Parking at SAU

Information for campus and visitors

St. Ambrose University uses a zone parking system which allows students to decide which permit will be most convenient and cost effective for their circumstances.

Student parking permits are sold on a staggered schedule based on class year. Registration of vehicles operated on campus is mandatory.

General Parking Information

  • Campus parking is limited to designated parking spaces in lots and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • All other areas – such as hashed lines, yellow curbs, sidewalks, and grass/dirt – are not to be used for parking, loading, or unloading.
  • The lots are frequently patrolled, though the university assumes no responsibility for the loss or damage of items or vehicles parked on university property.
  • Report all suspicious activity or incidents to the Security Office.

Spring 2024 Parking Information

A limited number of CHSE, Zones 1, 2, and 3 parking permits for the 2024 Spring semester will be available January 9, 2024 for purchase on a "first come first serve basis". Permits can be purchased on line at sau.thepermitstore.com after 10:00am.


Cost: CHSE $85.00
Zone 1 $65.00
Zone 2 $35.00
Kia/Hyundai $35.00 (McCarthy Lot)

Ambrose students who do not typically use their cars daily are encouraged to order a Zone 3 permit at no cost. The Zone 3 lot is located at the university's "St. Vincent's Center" property north of Central Park Avenue near the Gaines Street intersection (about four blocks north of campus).


A shuttle service to and from the Zone 3 lot will be provided free of charge via the SAU Campus Security between the hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. During the overnight hours-from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. - transportation will only be provided back to campus from the lot.

Buy Your Permit Campus Map with Parking Lots

Permits

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Visit the Permits page to purchase your parking permit, manage vehicles under your permit, pay a parking ticket, or appeal a parking ticket.

Parking Permits

Campus Parking

campus map

Welcome to Campus! All parking lots are clearly marked for Zones 1-3, as well as CHSE and CCSD lots.

Campus Map


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Don't want to mess with parking?

Ride the bus - for free!

To avoid parking on campus altogether, ride the bus! Your student ID card is your FREE bus pass on any city bus. Information on times and routes are available on the City of Davenport Citibus Transit website.

Citibus/Transit


rogalski drive

Be a good neighbor

Don't park in SAU neighborhoods

All St. Ambrose students, faculty, and staff are discouraged from parking in the neighborhoods surrounding campus unless you live on that street or have written permission from the home owner.

Parking Lot Maps


Visitor Parking

Where are the Visitor Lots?

Visitor parking is available in the lots east of Cosgrove Hall and designated spaces at the Rogalski Center. If these areas are full or you are planning an extended visit, contact the Security Office.

Current students, faculty, and staff may not park in Visitor Lots, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. – no exceptions.

View Campus Map and Parking Lots

Policies

Towing/Immobilization

Unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense under the following circumstances:

  • parked in disabled space
  • parked in fire lane
  • vehicles with 2 or more citations (paid or unpaid for parking in reserved spots identified by a specific sign)
  • blocking roadway(s) and garage door(s)
  • vehicles with $200 or more in citations (paid or unpaid) in a single academic year

Once a vehicle is towed it will be placed on a list and towed for each subsequent violation.

Vehicles without a current permit that have at least $200 in unpaid fines may be immobilized at the university's discretion.

Releasing an Immobilized Vehicle

Immobilized vehicles can be released during normal business hours by presenting the Parking Manager/designee or the Director of Security with a receipt showing all fines have been paid.

After-hours release of immobilized vehicles can only be made after presenting a photocopy of the driver's license and a completed form indicating agreement to pay all outstanding parking fines. A vehicle may only be released after hours once per academic year.

Disabled Parking

Disabled parking is available and conspicuously marked in most lots.

All vehicles parking in these spaces must display a current permit and disabled placard/plate. Davenport Police may be notified and asked to ticket vehicles without a proper permit.

If you are injured and need temporary special accommodations please contact the Accessibility Resource Center.

Motorcycles and Mopeds

For the purposes of university parking policy: motorcycles, motorized scooters, and mopeds are categorized and referred to as motorcycles.

Students, faculty and/or staff desiring on-campus parking for a motorcycle are required to have a parking permit. Motorcycles are required to park in designated lots and locations that will not interfere with the flow of traffic or pedestrians walking through campus.

Motorcycles may not park in any other areas, including the university's fire lanes, disabled spaces, loading zones, construction areas, disabled access aisles, driveways, lawns, sidewalks, or bicycle racks. Motorcycles are subject to towing in accordance with the Towing Policy above.

Bicycles

Your bike must be registered with the city in accordance with all rules and regulations. For details see the City of Davenport section on bikes.

Bicycles do not have to be registered with Security. Bicycles must also be parked in a way that doesn't hinder the flow of pedestrian traffic within the parking lot or sidewalk. Bicycles may not be locked to or parked at utility poles, trees, bollards, railings, signposts, or fences. Bicycles may not be stored in building hallways. The university assumes no liability for any lost, stolen, or damaged bicycle locked to a campus bike rack.

How to secure your bicycle

How to keep your bicycle safe

People will steal an entire bicycle or unsecured items on your bicycle. Read the tips on this page to thwart damage and theft to your bicycle.

Locking your bicycle
• Always keep your bicycle locked, even when it's on your porch.
• Lock the frame and at least one wheel (preferably two) to a bicycle rack. This also prevents your bicycle from falling over. If you only lock the wheel, your bicycle can be quickly detached and stolen.
• If you don't need a quick release seat or wheels, replace them with standard bolts. If you do want quick release items, take them with you when you lock your bicycle.
• Take lights, mirrors, bags, and panniers with you, along with anything else not securely fastened to the bicycle.
• Consider riding an inexpensive bicycle for everyday use and short trips.

The lock
• Invest in the best quality lock (or two) that you can afford. Purchase a hardened steel U-shaped lock and/or a hardened steel chain and padlock (see image at right).
• When possible use two different locks – one for each wheel and the frame. This requires a thief to have two different sets of tools and takes more time, both of which makes it more difficult and likely the thief will get caught.
• Position a U-lock so that the keyhole faces down toward the ground. A keyhole is located in the middle of the straight bar (instead of the end) which offers better security.
• When locking your bicycle, fill up the space of the U-lock with your bicycle frame and wheel so there is little room to jam a lock-breaking tool into the lock.
• Make sure that chains do not lay on the ground. A chain laying on the ground can be smashed with a rock.
• Register your lock with the lock manufacturer as soon as you purchase it in order to access the insurance should the bicycle be stolen (if they have anti-theft insurance policy or a guarantee).

The Location
• Look for a busy, well-lit bicycle rack.
• Lock to a sturdy, immovable object that is securely bolted down. On campus, use the provided bicycle racks, and don't lock your bicycle on ramps or in front of doors because security will remove and confiscate the bike.
• Make sure that your bicycle can't be lifted over what you have secured it against.
• Avoid locking to materials that can be cut such as wood, wire fencing, or trees.
• Avoid "sucker poles" by checking to make sure the posts are securely fastened to the ground and cannot just be lifted up and removed (some street signs are like this).
• Out of courtesy, never lock to wheelchair ramps

Take Action
Register your bicycle with the city of Davenport. This will increase the chances of having your bicycle returned to you. You will need to know the serial number (generally located on the bicycle frame) and the make.
• Keep of copy of the serial number, make and model, color, and frame size.
• Always report a stolen bicycle or stolen parts to the police and SAU Security, even if your bicycle was not registered.
• Don't support the market for stolen bicycles. Only buy secondhand bicycles from someone you trust. If you are not sure a bicycle has been stolen or not ask questions about where it came from and copy the serial number and call the police to have them check for any theft reports on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Permit Questions

Do I need a permit to park on campus?
Yes. Every motor vehicle used on campus (including lots, roadways, and driveways) by students, faculty, or staff must be registered with the Security Office and display a current, valid permit.

All St. Ambrose students, faculty, and staff members are discouraged from parking in the neighborhoods surrounding campus unless you live on the street where you park or have written permission from the home owner.

How do I buy a permit?
Visit the Permits page for complete instructions.

Does a permit guarantee a parking space?
A permit does not guarantee that space will be available adjacent to their resident hall, but instead gives the owner the right to park if space is available.

All St. Ambrose students are expected to use campus parking lots. See all campus parking lots

Can I get a permit for my visitor?
Temporary permits are available in the SAU Security Office, Rogalski Center, 2nd floor

Vehicle Issues

What should I do if my vehicle breaks down or has a flat tire?
Call Security and ask for assistance.

If the vehicle is not operable then the security officer will place an orange disabled sticker on your windshield. This will help prevent tickets.

All disabled vehicles should be moved within 24 hours unless special arrangements have been made through the Security Office. The operator is responsible for any tickets received for vehicles without a disabled sticker.

What should I do if my vehicle is damaged or vandalized?
Immediately contact SAU Security and the Davenport Police Department.

Do not move the vehicle before contacting both agencies.

How can I load/unload my vehicle without getting a ticket?

If you need to carry something heavy or bulking up to your residence hall, classroom, or office, you may use the closest lot as long as your emergency flashers are turned on and the vehicle is not left unattended for longer than 30 minutes.

You may not use disabled, reserved, or visitor spaces for loading and unloading.

Contact


Bob Christopher, Director

Security Office
Rogalski Center, 2nd floor
518 W. Locust St.
Davenport, IA 52803
563-333-6104
security@sau.edu

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