What is the priority system?
The priority system is an algorithm used to assign parking permits based on user groups and specific parameters. It helps UGA distribute parking evenly throughout our lots and streamline vehicle traffic on campus.
Individuals are ranked based on nine different user groups that are categorized by their relationship to UGA. These user groups are further prioritized by different considerations based on lot locations. Each parking location type has a different structure that prioritizes specific user groups (see chart below).
When individuals request a parking permit, they should take into consideration where they fall within the priority system of the lot in which they want to park.
Special requests, such as disability parking, reserved parking, or multi-area parking, are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Additional questions regarding the priority system are addressed below.
How am I ranked within the priority system?
Students are scored based on their cumulative hours (academic hours earned at UGA) and housing status.
Student employees are scored based on days of continuous service at UGA.
Employees are scored by their employee classification (or BCAT code) and days of continuous service.
Two people with the same housing status or BCAT code are ranked based on how long they have been with UGA. The person who has been here longer is placed ahead of the other.
These factors allow our customized computer program to rank each applicant based on comparisons with other users who are being considered for the same lot. It is important that all applicants understand the priority system and how it applies to them to ensure their best chance of getting a parking spot.
What are the different user group categories?
Within the four types of lots in the priority system chart, each of the nine user groups is ordered according to their priority for the area. Those with the highest priority are at the top, and those with the lowest priority are at the bottom.
The priority system separates applicants by the following user groups:
- Senior Administration
- Faculty
- Administration
- Staff
- Graduate Assistants
- Graduate Commuters
- Graduate Residents
- Undergraduate Residents
- Undergraduate Commuters
Each lot has a different priority tier system:
- Administration/Faculty
- Staff/Graduate Assistants
- Housing
- Staff
Why does UGA have a priority system for parking permits?
The priority system was devised by UGA Parking Services in 2002 to streamline vehicle traffic on campus and distribute parking evenly throughout our lots. Before the parking priority system was introduced, permits were sold to anyone at anytime, and there were few restrictions on where individuals could park. As our campus grew, traffic jams, overcrowded lots, and frustration developed. Under the priority system, vehicle traffic is streamlined and parking is distributed more evenly throughout the campus.
