An increase in University parking fees will go into effect in fall 2010, and sophomore parking will ultimately be eliminated to compensate for the increased incoming classes.The increase in parking fees is intended to discourage students to bring cars onto campus and eliminate the need for as many parking lots, Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment Jean Eddy wrote in an e-mail to the Justice.

Vice President of Campus Operations Mark Collins, told the Justice that the changes to sophomore parking will take place for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Eddy wrote in her e-mail to the Justice that the goal of the price increase is not to increase revenue.

Collins did not respond by press time to further questions about the amount by which the price will increase.

"The proposed increase doesn't produce a lot of money," said Eddy. "As we are proposing increased shuttle service, we will probably spend more than what is collected from the increase."

Eddy wrote in her e-mail, "For a number of years the University has been trying to decrease the number of parking lots and add more green spaces. Fewer cars hopefully means more gathering space, more lawns."

According to the Department of Public Safety's Web site, resident students of sophomore and higher standing are eligible to purchase a Resident Student Permit for $125 per year.

The Web site also states that "all vehicles bearing this permit are eligible to park 24 hours a day in their assigned area designated by the appropriate green Brandeis University sign." Additionally, the cost of a Commuter Student Permit is $60 per year.

There are currently 2299 parking spaces on campus and there will be no change in the numbers of students eligible for parking this coming academic year, according to Collins. Collins also said that there are currently 136 sophomores who park on campus.

Nicole Nightingale '13, a rising sophomore, said that she was not planning on bringing a car next year, but she knows people that were and was unhappy with the ultimate elimination of sophomore parking.

"Most of the time we spend at school there is bad weather. I would rather be able to have my car than have more lawn space that we can't even use most of the time," she said.

Student Union President Andy Hogan told the Justice that he wanted students to voice their opinions on this matter. "Moving forward, my goal is to make sure that students are represented in this discussion."

The increase in Brandeis' parking fee is in keeping with that of other institutions. Other universities that have increased their parking fees include the University of Minnesota and the University of Washington.

-Erin Doniger, Alana Abramson and Nashrah
Rahman