Running late, there was no time for her to walk all the way across campus. She needed to drive. After she found her way through the winding roads, she finally made it to her building. It didn't take long.

And then she pulled into the parking lot. It looked like it was full, but she was sure there had to be at least one spot. She circled the lot, following innocent students like a shark hunting for its prey. Every student passing a car presented a glimmer of hope.

Time was running out. She couldn't be late. On the horizon she could see a glowing yellow parking meter. She'd be only a half hour; maybe nobody would notice her car in front of the 15-minute meter, so she popped a quarter in. Returning, she saw the mark of Parking Services: a goldenrod ticket crammed under the windshield wiper. They had caught her.

Not wanting to face a late fee, she scratched out a $10 check and slid the envelope in the red fine box.

Later, in the Parking Services office, the envelope was opened.

"Carol Cartwright? Isn't she the president of the university?" the staff member asked. "What am I supposed to do with this?"

The supervisor looked over. "Well, treat it just like any other fine."

Parking is not just a problem for Kent State students. In fact, most colleges and universities in Ohio have parking problems. The only difference between them is what sacrifices are made and for what cost.