avoid unnecessary stress.
“We are approachable,” Parking Enforcement Officer Taylor Comer said. “We care about you guys. … We want to help you avoid being ticketed or towed.”
In that spirit of support, LUPD shared three useful tips on how students can prevent the most common parking mistakes. Officials say most violations happen due to a few bad habits that can be prevented.
The first thing to keep in mind is time management.
“That’s probably our biggest reason why students park in the wrong place,” LUPD Parking Supervisor Chris Williams said. “They’re rushing to class, rushing to take a test. They haven’t given themselves enough time to locate a proper place to park.”
The second tip is to make sure parking decals match the lot signs. Williams emphasized that every lot has clear signage indicating who can park there and when. He explained that LUPD streamlined the current system from a more complicated past where there were many more decal types. The new system has made it easier for students to find a correct lot by simply matching their decal to the sign.
Drivers must always park their vehicles between two white lines. Parking outside of the designated lines is not only a violation but a safety hazard. Those areas are often considered fire lanes for emergency vehicles.
LUPD’s advice on time management is a strategy already proven effective by students like sophomore Hadden Kurtz.
“I typically come … maybe 45 minutes ahead of time,” Kurtz said.
Kurtz said that he avoids the overcrowding by main campus by parking on North Campus.
“A lot of people do try to go closer to where the main campus is, and I think that’s where a lot of the overcrowding is,” Kurtz said. “If you’re willing to go for just a 10-to-15-minute walk into main campus for your classes, it’s a great spot where you’re not ever going to find issues trying to find a parking spot.”
A key part of campus parking is ensuring designated spaces remain available for those who need them. LUPD encouraged students to show consideration by respecting accessible parking spaces, as well as spaces reserved for visitors, the Purple Heart, customers and electric vehicles.
To further assist students, LUPD has increased its communication efforts. The department partners with the Student Government Association (SGA) to provide detailed parking maps in residence halls. They even schedule one-on-one meetings with students who have recurring parking issues to work on resolving the matter.
For students looking to improve their time management, LUPD highlighted the Live Bus Tracker, which is accessible through the Champion Safe app. This tool allows students to see exactly where buses are in real time and plan their commute more effectively.
For any questions or concerns, students are encouraged to contact LUPD’s dedicated parking line at 434-592-3697 or email luparking@liberty.edu. Officials added that the email inbox is monitored throughout the business day and that officers are willing to meet with students to resolve concerns.
Song is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion.