March 21 is Parking Ticket Forgiveness Day, an initiative led by the Student Government Association (SGA) with the purpose to foster a positive atmosphere around parking issues and to contribute to the betterment of the local community. This event is meant to give currently enrolled students an opportunity to rectify parking violations while engaging in acts of goodwill. The event will be held in the SGA Office, which is room 214 in the Student Center.

By offering students the chance to have one parking ticket dismissed per semester, SGA alleviates the burden on students but also creates an environment of understanding and compassion. Students can either participate virtually or in-person, and each participant will be required to fill out a special Parking Ticket Forgiveness Day form on InvolveSouth for proof of participation. This form can be found starting at 8 a.m. on March 21 in the SGA LinkTree and on InvolveSouth.

Each semester, SGA selects a charity within the surrounding community to support, extending the program’s impact beyond campus borders. By collecting essential items needed by the chosen charity, students contribute to addressing needs within the community. This year, donations will be going to Kate Shepard Elementary School. The elementary school’s wish list includes chips, fruit cups, applesauce pouches, pudding cups, ramen noodles, and granola bars. This aspect of Parking Ticket Forgiveness Day transforms into a meaningful opportunity for students to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, instilling values of empathy and civic engagement.

There are many details to consider when determining eligibility to participate.

1. The tickets that can be excused are as follows:
   • Out of zone
   • Backed in or pulled through a space
   • Parked in faculty or staff parking
   • No current permit visible
2. Students must have a valid parking permit to get any tickets excused.
3. Parking citations incurred before the start of the Spring semester of 2024 cannot be dismissed.
4. Donations need to at least equal a cash value of $10.
5. Cash will not be accepted.
6. Ensure all donations have not expired.

Online participants will be able to find an Amazon wishlist on the SGA’s LinkTree starting at 8 a.m. on March 21. Donations should be sent to the Kate Shepard Elementary School address, and a screenshot of the donation receipt should be taken once the order has been placed.

For more information about Parking Ticket Forgiveness Day, follow @usa_sga on Instagram.