Handicap Parking Policy
Prompted by concerns expressed by UNH freshman Sean Raymond and his
family,
we completed a comprehensive review of the University's
current policies
and
system of managing and issuing handicap-parking permits. Although
our findings
showed that the current internal process is in full compliance with
the applicable
laws, we agreed to experiment with a policy change.
Accordingly, all
handicap-
permit applications must now be submitted and approved through the
State of New
Hampshire. We anticipate a much more efficient process that may be
less subject
to abuse. At the completion of the initial year, we will review the
accrued benefits
and reevaluate the decision.
In addition, due to the discussions and insights offered by Sean,
we have been able
to identify and improve the condition and quality of
University handicap
vans. As an
example, all handicap vans are now equipped with
wheelchair tie down
clasps, which
serve to better secure the wheelchair thereby enhancing
safety conditions
as the
van tries to maneuver around potholes and or winter frost heaves.
Additional Accomplishments and or Recommendations
_Increased the cost of certain resident parking permits from $100
to $150
commencing in fiscal year 2002 and then, effective July 1, 2002, an
additional
increase to $200. The incremental revenues derived will
be dedicated
to increase
and improve mass transit services now available to the
campus community.
_Working jointly with the University's Survey Center a
UNH Transportation
phone
survey was designed. A total of 807 people were
interviewed, including
402 faculty
and staff and, 405 students including both commuting and resident.
The focus of
the survey is to gain a more comprehensive understanding
of the current
transportation habits of the campus community. Survey results will
be available in
September 2001.
_At the request of the Student Senate, the current Winter Parking
Ban (WPB)
policy was reviewed and modified. In brief, the WPB will start each
year as early as
November 1st and no later than December 1st, depending on weather.
The WPB will
terminate on March 31st.
_The current University policy, and it's interpretation, regarding
the restricted
issuance of parking permits to freshmen and sophomore students who
live on
campus was exposed as a potential factor contributing to
the limited
parking
capacity on campus. Because of these efforts, we have now
incorporated
a more
restrictive review policy between the Transportation Office (Dirk
Timmons) and
the Office of Enrollment Management (Mark Rubinstein).
_At the request of the Student Senate, the Committee
voted to recommend
to you
that the University policy regarding the enforcement of restricted
parking time be
modified to end at 4:30 PM rather than 6:00 PM in A Lot and B Lot.
The change
would be effective September 1, 2001 and would be treated
as a pilot
program to
be reviewed at the end of a one-year period. The change is intended
to provide
more parking options for students coming to campus for
evening classes
or study.
In closing, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of
two departing
members of
the Committee those being Lucia Verrier and Craig Trimbur, both of
whom
represented our student population. Their enthusiasm was
appreciated,
and their
contributions were important to the Committee's overall
success during
this past
school year. We look forward to working as well with
their replacements,
Ken
Kruger, Anne-Marie Olsen and Hayley Scott.
At the completion of your review I would be pleased to address any
questions and
or information needs you may have.