Frequently Asked Questions

Payment for parking fines should be sent to, or dropped off at, the Student Services Center on the first floor of Woodruff Hall. Payment can also be mailed to Castleton State College, Student Services Center, Castleton, VT 05735. Checks should be made payable to Castleton State College. Please return one copy of the ticket with your check in order to ensure proper credit to your account.

What happens if I don't pay my parking ticket?

If there are unpaid parking fines on your account, your transcripts may be withheld, you will not be able to graduate, and your vehicle is subject to towing.

How do I appeal my parking ticket?

If you feel you have received a parking ticket in error, pick up and fill out an appeal form at the Department of Public Safety, located on South Street. You must also set up a time to meet with the Director when dropping off the appeal form at Public Safety. Appeals must be received within ten days of the ticket being issued. Appeal forms are also available online (you will need Acrobat Reader).

Do I need to register my vehicle on campus?

Yes, all vehicles need to be registered EACH ACADEMIC YEAR (faculty/staff need only register once, not every year). Registration forms are available at the Department of Public Safety, located on South Street. Registering your car on campus is FREE (if you choose to have a hangtag instead of a decal, the cost is $5). You may also register your vehicle online.

Where do I put my parking decal?

Students should place their parking decal on the rear window, lower right-hand side. Faculty/Staff should place the decal on the front windshield, lower right-hand side.

What are hangtags for?

Hangtags may be purchased for $5 at Public Safety. These can be purchased if you don't want to stick a decal onto your window, have multiple cars to register, or a variety of other reasons. Please be aware that you will be responsible for all tickets written on the hangtag number.

Do visitors need a parking decal?

Visitors need to register their vehicle with Public Safety. Visitors will receive a temporary permit for their vehicle.

Can First-Year students have vehicles on campus?

Yes, First-Year students can have vehicles on campus.

Where do I park my vehicle over college vacations?

If you will be away from campus over a college vacation, park your vehicle in the Observatory Lot, located behind Public Safety, or the Temporary Lot on South Street. If you are staying on campus over a college vacation, park in the lot you are assigned to (i.e. Residential Lot). Please be advised, however, of snow removal. If you are going to leave campus for a day or two, park your vehicle in the Observatory Lot or Temporary Lot in the event Residential lots need to be plowed.

GENERAL FAQs
Are weapons allowed on campus?

No, weapons are not allowed on campus. This includes guns, slingshots, ammunition, long knives. etc. Weapons must be brought to Public Safety for safe-keeping.

Are pets allowed on campus?

No pets (with the exception of fish in the Residence Halls and support animals for people with disabilities) are allowed in College buildings. Dogs MUST be kept on a leash at all times, and may not be left unattended.

What are your office hours?

The Department of Public Safety is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. However, officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

How much do IDs cost?

New student IDs are free. Students who have lost their ID will be charged $35 for a new ID. Students who want a new ID and are returning an old style ID, or replacing a damaged ID, will be charged $10. Students replacing a worn (not damaged) ID will be given a new ID for free.

How do I know if school is closed for the day due to weather?

If the College is closed for the day due to inclement weather, there will be a campus-wide announcement over voicemail and email. Various radio and television stations will also be notified. You may also check the snow cancellation phone line at 468-6043 (ext. 6043 if on campus).

Do you provide escorts?

Yes, Public Safety provides escorts. Call ext. 1215 if you wish to have an escort from an officer on campus.

Do you provide vehicle lockout service?

Public Safety may choose to attempt to unlock your locked vehicle. If the officer chooses to attempt an unlock, the vehicle owner must sign a waiver releasing the College from liability due to possible damage resulting from the attempt to unlock your vehicle.

Do you provide vehicle jump starts?

Public Safety cannot jump start your vehicle. However, the Department does have a jumper pack which you may use. If you wish to borrow the pack, you must leave your Castleton ID with Public Safety.

How do I report a possible crime and/or information relating to a crime?

Public Safety welcomes and encourages community members to report suspicious or possible criminal activity, as well as tips on known crimes. You can report a crime online, call ext. 1215 (ext. 1399 during office hours) to meet with an officer or give the information over the phone, or you can e-mail the Director of Public Safety.

How do I gain access to a building after it is locked? Do I need a pass?

Yes, you need a pass to gain access to a building after it is locked (or to a locked room inside a building). A photo ID may be required. Passes may be obtained from your professor. There are no exceptions to this policy.

How do the blue phones work?

The blue phones alert Public Safety to an emergency. There are 17 blue phones throughout campus. Once a phone is activated by pressing the button, a phone call is immediately made to Public Safety, alerting officers of the location of the activated phone. The blue light on the phone is activated as well.

What do I have to do to drive a college vehicle?

In order to drive a college vehicle, you must obtain a fleet license. Fleet license examinations are held Fridays from 1:00PM-4:00PM at Public Safety. A Public Safety Officer administers the road test. Those applying for a fleet license must also attend a defensive driving workshop held by the college, be at least 21 years of age, and have a motor vehicle records check completed by the college. Once all of these conditions are successfully met, the fleet license will be issued. Fleet licenses may be revoked at any time (i.e. if caught speeding, driving carelessly, etc.).