Graduate Student Handbook

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Transportation

Walk

Ready to get out of the rain or snow? Head into the Gopher Way, a system of tunnels and skyways marked by maroon and gold signs that connects many buildings on campus. For a detailed map and estimated walking times, pick up the Gopher Way brochure from Parking and Transportation Services.

• Most tunnels and skyways are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Access information is typically posted at tunnel and skyway entrances.
• Security monitoring and disability access vary along the route.

The University of Minnesota Police Department provides a free campus escort service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Just call 612-624-WALK (9255), or 4-WALK from any campus phone. An escort will be dispatched to your location to accompany you anywhere on campus. For more information, see the Security Monitors and Campus Escorts Web site.
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Bike

Almost six miles of paths and lanes on campus are designated specifically for biking. Campus shuttle buses are conveniently equipped with bike racks. Parking hoops and racks are situated near most buildings on a seasonal basis. Always properly lock your bike to avoid theft. Completely covered bike storage units are available for rent. For more information, visit the Biking at the U Web page, or call (612) 626-7275.

"Helmets and Headlights" is the University’s new bike safety program. Students, staff, and faculty may purchase a helmet and headlight together for the low cost of $20 (items also sold separately). Purchases can be made at the Pharmacy in Boynton Health Services.

Follow campus biking rules

• Travel along roads or designated bike lanes. Don’t ride on sidewalks unless they are marked as bike lanes.
• Lock your bike to bike racks and hoops.
• Never lock your bike to handrails; your bike will be impounded.
• Obey traffic rules, including yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Use headlights and reflectors at night.

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Bus

U-Pass
U-Pass is a deeply-discounted, unlimited-ride bus pass available to currently enrolled University students for only $62 a semester. U-Pass works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on all regular-route metro area buses and light rail. There are dozens of direct bus routes to campus, including the most popular routes: 3, 6, 16, and 50. Visit the interactive Trip Planner at the Metro Transit Web site to plot your route. Then purchase your U-Pass through the U-Pass Web site.

Free campus shuttle system
The free campus shuttle system consists of Campus Connectors, Campus Circulators, and Washington Avenue Bridge Circulators. Routes are color-coded with marked stops on PTS campus maps. Every bus is equipped with a wheelchair lift.
Campus Connectors—bus service linking the West Bank, East Bank, and St. Paul areas of campus. Some connectors are fast, limited-stop buses. Weekday service is available throughout the year, except on holidays. Weekend service is available only during fall and spring semesters.
Campus Circulators—bus service looping within the St. Paul and East Bank areas of campus. Service is available Monday through Friday during fall semester, spring semester, and May session. Circulators do not operate on the weekends, holidays, or during vacation periods.
Washington Avenue Bridge Circulator—connects the East Bank with the West Bank areas of campus.
Check the Parking and Transportation Services Hot Topics Web page for announcements about shuttle service scheduling changes.

The U of M Transitway is a bike- and bus-only route connecting the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas of campus.

Metro Transit
Metro Transit operates more than 35 bus routes that serve the Twin Cities campus. Visit the interactive Trip Planner at the Metro Transit Web site to plot your route. Transit information is also available at various locations on campus including the student unions, PTS office, and the West Bank Skyway Store.
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Light Rail

Minnesota's first light rail line began service the summer of 2004
It’s fast, easy, and comfortable. The Hiawatha Line (Route 55) runs from downtown Minneapolis to the Mall of America and serves the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. The primary stop to connect to the University is the Downtown East/Metrodome Station. Other nearby stations are Cedar-Riverside and Franklin Avenue.
Each light rail train is equipped with luggage racks and bicycle storage hangers and can carry 186 passengers at full capacity. The low-floor vehicle design allows wheelchair access through each doorway.

Frequency of trains

Fares
Light-rail fares are the same as bus fares. Transfers are valid between bus and rail if used within 150 minutes. U-Pass, Metropass, Go-To Cards, and activated SuperSaver 31-Day Passes may all be used on light rail. SuperSaver Stored Value Cards can not be used on light rail trains.
A full map of light rail stations, along with additional information, can be accessed at the Metro Transit Hiawatha Line (Route 55) Web page.

The Hiawatha line carried its 10 millionth light-rail customer on November 25, 2005 (nine months ahead of schedule).

Historical information, photos, and news releases about Twin Cities light rail can be found on the Metropolitan Council's Hiawatha Light Rail Transit Web page.
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Parking

There are various parking options and services available at the University.

Student contract parking
A parking contract has numerous benefits for the routine driver:

• an assigned facility
• guaranteed space 24 hours per day, 7 days a week
• unlimited in/out access
• convenient payment through your student account
• evening parking contracts in designated facilities

Student contract parking at the University is assigned through an online lottery system. You must submit your application online at the Student Lottery Web page between July 18 and July 27, 2006 for fall semester. If you are not awarded a contract through the lottery, unclaimed contracts may be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis at the PTS customer service desk. Graduate students may renew their fall semester permit for spring semester and summer session.
For additional information, visit the Student Contract Parking Lottery Frequently Asked Questions Web page.

Standard parking
The following standard parking options are available at the University.
Hourly
You can pay by the hour (short-term option). Rates vary by facility and are posted online and at each entrance.
Daily
You can pay a flat fee for the entire day. Facility locations are noted online.
Meter
You can park at a meter (short-term option). Time limits vary from 12 minutes to 4 hours, and rates are posted on each meter. University meters are free on Sundays and official University holidays. The city of Minneapolis also has meters on campus and their guidelines may differ.
For additional information, visit the Parking at the U Web page.

Discounted parking
There are three primary categories of discounted parking on campus.
Standard off-peak
Enter certain facilities before 7:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday. Rates are good for the first 24 hours only.
Evening off-peak
Rates are good at certain facilities between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. (you must exit by 7:00 a.m.), Monday through Friday, or all day Saturday and Sunday.
Free night and Sunday parking
This is offered at certain facilities, except during special events. Simply enter after 8:00 p.m. and exit before 8:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday. Parking is free all day on Sunday.
Visit the Parking Rates Web page for additional information.

Carpool parking

Carpooling is your most economical parking option. Having two or more people in your vehicle allows you to use the least expensive parking on campus. For a list of designated lots, visit the University's Carpooling/Vanpooling Parking Web page.
For more information, visit the Metro Transit About Rideshare Web page.

Event parking
Some parking facilities change rates when special events are held on campus. Event rates go into effect two to three hours before the event. However, with a free hangtag permit, evening students can pay the daily rate at Lot C55 (on the East Bank) during events when space is available (Monday through Thursday after 4:30 p.m.).
Permits are obtained at the One Stop Student Service Center in 200 Fraser Hall, 106 Pleasant Street S.E. For more information, call (612) 624-1111, or visit the Parking and Transportation Services Parking Rates Web page.

Motorist Assistance Program (MAP)

The Motorist Assistance Program is a free service for anyone who parks on campus at a University meter or in a ramp, lot, or garage (except the hospital parking facilities). Individuals can receive assistance with unlocking and jump starting vehicles, and changing flat tires. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Service is not available on weekends or official University holidays. Call (612) 626-7275 (6-PARK) to request assistance. For additional information, visit the Parking at the U Web page.

SnOasis (snow emergency off-street parking)

SnOasis is a City of Minneapolis program that allows anyone to park their vehicle overnight at no charge in a designated parking ramp. You can enter one of three University SnOasis parking ramps any time after 8:00 p.m. on the first day of a declared Minneapolis Snow Emergency and MUST exit before 8:00 a.m. the following morning (or you will be charged). For additional information, visit the University's SnOasis Web page and the Minneapolis Snow Season Parking Information Web page.
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Zipcar and Van-GO!

In 2006, Parking and Transportation Services began offering an on-campus car-sharing alternative to the University community. Faculty, staff, and students over 21 years of age can register for a discounted annual personal membership fee of $30. There is no security deposit, and rental rates start at $8/hour and $60/day. Individuals can sign up and make reservations online or by phone. The reservation covers gas, insurance, designated parking, XM Satellite Radio, and 125 free miles. Zipcars are located in campus parking ramps in St. Paul and on the West Bank and East Bank in Minneapolis. For more information, visit the Zipcar/University of Minnesota Web page.
The University has also partnered with the Metropolitan Council to offer Van-GO!, a vanpool program that matches University members who live in the same geographic area and commute to the University along a similar path. Vanpools serve areas that do not have convenient bus or light rail service, and each van must have at least five passengers who can ride together at least three days a week. More information is available on the Metropolitan Council Commuter Programs Van-GO! Web page.
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Disability Transportation Services

Accessibility Guide and Map
To get detailed information regarding campus disability access, contact Disability Services at (612) 626-1333 (V/TTY) and request an Accessibility Guide and Map.

Metro Mobility
Door-through-door service is available by reservation for people with disabilities who cannot use Metro Transit’s regular bus service. Discounted Metro Mobility fare tickets are available at the PTS office.

Paratransit service
University Paratransit is a curb-to-curb, on-campus transportation service provided free of charge to persons with either temporary or permanent physical disabilities. Call (612) 282-6619 (reservations are preferred). This service operates Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except during official University holidays).

Disability parking

Many public parking facilities and metered areas on campus have designated disability parking spaces (a State of Minnesota disability permit or license plate is required). To apply for a disability permit, call the State of Minnesota at (651) 296-6911. For additional information and maps of designated disability parking on campus, visit the University's Disability Parking Web page
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Parking and Transportation Services

For maps and information, contact Parking and Transportation Services:

• Call (612) 626-7275.
• Send e-mail to parking@umn.edu.
• Visit 300 Transportation and Safety Building, 511 Washington Avenue S.E.
• Visit the Parking and Transportation Services Web site.

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