A closer look at Farmingdale State College parking

By: Kristen Rydzewski

FARMINGDALE- Farmingdale State College is primarily a commuter school, reporting that a large portion of its students live off campus. Farmingdale’s profile states that while they expect a student population of 8,650, only 600 students live on campus. Students who park their vehicles on campus must purchase a parking permit, which costs $30 for the school year. Commuter students are encouraged to purchase this parking permit through the Campus Police website. Drivers who purchase a parking permit must also adhere to placing the permit on the driver’s side rear window. An article published by CBS News reported that the campus has opened approximately 4,000 parking spots during the Ryder Cup tournament.

When parking at Farmingdale State College, vehicles must be parked within the designated colored lines in each lot. Student parking spaces are lined with white lines, while staff parking spaces are lined with yellow lines. There are also handicapped parking spots, which are specially lined with blue. Curbside parking is prohibited on campus. The school provides a map to visually show where each parking lot is and which are student and faculty lots. For instance, according to the Farmingdale campus map, student lot number one is near the Athletic complex, whereas staff lot number eight is near Roosevelt Hall.

The University Police provide the various penalties one can receive if campus parking rules are not followed correctly. Failure to register your vehicle when required will result in a $35 fine. Parking in violation of fire hydrants, fire lanes, exits, and restricted areas will result in a $35 fine. Parking in a handicap spot without a handicap parking permit will result in a $150 fine. Parking in restricted areas such as lawns, driveways, and staff parking spots will result in a $35 fine. The University Police page states that if students accumulate 10 or more violations within an academic year, their privileges will be revoked, and their vehicles are subject to towing at the owner's expense.

According to Farmingdale’s Profile, there was a reported 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio. While reports have not indicated the exact number of staff present, the school does employ a few hundred faculty members, not including administrative staff. Farmingdale’s campus map shows 14 total student parking lots, of which one is designated for residential parking, and seven total staff parking lots. Farmingdale State College does not explicitly state the exact number of permits issued, they do provide the necessary information to enforce safer campus parking. The parking on campus is structured by organized lots, separated into student and staff parking spots, indicated by the color of lines. While these parking rules apply to those who commute by vehicle to campus, Farmingdale does share other ways individuals can travel to their campus through the NYS-Ride Program.