Contrary to popular belief, a well-written parking appeal can make a difference. Appeals should be specific, detailed, and honest. The appeal board may recommend changes in the parking rules and regulations as a result of parking appeals. When writing appeals, it is in your own favor, and in the favor of the University community, to provide earnest and clear information.
To help get your point across, here are some things to keep in mind:
Make sure your appeal reason matches the violation on the ticket. If it’s for parking in a "No Parking" area in a student lot, don’t state why you were in the lot. Instead, explain why you were in the "No Parking" area.
Don’t lie in your appeal. If untrue information is given in an appeal, it will immediately be denied. Students should follow the University Honor Code when submitting an appeal.
Don’t insult the appeal board. The appeal board is made up of your constituents –– senators from the five student governments. It is not in your best interest to insult the board.
While the appeal board members appreciate well-placed sarcasm as much as you do, do not use it in your appeal. Sarcasm does nothing to help support your appeal case.
Don’t "name drop." The appeals are anonymous –– all identifying information is removed from the appeal before the board meets, so the board does not know who you are or who you know.
Spell check. Remember, as with any well-structured paper, it takes away from the appeal if there are multiple misspelled words. You care enough to send an appeal in, so make it look good!