Parking Options
Whether you’re just stopping by or staying on campus for the whole year, we offer a variety of parking options. Whichever you choose, make sure you’re familiar with our rules and regulations.
Permits
The campus community can purchase a parking permit for various lots and spaces around campus. Temporary permits are also available for guests.
Most Illinois State permits are virtual and use license plate recognition technology.
Evening, Weekend, and University Closures
Free parking is only available in faculty and staff red lots and commuter green lots Monday through Friday, 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. and all day on weekends, unless otherwise posted. These spaces are also available on holidays when the University is closed.
Hourly Parking
We have a variety of paid lots and metered parking spaces around campus for visitors and those without a parking permit.
Events
Many major events such as athletics, concerts, commencement, and move-in have special parking arrangements.
EV Charging
Charging stations are available in various lots.
Specialty Spaces
We offer designated parking areas to accommodate service vehicles, contractors, and clinic patients.
Clinics: Reserved parking is available for clients of the Speech and Hearing Clinic and the Psychological Services Clinic. Contact your respective clinic for information about where to park and about obtaining a permit.
Contractors: To arrange parking for contractor or construction projects, contact the Office of Parking and Transportation at (309) 438-8391.
Loading Zones: Some buildings around campus have spaces for loading and unloading. These spaces have a 30-minute time limit. Moving your vehicle from one loading zone to another with the sole purpose of resetting the time allowance is not allowed.
Service Vehicles: Service vehicle spaces are designated for university vehicles displaying “U” license plates only, or by special permission from the Office of Parking and Transportation.
Parking Validation
Only faculty and staff can request complementary parking for campus visitors. Parking validation is paid for by departments.
Open Parking Dates
During Open Parking dates, parking without a permit is allowed in all red and green surface lots only. Open parking allowances do not include reserved spaces or zones, meters or metered areas, blue student storage lots, or any specialty spaces such as business permit or service vehicle spaces.
- July 4, 2025 - Independence Day
- September 1, 2025 - Labor Day
- November 27-28, 2025 - Thanksgiving Break
- December 24-31, 2025 - Holiday Break
- January 1-2, 2026 - New Year’s Day
- January 19, 2026 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- May 25, 2026 - Memorial Day
- June 19, 2026 - Juneteenth
Parking Disclaimer
Parking Disclaimer: Illinois State University assumes no responsibility or liability for loss or damage to any vehicle, nor does it assume any personal liability in connection with its parking program. Only the Office of Parking and Transportation is authorized to allow parking outside of the stated rules and regulations. Do not accept parking advice from any other entity. In doing so, you risk receiving a citation. In the case of a declared campus emergency (declared by the University), the Illinois State University police department is authorized to suspend parking rules and regulations.