As part of Normandale's commitment to our students, faculty and staff, we have updated our Parking and Commuting information to provide improved information and access. On this page, you can find information on carpooling, bus service, parking tips, safety and much more. Take time, especially if you are new to college, to have a look at some of the ways you can improve your parking and commuting experience.
Accessible parking is available in all parking lots adjacent to the College as well as the ramp on all levels at Normandale. A permit must be displayed in either the rear-view mirror or on the left hand side of the dashboard.
Normandale’s parking facilities are available to all visitors at no charge. Please park in any non-designated stall.
Normandale provides bike racks as well as a limited number of bike lockers (you will need to provide a lock) for your use. Showers are also available in the lower Kopp Student Center restrooms. The City of Bloomington in conjunction with Hennepin County are making upgrades along France Ave. which will better serve our campus. To see how other existing bike trails within Hennepin County might assist in planning your routes to Normandale, please check out the 494 Corridor Commuter Services page.
Normandale now has a transit hub located on the west side of Fine Arts.
Updated information on Bus schedules can be found on the monitor near the vestibule inside of the South entrance to our Fine Arts Building. The same information can also be downloaded as an app. Just go to Commuter Services under the 494 Corridor Commission and look under bus Services. Free Universal Transit Passes are available for spring 2023 students at the Kopp Student Center Information desk.
The Metro Transit System provides convenient bus service to the college from many locations within the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
For more information on this service, call the Metro Transit System at 612.373.3333 or visit their website at www.metrotransit.org.
Looking for a budget-friendly way to get to class? SW Prime is a reliable, on-demand rideshare service in Eden Prairie, Chaska, Chanhassen, Carver, and Victoria. With SW Prime, you can travel from anywhere within these areas to and from Normandale Community College for just $5 per person per ride.
Download the SW Prime App on the Google Play Store and the Apple App store. Call (952) 797-7463, or visit swtransit.org for more program details.
Stay connected to SouthWest Transit by following along on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. For more information on SWT's services, visit swtransit.org. Join their mailing list here.
Carpooling is another way to not only promote sustainability but to reduce parking demand on our lots. These parking stalls are close and convenient.
494 Corridor-Commuter Services Link:
Register for a Normandale Carpool Permit.
The permit will be issued through Commuter Services. Park in the Carpool stall with the permit showing.
Learn more about Normandale Community College's Commuter Programs.
Please check in at the Facilities Management Office B1610 to register your vehicle.
Reserved spaces are available for our Dental Patients on Level 1 of the parking ramp. Please check in at the clinic located on the 2nd floor of our Science Building on the west side of the campus.
Motorcycle parking is located in Lot #2 in front of the Fine Arts entrance and in the first row (closest to the building) of Lot #3 just off of the main driveway.
Campus Parking Policy
When you pay your tuition fees, you have paid for the privilege to park in any of the six parking lots on campus. Faculty and staff also pay an annual fee to use the campus parking lots. The parking fee revenue is used to maintain the parking lot surfaces and lighting and to provide safety and security in the lots and the surrounding areas.
The following procedures and regulations have been developed and are monitored to maximize all available on-campus parking space to meet such needs for students, employees and visitors of the College.
Violations and Fines
Hennepin County Tickets are written by the Bloomington Police and Normandale College Public Safety Officers. These Tickets must be paid to the Hennepin County Court according to their Fine Schedule. Normandale College Tickets are written by Normandale College Public Safety Officers according to the following Fine Schedule.
Violation fine
Numerous Violations
Persons receiving more than one citation, or as exemplified by their poor driving habits are determined to be a careless or reckless driver, may lose all privileges to drive or park on campus. State law provides the College with the authority to tow vehicles at the owner's expense.
Overnight parking is permitted in Lots #2 and with permission from the Public Safety department. Overnight parking is strictly prohibited in all lots for any vehicle that is specifically designed, equipped, and/or used for sleeping. Sleeping or Staying overnight on campus in any vehicle is not permitted.
Appeals Process
If you receive a ticket and feel it is not valid, the appeals process is as follows:
Unauthorized parking area
Unauthorized parking area means any space that is not within an area marked on the pavement with white lines. (Snow on the ground is not a defense for this ticket.)
Extra patrol is given to the following parking spaces to ensure there are no violations:
Overnight Parking
Overnight parking is permitted in Lots #3 and #4 and with permission from the Public Safety department. Overnight parking is strictly prohibited in all lots for any vehicle that is specifically designed, equipped, and/or used for sleeping. Sleeping or Staying overnight on campus in any vehicle is not permitted.
Authority for establishing parking and traffic regulations on the State University campuses was granted to the Minnesota State College and University Board and in turn to the State University campuses by Minnesota Statute, Section 169.966, subdivision 8 (1984) and the Minnesota State University Board Internal Rule 402 F.l.e. The President of Normandale Community College has approved these regulations.
Is parking free for students?
Parking is paid for as part of your student fees. Staff pay their fees through payroll deduction.
What do I do if I cannot find a parking space?
During the 1st couple of weeks parking can be challenging. Follow the signs leading to the Bloomington Ice Gardens which is a short distance east on 98th Street, allow about 10-15 minutes. This is the overflow parking for Normandale. After the first couple of weeks parking is much easier to find!
When is parking the hardest to find?
Monday-Thursday between 9a.m. to 12 p.m.
Do I need a permit to park on campus?
No permit is needed. Students, Staff and Faculty already pay to park through fees or payroll deduction.
How many parking stalls are on campus?
Close to 3100 stalls, 723 of which are in the parking ramp.
Is Lot 6 as far as it seems?
No, it is really as close to the Partnership Center as the far end of Lot 4.
I just want to drop off or pick up a student, where do I go?
In Lot 1 in the front of the College, we have a drop off and pick up area. Just follow the signs, we prefer that you do not drop off students or wait to pick up students in the turn around. You will be asked to move. You can also enter into Lot #4 on the west side of the campus.
Fall Semester just started, it seems like there is always a traffic jam. What can I do?
Take advantage of one of our back entrances to our lots. Turn right onto 94th Street (Marsh Lake Park entrance (where the soccer fields are) or enter from the North on Collegeview to the West side of the campus.
Can I park on one of the residential streets nearby condominiums or at the Bloomington Archery Range?
No, you will be ticketed and could possibly be towed. The streets are clearly marked!
I need to report an accident or I have had something stolen out of my car-what do I do?
Our Public Safety Department is here to help you! Please contact them at 952.358.8280 or find them in F1250 in the Fine Arts Building.
I do not feel safe going out to my car. Is there an escort service if I need it?
Yes, please contact Public Safety at 952-358-8280 or from any campus phone.
I must have left my lights on and my car battery is dead. Can Normandale's Public Safety do a jump start?
Yes, they can. If you need a service to come to unlock or tow your car, Public Safety can give you the name of some local companies that may be able to help you out.
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