As students of Minnesota State University, Mankato (MNSU), we are facing significant challenges when it comes to parking on campus. The current parking situation has become a major source of frustration and stress for many students, hindering our ability to focus on academics and fully engage in campus life. We believe that by addressing these issues, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all MNSU students.

1. Insufficient Parking Spaces:
The number of available parking spaces on campus is inadequate to meet the growing demand from both residential and commuter students. This shortage often leads to overcrowding in designated lots, forcing students to spend excessive amounts of time searching for an available spot or resorting to parking illegally.

2. Limited Accessibility:
The lack of accessible parking spots poses a significant barrier for students who require closer proximity to academic buildings and dorms . It is crucial that MNSU ensures equal access for all individuals by providing an adequate number of accessible parking spaces throughout the campus.

3. Inefficient Parking Management:
The current system employed by MNSU's Parking Services does not effectively manage the flow of vehicles entering and exiting the lots during peak hours, resulting in unnecessary delays as students search high and low for parking. This issue not only wastes valuable time but also contributes to increased frustration and tardiness to academic activities and classes as student have little to no parking availablility.

4. Financial Burden:
Parking fees at MNSU have steadily increased over the years without substantial improvements in services or infrastructure upgrades. As tuition costs continue rising, these additional expenses place an undue financial burden on already financially strained students. Forcing students to pay anywhere from $200-$400 for parking and still having an inadequate amount of parking spaces near both academic and dormitory buildings is absurd.

5. Safety Concerns:
Insufficient lighting in certain areas within the existing lots poses safety risks for those who need to walk long distances after dark due to limited available spaces near their destination points.

To address these pressing concerns, we respectfully request that Minnesota State University, Mankato:

1. Increase the number of parking spaces on campus, taking into account the growing student population and their diverse needs. Students should not have to walk two or more blocks to get back to their dorm in the nighttime. Especially without adequate lighting and safety measures.
2. Implement a more efficient parking management system.
3. Conduct a comprehensive review of current parking fees to ensure they are reasonable and proportionate to the services provided, with consideration for students' financial constraints. Charging a certain fee for parking and then not having an appropriate amount of spaces in essentially ripping off students.
4. Enhance safety measures by improving lighting in existing lots and exploring additional security measures. Walking alone in poorly lit parking areas increases the potential of sexual assault, accidents, and harassment to occur during those hours.

By signing this petition, we urge MNSU administration and Parking Services to prioritize these improvements that will enhance our overall experience as students at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Sources:
- Data from MNSU Parking Services
- Personal experiences shared by MNSU students