Rather than wait until the fall to issue 2004-2005 on-campus parking decals, Security decided to hold a parking lottery shortly after the completion of the housing lotteries for students who plan to bring a car to campus next year.
This decision marks a change from the system of past years in which permits were issued on a first-come first-serve basis and were influenced both by class year and housing location on campus.
By beginning to negotiate the system of parking on campus before the fall, Security "hopes this lottery will assist in a smoother registration process for all," according to Security Office Coordinator Amy Dionne.
The new plan emerged from student requests for changes in the parking decal system and was recently approved by Bowdoin Student Government for action during the 2004-2005 academic year.
Any student wishing to bring a car to campus in the fall must fill out an application and submit it to Security by early May.
Security will send out notifications of parking space locations in June, and a parking application form in August to students who received a spot.
Upon returning to campus, students must register with Security in a manner similar to the former system, with the application form and proof of registration and insurance. Any decals not claimed by September 10 will be redistributed to students on a first-come first-serve basis.
Out of the 584 spaces available on campus, 213 will be reserved for seniors, 184 will be reserved for juniors, 150 will be awarded to sophomores, 17 will go to hardship appeals, and 20 will be for students opting for a "long-term" parking option.
The lottery system will give students preference based on these numbers for each class year.
The "long-term" option for parking targets students who have no real preference as to where their car is parked, or use it relatively infrequently.
Upperclass students choosing the long-term parking option would put the Stanwood Lot as their preferred parking location on their application. In compensation, they would receive a reduced fee of $25.
Students planning to study abroad are allowed to participate in the lottery to ensure a parking spot for the semester that they are on campus. Security will then buy the decal from these students for $20 to reimburse them for the half of the academic year that they are away.
Students not receiving a space in the lottery have the option of a "hardship appeal," reserved for students in situations where the option of parking a car on campus would be a significant advantage.
These circumstances include "personal and/or family health reasons, service learning or community service, off-campus employment, travel between campus and home, or other extenuating circumstances that [the student] feels should be considered," according to information published by Security on the changes to the parking decal system.