I am a rising senior attending the University of New Hampshire (UNH), who also has an internship lined up for next fall. This internship is an integral part of my degree requirement and it requires me to commute from the campus, which is an hour-long drive. However, the University’s new lottery-based parking system poses a challenge to not just me, but many others who share a similar story.

This new parking system overlooks the needs of a critical segment of the student population—senior students and specifically those students with off-campus internships. We, the students bound by internship duties and travel-centered courses, now face uncertainty of being able to commute to positions we have already been contracted for. This newly implemented system jeopardizes our ability to complete our degrees, directly impacting our academic success and endeavors for future careers.

This significant percentage of students are directly impacted by the lottery-based parking system. It is crucial for the UNH Transportation authority to reassess its parking system considering this large group of students who rely on personal commute for academic requirements.

Therefore, we call on UNH Transportation services to reconsider the lottery-based parking system and ensure it accommodates the needs of senior students like me, especially those with off-campus commitments. We urge for an immediate revision that takes into account the academic obligations seniority brings and provides fair opportunities for everyone. Please sign this petition to support our cause.