Frequently Asked Questions about Parking at OSU-Cascades
Please review the following and reach out if you have additional questions to Parking Services.
How do I pay for a Parking Permit?
Our parking homepage summarizes parking permit options based on user type. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to view options for visitors.
Can on-campus residents park in the Century parking lot?
Yes, with purchase of a permit. Outside of fee hours, a valid resident hangtag is required to park overnight and on weekends. Hangtags can be requested on move-in day and at the parking desk in Obsidian Hall. Per our parking policies, no camping or living in a vehicle is allowed in our lots.
What is the cheapest way to park on campus for a term or year?
You can purchase a permit for the Simpson Avenue lot through Honk mobile. Login to your Honk account with your OSU email address and search zone 54497S. Select "long term" options.
What safety measures have been put in place for those walking to/from the Simpson Avenue lot?
OSU-Cascades Campus Safety is available at 541-322-3110 for a walking escort. We encourage students to find a friend who can walk with them if they do not request support from Campus Safety. Lighting is provided along the path and security cameras have coverage of the pathway from the parking lot and atop Ray Hall. In an emergency call 911.
If returning to campus after 5 p.m., consider parking in the Century lot overnight. See hangtag information above.
Why does OSU-Cascades charge for parking? I already pay for tuition.
Parking costs are not funded with tuition dollars, similar to the residence hall. We don’t ask students who live off campus to pay for the residence hall, and we only require those who drive alone to pay for parking. It’s a resource that requires maintenance and management. Fees go towards snow removal, sweeping, resurfacing, and restriping.
Paid parking is also intended to encourage consideration of leaving your car at home and using active transportation options. If more of our students choose not to drive alone, we can use our land for other purposes, and focus funding on educational experiences.
As the campus grows, we want to reduce our carbon impacts by encouraging as many people as possible to walk, bike, bus, carpool, or get dropped off. Even if just one or two days per week, these actions will help us work towards our sustainability goals and reduce the amount of new parking we need to build.
Do employees pay to park?
Yes, those who use the parking lot pay for the parking lot and its maintenance. Employees are informed of this before they accept a position and account for the cost of parking in their compensation. This is similar to all state universities, where parking is recognized as a resource and those who use it pay for it.
What if I forget to pay for a permit?
Appeal online. We’ll review your payment records and are more likely to waive the citation if you have a history of payment in the app.
I paid and still got a citation, what’s up with that?
9 out of 10 times, the plate number was entered incorrectly in the app or at the kiosk. Compare the plate you paid for to that on the citation. If it was an honest mistake, file an appeal online - we’ll help you avoid this next time.
What’s the best bang for my buck in parking?
The Simpson lot offers our lowest rates on campus. Pay via the app or purchase a long-term permit if you plan to drive alone daily.
Can I park in a 20-minute space after 5 pm?
Yes, but not more than 20 minutes. vehicles parked in 20-minute spaces for more than 20 minutes are subject to citation at all times, all days.
Where can I park my motorcycle/moped or other motorized 2-wheel vehicle?
Designated spaces in the Century Parking lot are available at no cost to park, although you will need to share those spaces with other motorcycles. We can offer these at no cost in the short-term because it helps us get more people here with fewer parking spaces needed.
Who should I talk to if I have a parking complaint?
Call or email Campus Safety or our Assistant Director of Campus Operations.