FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

REGENTS APPROVE INCREASE IN PARKING FINE VIOLATIONS

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., April 20, 2002 - The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents today approved increases in fines for parking violations on the University campus.

Under today's action, fines for first violations will remain at the current levels, but violators will pay four times that level for second and subsequent parking violations, beginning with the start of the fall 2002 semester on Aug. 19. This is double the present fine for second and subsequent violations. These fines will be in effect until two new parking garages are built on the campus, with construction beginning next academic year. After the garages are open, the Regents approved doubling the current fines for first violations.

Dr. Pauline Fox, vice president for administration and enrollment management, said fines for parking violations have not been adjusted in more than 10 years.

"The current levels of ticket fines no longer deter many violators," she said, adding that last year, more than 700 students had more than 10 parking violations. Of those, over 100 accrued between 15 and 19 tickets, and over 130 accrued in excess of 20 tickets."

By adjusting the fines, it is expected that more parking spaces will be freed up for students who follow the University's parking regulations, as well as faculty and staff, she said.