diff --git a/aincrad/tests.py b/aincrad/tests.py
index 1d9f6a38..940e8f11 100644
--- a/aincrad/tests.py
+++ b/aincrad/tests.py
@@ -19,9 +19,9 @@
     RegistrationContainerFactory,
     StudentFactory,
     StudentRegistrationFactory,
-    UnitInquiryFactory,
+    UnitPetitionFactory,
 )
-from roster.models import ApplyUUID, Invoice, Student, UnitInquiry
+from roster.models import ApplyUUID, Invoice, Student, UnitPetition
 
 EXAMPLE_PASSWORD = "take just the first 24"
 TARGET_HASH = sha256(EXAMPLE_PASSWORD.encode("ascii")).hexdigest()
@@ -98,14 +98,14 @@ def aincrad_setup(db):
     PSetFactory.create_batch(4, student=old_alice, status="A")
     PSetFactory.create_batch(2, student=old_alice, status="P")
 
-    UnitInquiryFactory.create_batch(
-        5, student=alice, action_type="INQ_ACT_UNLOCK", status="INQ_ACC"
+    UnitPetitionFactory.create_batch(
+        5, student=alice, action_type="PET_ACT_UNLOCK", status="PET_ACC"
     )
-    UnitInquiryFactory.create_batch(
-        2, student=alice, action_type="INQ_ACT_DROP", status="INQ_ACC"
+    UnitPetitionFactory.create_batch(
+        2, student=alice, action_type="PET_ACT_DROP", status="PET_ACC"
     )
-    UnitInquiryFactory.create_batch(
-        3, student=alice, action_type="INQ_ACT_UNLOCK", status="INQ_NEW"
+    UnitPetitionFactory.create_batch(
+        3, student=alice, action_type="PET_ACT_UNLOCK", status="PET_NEW"
     )
 
     alice.curriculum.add(submitted_unit)
@@ -185,9 +185,9 @@ def test_init(otis, aincrad_setup):
     else:
         pytest.fail("Could not find a pset from Bôb B. in aincrad test")
 
-    inquiries = out["_children"][1]["inquiries"]
-    assert len(inquiries) == 3
-    assert inquiries[0]["unlock_inquiry_count"] == 8
+    petitions = out["_children"][1]["petitions"]
+    assert len(petitions) == 3
+    assert petitions[0]["unlock_petition_count"] == 8
 
 
 @pytest.mark.django_db
@@ -293,17 +293,17 @@ def test_invoice(otis, aincrad_setup):
 
 @pytest.mark.django_db
 @override_settings(API_TARGET_HASH=TARGET_HASH)
-def test_accept_inquiries(otis, aincrad_setup):
+def test_accept_petitions(otis, aincrad_setup):
     resp = otis.post_20x(
         "api",
         json={
-            "action": "accept_inquiries",
+            "action": "accept_petitions",
             "token": EXAMPLE_PASSWORD,
         },
     )
     assert resp.json()["result"] == "success"
     assert resp.json()["count"] == 3
-    assert not UnitInquiry.objects.filter(status="INQ_NEW").exists()
+    assert not UnitPetition.objects.filter(status="PET_NEW").exists()
 
 
 @pytest.mark.django_db
diff --git a/aincrad/views.py b/aincrad/views.py
index 906ae5b3..5f104823 100644
--- a/aincrad/views.py
+++ b/aincrad/views.py
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@
     Invoice,
     Student,
     StudentRegistration,
-    UnitInquiry,
+    UnitPetition,
 )
 from suggestions.models import ProblemSuggestion
 
@@ -145,17 +145,17 @@ class JSONData(TypedDict):
     "student__user__profile__email_on_pset_complete",
 )
 
-INQUIRY_VENUEQ_INIT_QUERYSET = UnitInquiry.objects.filter(
-    status="INQ_NEW",
+PETITION_VENUEQ_INIT_QUERYSET = UnitPetition.objects.filter(
+    status="PET_NEW",
     student__semester__active=True,
     student__legit=True,
 ).annotate(
-    unlock_inquiry_count=SubqueryCount(
-        "student__unitinquiry",
-        filter=Q(action_type="INQ_ACT_UNLOCK"),
+    unlock_petition_count=SubqueryCount(
+        "student__unitpetition",
+        filter=Q(action_type="PET_ACT_UNLOCK"),
     ),
 )
-INQUIRY_VENUEQ_INIT_KEYS = (
+PETITION_VENUEQ_INIT_KEYS = (
     "action_type",
     "unit__group__name",
     "unit__code",
@@ -164,14 +164,14 @@ class JSONData(TypedDict):
     "student__user__email",
     "explanation",
     "created_at",
-    "unlock_inquiry_count",
-    "student__user__profile__email_on_inquiry_complete",
+    "unlock_petition_count",
+    "student__user__profile__email_on_petition_complete",
 )
-INQUIRY_VENUEQ_AUTO_QUERYSET = UnitInquiry.objects.filter(
+PETITION_VENUEQ_AUTO_QUERYSET = UnitPetition.objects.filter(
     was_auto_processed=True,
     created_at__gte=timezone.now() + timedelta(days=-2),
 )
-INQUIRY_VENUEQ_AUTO_KEYS = (
+PETITION_VENUEQ_AUTO_KEYS = (
     "action_type",
     "unit__group__name",
     "unit__code",
@@ -245,12 +245,12 @@ def venueq_handler(action: str, data: JSONData) -> JsonResponse:
                 ),
             },
             {
-                "_name": "Inquiries",
-                "inquiries": list(
-                    INQUIRY_VENUEQ_INIT_QUERYSET.values(*INQUIRY_VENUEQ_INIT_KEYS)
+                "_name": "Petitions",
+                "petitions": list(
+                    PETITION_VENUEQ_INIT_QUERYSET.values(*PETITION_VENUEQ_INIT_KEYS)
                 ),
                 "reading": list(
-                    INQUIRY_VENUEQ_AUTO_QUERYSET.values(*INQUIRY_VENUEQ_AUTO_KEYS)
+                    PETITION_VENUEQ_AUTO_QUERYSET.values(*PETITION_VENUEQ_AUTO_KEYS)
                 ),
             },
             {
@@ -267,14 +267,14 @@ def venueq_handler(action: str, data: JSONData) -> JsonResponse:
             },
         ]
         return JsonResponse(output_data, status=200)
-    elif action == "accept_inquiries":
+    elif action == "accept_petitions":
         n = 0
-        for inquiry in UnitInquiry.objects.filter(
-            status="INQ_NEW",
+        for petition in UnitPetition.objects.filter(
+            status="PET_NEW",
             student__semester__active=True,
             student__legit=True,
         ):
-            inquiry.run_accept()
+            petition.run_accept()
             n += 1
         if n > 0:
             return JsonResponse({"result": "success", "count": n}, status=200)
@@ -814,7 +814,7 @@ def api(request: HttpRequest) -> JsonResponse:
 
     if action in (
         "grade_problem_set",
-        "accept_inquiries",
+        "accept_petitions",
         "mark_suggestion",
         "triage_job",
         "init",
diff --git a/core/migrations/0073_rename_userprofile_email_on_petition_complete.py b/core/migrations/0073_rename_userprofile_email_on_petition_complete.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..56d86a54
--- /dev/null
+++ b/core/migrations/0073_rename_userprofile_email_on_petition_complete.py
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+# Generated by Django 6.0.8 on 2026-08-25 14:32
+
+from django.db import migrations
+
+
+class Migration(migrations.Migration):
+    dependencies = [
+        (
+            "core",
+            "0072_rename_first_payment_deadline_semester_half_payment_deadline_and_more",
+        ),
+    ]
+
+    operations = [
+        migrations.RenameField(
+            model_name="userprofile",
+            old_name="email_on_inquiry_complete",
+            new_name="email_on_petition_complete",
+        ),
+    ]
diff --git a/core/models.py b/core/models.py
index 6a17aadb..1836c2cf 100644
--- a/core/models.py
+++ b/core/models.py
@@ -325,7 +325,7 @@ class UserProfile(models.Model):
         help_text="Receive all-student announcements. If this is set to False, announcements will only appear on OTIS-WEB.",
         default=True,
     )
-    email_on_inquiry_complete = models.BooleanField(
+    email_on_petition_complete = models.BooleanField(
         verbose_name="Receive email on petition processed",
         help_text="Receive an email when your petition has been processed.",
         default=False,
@@ -357,5 +357,5 @@ def __str__(self) -> str:
     "email_on_announcement",
     "email_on_pset_complete",
     "email_on_suggestion_processed",
-    "email_on_inquiry_complete",
+    "email_on_petition_complete",
 )
diff --git a/core/views.py b/core/views.py
index cbe6d13e..65372782 100644
--- a/core/views.py
+++ b/core/views.py
@@ -289,7 +289,7 @@ class UserProfileUpdateView(
     model = UserProfile
     fields = (
         "email_on_announcement",
-        "email_on_inquiry_complete",
+        "email_on_petition_complete",
         "email_on_pset_complete",
         "email_on_suggestion_processed",
         "show_bars",
diff --git a/dashboard/templates/dashboard/portal.html b/dashboard/templates/dashboard/portal.html
index 42c921cb..7a3d4b91 100644
--- a/dashboard/templates/dashboard/portal.html
+++ b/dashboard/templates/dashboard/portal.html
@@ -337,7 +337,7 @@ <h3>Discord</h3>
       <td valign="top" width="50%">
         <h3 id="petitions">Petitions</h3>
         {% if request.user.is_staff %}
-          <a href="{% url 'inquiry' student.pk %}" class="btn btn-warning">Manage units</a>
+          <a href="{% url 'petition' student.pk %}" class="btn btn-warning">Manage units</a>
           <a href="{% url 'advance' student.pk %}" class="btn btn-dark">Edit units</a>
         {% else %}
           {% if not student.enabled %}
@@ -347,7 +347,7 @@ <h3 id="petitions">Petitions</h3>
           {% elif student.newborn %}
             <p class="text-muted fst-italic">Pick units first!</p>
           {% else %}
-            <a href="{% url 'inquiry' student.pk %}" class="btn btn-warning">Manage units</a>
+            <a href="{% url 'petition' student.pk %}" class="btn btn-warning">Manage units</a>
             {% if bonus_levels %}
               <p data-testid="bonus-level-request">
                 You are also sufficiently high level to
diff --git a/otisweb/templates/sidebar.html b/otisweb/templates/sidebar.html
index bdeed160..0634ca64 100644
--- a/otisweb/templates/sidebar.html
+++ b/otisweb/templates/sidebar.html
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ <h3>Admin</h3>
     <ul>
       {% if not student.newborn and semester.active and student.enabled %}
         <li>
-          <a href="{% url 'inquiry' student.pk %}">Manage units</a>
+          <a href="{% url 'petition' student.pk %}">Manage units</a>
         </li>
       {% endif %}
       {% if student.semester.social_url %}
diff --git a/roster/admin.py b/roster/admin.py
index f4174247..928ba872 100644
--- a/roster/admin.py
+++ b/roster/admin.py
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
     RegistrationContainer,
     Student,
     StudentRegistration,
-    UnitInquiry,
+    UnitPetition,
 )
 
 
@@ -407,9 +407,9 @@ class StudentRegistrationAdmin(ImportExportModelAdmin):
     inlines = (StudentRegistrationStudentInline,)
 
 
-# INQUIRY
-@admin.register(UnitInquiry)
-class UnitInquiryAdmin(admin.ModelAdmin):
+# PETITION
+@admin.register(UnitPetition)
+class UnitPetitionAdmin(admin.ModelAdmin):
     readonly_fields = (
         "created_at",
         "updated_at",
@@ -442,22 +442,22 @@ class UnitInquiryAdmin(admin.ModelAdmin):
 
     actions = ("hold_petition", "reject_petition", "accept_petition", "reset_petition")
 
-    def hold_petition(self, request: HttpRequest, queryset: QuerySet[UnitInquiry]):
+    def hold_petition(self, request: HttpRequest, queryset: QuerySet[UnitPetition]):
         del request
-        queryset.update(status="INQ_HOLD")
+        queryset.update(status="PET_HOLD")
 
-    def reject_petition(self, request: HttpRequest, queryset: QuerySet[UnitInquiry]):
+    def reject_petition(self, request: HttpRequest, queryset: QuerySet[UnitPetition]):
         del request
-        queryset.update(status="INQ_REJ")
+        queryset.update(status="PET_REJ")
 
-    def accept_petition(self, request: HttpRequest, queryset: QuerySet[UnitInquiry]):
+    def accept_petition(self, request: HttpRequest, queryset: QuerySet[UnitPetition]):
         del request
-        for inquiry in queryset:
-            inquiry.run_accept()
+        for petition in queryset:
+            petition.run_accept()
 
-    def reset_petition(self, request: HttpRequest, queryset: QuerySet[UnitInquiry]):
+    def reset_petition(self, request: HttpRequest, queryset: QuerySet[UnitPetition]):
         del request
-        queryset.update(status="INQ_NEW")
+        queryset.update(status="PET_NEW")
 
 
 # REGISTRATION
diff --git a/roster/factories.py b/roster/factories.py
index 2dec1c16..8b75f95d 100644
--- a/roster/factories.py
+++ b/roster/factories.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
     RegistrationContainer,
     Student,
     StudentRegistration,
-    UnitInquiry,
+    UnitPetition,
 )
 
 
@@ -67,11 +67,11 @@ class Meta:
     preps_taught = 2
 
 
-class UnitInquiryFactory(DjangoModelFactory):
+class UnitPetitionFactory(DjangoModelFactory):
     class Meta:
-        model = UnitInquiry
+        model = UnitPetition
 
     student = SubFactory(StudentFactory)
     unit = SubFactory(UnitFactory)
-    action_type = "INQ_ACT_UNLOCK"
+    action_type = "PET_ACT_UNLOCK"
     explanation = Faker("sentence")
diff --git a/roster/forms.py b/roster/forms.py
index d939d92c..2de57452 100644
--- a/roster/forms.py
+++ b/roster/forms.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 
 from core.models import EMAIL_PREFERENCE_FIELDS, Semester, Unit
 from dashboard.models import PSet
-from roster.models import Student, StudentRegistration, UnitInquiry
+from roster.models import Student, StudentRegistration, UnitPetition
 
 
 class UnitChoiceBoundField(forms.BoundField):
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ def __init__(self, *args: Any, **kwargs: Any):
         )
 
 
-class InquiryForm(forms.ModelForm):
+class PetitionForm(forms.ModelForm):
     def __init__(self, *args: Any, **kwargs: Any):
         student: Student = kwargs.pop("student")
         super().__init__(*args, **kwargs)
@@ -139,7 +139,7 @@ def __init__(self, *args: Any, **kwargs: Any):
         self.fields["unit"].empty_label = "Search for a unit..."  # type: ignore
 
     class Meta:
-        model = UnitInquiry
+        model = UnitPetition
         fields = ("unit", "action_type", "explanation")
         widgets: ClassVar[dict[str, forms.Widget]] = {
             "explanation": forms.Textarea(attrs={"cols": 40, "rows": 3}),
@@ -176,7 +176,7 @@ class DecisionForm(forms.ModelForm):
         help_text="Receive all-student announcements. If this is set to False, announcements will only appear on OTIS-WEB.",
         required=False,
     )
-    email_on_inquiry_complete = forms.BooleanField(
+    email_on_petition_complete = forms.BooleanField(
         label="Receive email on petition processed",
         help_text="Receive an email when your petition has been processed.",
         required=False,
diff --git a/roster/migrations/0119_rename_unitinquiry_unitpetition.py b/roster/migrations/0119_rename_unitinquiry_unitpetition.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..96587cdd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/roster/migrations/0119_rename_unitinquiry_unitpetition.py
@@ -0,0 +1,61 @@
+# Renames UnitInquiry -> UnitPetition.
+#
+# RenameModel issues an ALTER TABLE ... RENAME, so every row is carried over
+# untouched; it must never be replaced by a CreateModel/DeleteModel pair (which
+# is what makemigrations autodetects here, since the choices changed at the same
+# time). The choice *values* stored in action_type and status are remapped
+# separately in 0120, which runs immediately after this one.
+
+from django.db import migrations, models
+
+
+class Migration(migrations.Migration):
+    dependencies = [
+        ("roster", "0118_applyuuid_applicant_name_applyuuid_memo"),
+    ]
+
+    operations = [
+        migrations.RenameModel(
+            old_name="UnitInquiry",
+            new_name="UnitPetition",
+        ),
+        migrations.AlterField(
+            model_name="unitpetition",
+            name="action_type",
+            field=models.CharField(
+                choices=[
+                    ("PET_ACT_UNLOCK", "Unlock now"),
+                    ("PET_ACT_APPEND", "Add for later"),
+                    ("PET_ACT_DROP", "Drop"),
+                    ("PET_ACT_LOCK", "Lock (Drop + Add for later)"),
+                ],
+                help_text="Describe the action you want to make.",
+                max_length=15,
+            ),
+        ),
+        migrations.AlterField(
+            model_name="unitpetition",
+            name="status",
+            field=models.CharField(
+                choices=[
+                    ("PET_ACC", "Accepted"),
+                    ("PET_REJ", "Rejected"),
+                    ("PET_NEW", "Pending"),
+                    ("PET_HOLD", "On hold"),
+                    ("PET_CANC", "Canceled"),
+                ],
+                default="PET_NEW",
+                help_text="The current status of the petition.",
+                max_length=10,
+            ),
+        ),
+        migrations.AlterField(
+            model_name="unitpetition",
+            name="was_auto_processed",
+            field=models.BooleanField(
+                default=False,
+                help_text="Whether the petition was automatically accepted or rejected by auto-criteria.",
+                verbose_name="Auto",
+            ),
+        ),
+    ]
diff --git a/roster/migrations/0120_unitpetition_choice_values.py b/roster/migrations/0120_unitpetition_choice_values.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..6b317ece
--- /dev/null
+++ b/roster/migrations/0120_unitpetition_choice_values.py
@@ -0,0 +1,53 @@
+# Rewrites the stored INQ_* choice values of UnitPetition to PET_*.
+#
+# Both directions are plain UPDATEs over an explicit old <-> new mapping: no row
+# is created or deleted, and a value outside the mapping is left alone rather
+# than being coerced into some default. The two vocabularies are disjoint, so
+# re-running a direction is a no-op.
+
+from django.db import migrations
+
+RENAMES = {
+    "action_type": {
+        "INQ_ACT_UNLOCK": "PET_ACT_UNLOCK",
+        "INQ_ACT_APPEND": "PET_ACT_APPEND",
+        "INQ_ACT_DROP": "PET_ACT_DROP",
+        "INQ_ACT_LOCK": "PET_ACT_LOCK",
+    },
+    "status": {
+        "INQ_ACC": "PET_ACC",
+        "INQ_REJ": "PET_REJ",
+        "INQ_NEW": "PET_NEW",
+        "INQ_HOLD": "PET_HOLD",
+        "INQ_CANC": "PET_CANC",
+    },
+}
+
+
+def remap(apps, reverse: bool):
+    UnitPetition = apps.get_model("roster", "UnitPetition")
+    for field, mapping in RENAMES.items():
+        for old, new in mapping.items():
+            if reverse:
+                old, new = new, old
+            UnitPetition.objects.filter(**{field: old}).update(**{field: new})
+
+
+def forwards(apps, schema_editor):
+    del schema_editor
+    remap(apps, reverse=False)
+
+
+def backwards(apps, schema_editor):
+    del schema_editor
+    remap(apps, reverse=True)
+
+
+class Migration(migrations.Migration):
+    dependencies = [
+        ("roster", "0119_rename_unitinquiry_unitpetition"),
+    ]
+
+    operations = [
+        migrations.RunPython(forwards, backwards),
+    ]
diff --git a/roster/models.py b/roster/models.py
index aad4b576..6023fdc9 100644
--- a/roster/models.py
+++ b/roster/models.py
@@ -428,7 +428,7 @@ def cleared(self) -> bool:
         return self.total_owed <= 0
 
 
-class UnitInquiry(models.Model):
+class UnitPetition(models.Model):
     unit = models.ForeignKey(
         Unit, on_delete=models.CASCADE, help_text="The unit being requested."
     )
@@ -441,23 +441,23 @@ class UnitInquiry(models.Model):
     action_type = models.CharField(
         max_length=15,
         choices=(
-            ("INQ_ACT_UNLOCK", "Unlock now"),
-            ("INQ_ACT_APPEND", "Add for later"),
-            ("INQ_ACT_DROP", "Drop"),
-            ("INQ_ACT_LOCK", "Lock (Drop + Add for later)"),
+            ("PET_ACT_UNLOCK", "Unlock now"),
+            ("PET_ACT_APPEND", "Add for later"),
+            ("PET_ACT_DROP", "Drop"),
+            ("PET_ACT_LOCK", "Lock (Drop + Add for later)"),
         ),
         help_text="Describe the action you want to make.",
     )
     status = models.CharField(
         max_length=10,
         choices=(
-            ("INQ_ACC", "Accepted"),
-            ("INQ_REJ", "Rejected"),
-            ("INQ_NEW", "Pending"),
-            ("INQ_HOLD", "On hold"),
-            ("INQ_CANC", "Canceled"),
+            ("PET_ACC", "Accepted"),
+            ("PET_REJ", "Rejected"),
+            ("PET_NEW", "Pending"),
+            ("PET_HOLD", "On hold"),
+            ("PET_CANC", "Canceled"),
         ),
-        default="INQ_NEW",
+        default="PET_NEW",
         help_text="The current status of the petition.",
     )
     explanation = models.TextField(
@@ -465,7 +465,7 @@ class UnitInquiry(models.Model):
     )
     was_auto_processed = models.BooleanField(
         default=False,
-        help_text="Whether the inquiry was automatically accepted or rejected by auto-criteria.",
+        help_text="Whether the petition was automatically accepted or rejected by auto-criteria.",
         verbose_name="Auto",
     )
 
@@ -479,19 +479,19 @@ def __str__(self) -> str:
 
     def run_accept(self):
         unit = self.unit
-        if self.action_type == "INQ_ACT_UNLOCK":
+        if self.action_type == "PET_ACT_UNLOCK":
             self.student.curriculum.add(unit)
             self.student.unlocked_units.add(unit)
-        elif self.action_type == "INQ_ACT_APPEND":
+        elif self.action_type == "PET_ACT_APPEND":
             self.student.curriculum.add(unit)
-        elif self.action_type == "INQ_ACT_DROP":
+        elif self.action_type == "PET_ACT_DROP":
             self.student.curriculum.remove(unit)
             self.student.unlocked_units.remove(unit)
-        elif self.action_type == "INQ_ACT_LOCK":
+        elif self.action_type == "PET_ACT_LOCK":
             self.student.unlocked_units.remove(unit)
         else:
             raise ValueError(f"No action {self.action_type}")
-        self.status = "INQ_ACC"
+        self.status = "PET_ACC"
         self.save()
 
 
diff --git a/roster/templates/roster/inquiry.html b/roster/templates/roster/petition.html
similarity index 83%
rename from roster/templates/roster/inquiry.html
rename to roster/templates/roster/petition.html
index 9e21d81c..def465a1 100644
--- a/roster/templates/roster/inquiry.html
+++ b/roster/templates/roster/petition.html
@@ -59,29 +59,29 @@ <h2>Current petitions</h2>
         </tr>
       </thead>
       <tbody>
-        {% for inquiry in inquiries %}
+        {% for petition in petitions %}
           <tr>
-            <td title="{{ inquiry.created_at|date:"r" }}">{{ inquiry.created_at|date:"M d" }}</td>
+            <td title="{{ petition.created_at|date:"r" }}">{{ petition.created_at|date:"M d" }}</td>
             <td>
-              <strong>{{ inquiry.unit }}</strong>
+              <strong>{{ petition.unit }}</strong>
             </td>
-            <td>{{ inquiry.get_action_type_display }}</td>
+            <td>{{ petition.get_action_type_display }}</td>
             <td>
-              {% if inquiry.status == "INQ_NEW" %}
+              {% if petition.status == "PET_NEW" %}
                 Pending
-              {% elif inquiry.status == "INQ_ACC" %}
+              {% elif petition.status == "PET_ACC" %}
                 <strong class="text-success">Accepted</strong>
-              {% elif inquiry.status == "INQ_REJ" %}
+              {% elif petition.status == "PET_REJ" %}
                 <strong class="text-danger">Rejected</strong>
-              {% elif inquiry.status == "INQ_CANC" %}
+              {% elif petition.status == "PET_CANC" %}
                 <strong class="text-danger">Canceled</strong>
-              {% elif inquiry.status == "INQ_HOLD" %}
+              {% elif petition.status == "PET_HOLD" %}
                 <strong class="text-warning">On hold</strong>
               {% endif %}
             </td>
             <td>
-              {% if inquiry.status == "INQ_NEW" %}
-                <form action="{% url 'inquiry-cancel' inquiry.pk %}" method="post">
+              {% if petition.status == "PET_NEW" %}
+                <form action="{% url 'petition-cancel' petition.pk %}" method="post">
                   {% csrf_token %}
                   <button class="btn btn-sm btn-danger btn-xs"
                           type="submit"
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ <h2>Current petitions</h2>
           </tr>
           <tr>
             <td></td>
-            <td colspan="4" class="fst-italic">{{ inquiry.explanation }}</td>
+            <td colspan="4" class="fst-italic">{{ petition.explanation }}</td>
           </tr>
         {% endfor %}
       </tbody>
diff --git a/roster/tests.py b/roster/tests.py
index 23927c92..aa62c55f 100644
--- a/roster/tests.py
+++ b/roster/tests.py
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@
     RegistrationContainer,
     Student,
     StudentRegistration,
-    UnitInquiry,
+    UnitPetition,
     build_student,
 )
 
@@ -671,7 +671,16 @@ def test_master_schedule(otis) -> None:
 
 
 @pytest.mark.django_db
-def test_inquiry(otis) -> None:
+def test_legacy_inquiry_url_redirects_to_petition(otis) -> None:
+    alice: Student = StudentFactory.create()
+    otis.login(alice)
+    resp = otis.client.get(f"/roster/inquiry/{alice.pk}/")
+    assert resp.status_code == 302
+    assert resp["Location"] == reverse("petition", args=(alice.pk,))
+
+
+@pytest.mark.django_db
+def test_petition(otis) -> None:
     firefly: Assistant = AssistantFactory.create()
     alice: Student = StudentFactory.create(assistant=firefly)
     # Create units with non-secret subjects to avoid random subject="K" causing flaky tests
@@ -689,11 +698,11 @@ def test_inquiry(otis) -> None:
 
     # Check that an invalid unit is not processed
     invalid_resp = otis.post(
-        "inquiry",
+        "petition",
         alice.pk,
         data={
             "unit": "invalid",
-            "action_type": "INQ_ACT_UNLOCK",
+            "action_type": "PET_ACT_UNLOCK",
             "explanation": "hi",
         },
     )
@@ -705,23 +714,23 @@ def test_inquiry(otis) -> None:
         # Alice unlocks 6 units, should be autoprocessed.
         for i in range(6):
             resp = otis.post(
-                "inquiry",
+                "petition",
                 alice.pk,
                 data={
                     "unit": units[i].pk,
-                    "action_type": "INQ_ACT_UNLOCK",
+                    "action_type": "PET_ACT_UNLOCK",
                     "explanation": "hi",
                 },
                 follow=True,
             )
             otis.assert_message(resp, "Petition automatically processed.")
-            inq = UnitInquiry.objects.get(
-                student=alice, unit=units[i].pk, action_type="INQ_ACT_UNLOCK"
+            pet = UnitPetition.objects.get(
+                student=alice, unit=units[i].pk, action_type="PET_ACT_UNLOCK"
             )
-            assert inq.was_auto_processed
-            assert inq.status == "INQ_ACC"
+            assert pet.was_auto_processed
+            assert pet.status == "PET_ACC"
 
-        otis.get_20x("inquiry", alice.pk, follow=True)
+        otis.get_20x("petition", alice.pk, follow=True)
 
         # Now Alice has done 6 units, they shouldn't be able to get more
         # (This differs from production behavior because production also gives you a default three units)
@@ -729,22 +738,22 @@ def test_inquiry(otis) -> None:
         assert alice.unlocked_units.count() == 6
         otis.assert_message(
             otis.post(
-                "inquiry",
+                "petition",
                 alice.pk,
                 data={
                     "unit": units[19].pk,
-                    "action_type": "INQ_ACT_UNLOCK",
+                    "action_type": "PET_ACT_UNLOCK",
                     "explanation": "hi",
                 },
                 follow=True,
             ),
             "Petition submitted, wait for it!",
         )
-        inq = UnitInquiry.objects.get(
-            student=alice, unit=units[19].pk, action_type="INQ_ACT_UNLOCK"
+        pet = UnitPetition.objects.get(
+            student=alice, unit=units[19].pk, action_type="PET_ACT_UNLOCK"
         )
-        assert not inq.was_auto_processed
-        assert inq.status == "INQ_NEW"
+        assert not pet.was_auto_processed
+        assert pet.status == "PET_NEW"
 
         assert alice.curriculum.count() == 6
         assert alice.unlocked_units.count() == 6
@@ -753,11 +762,11 @@ def test_inquiry(otis) -> None:
         otis.login(firefly)
         otis.assert_message(
             otis.post(
-                "inquiry",
+                "petition",
                 alice.pk,
                 data={
                     "unit": units[3].pk,
-                    "action_type": "INQ_ACT_LOCK",
+                    "action_type": "PET_ACT_LOCK",
                     "explanation": "hi",
                 },
                 follow=True,
@@ -766,33 +775,33 @@ def test_inquiry(otis) -> None:
         )
         assert alice.curriculum.count() == 6
         assert alice.unlocked_units.count() == 5
-        inq = UnitInquiry.objects.get(
-            student=alice, unit=units[3].pk, action_type="INQ_ACT_LOCK"
+        pet = UnitPetition.objects.get(
+            student=alice, unit=units[3].pk, action_type="PET_ACT_LOCK"
         )
-        assert inq.was_auto_processed
-        assert inq.status == "INQ_ACC"
+        assert pet.was_auto_processed
+        assert pet.status == "PET_ACC"
         assert not alice.unlocked_units.contains(units[3])
 
         # Now dropping should be autoprocessed by Alice
         otis.login(alice)
         otis.assert_message(
             otis.post(
-                "inquiry",
+                "petition",
                 alice.pk,
                 data={
                     "unit": units[3].pk,
-                    "action_type": "INQ_ACT_DROP",
+                    "action_type": "PET_ACT_DROP",
                     "explanation": "hi",
                 },
                 follow=True,
             ),
             "Petition automatically processed.",
         )
-        inq = UnitInquiry.objects.get(
-            student=alice, unit=units[3].pk, action_type="INQ_ACT_DROP"
+        pet = UnitPetition.objects.get(
+            student=alice, unit=units[3].pk, action_type="PET_ACT_DROP"
         )
-        assert inq.was_auto_processed
-        assert inq.status == "INQ_ACC"
+        assert pet.was_auto_processed
+        assert pet.status == "PET_ACC"
 
         assert alice.curriculum.count() == 5
         assert alice.unlocked_units.count() == 5
@@ -803,22 +812,22 @@ def test_inquiry(otis) -> None:
         for i in range(6, 10):
             otis.assert_message(
                 otis.post(
-                    "inquiry",
+                    "petition",
                     alice.pk,
                     data={
                         "unit": units[i].pk,
-                        "action_type": "INQ_ACT_UNLOCK",
+                        "action_type": "PET_ACT_UNLOCK",
                         "explanation": "hi",
                     },
                     follow=True,
                 ),
                 "Petition automatically processed.",
             )
-            inq = UnitInquiry.objects.get(
-                student=alice, unit=units[i].pk, action_type="INQ_ACT_UNLOCK"
+            pet = UnitPetition.objects.get(
+                student=alice, unit=units[i].pk, action_type="PET_ACT_UNLOCK"
             )
-            assert inq.was_auto_processed
-            assert inq.status == "INQ_ACC"
+            assert pet.was_auto_processed
+            assert pet.status == "PET_ACC"
         assert alice.curriculum.count() == 9
         assert alice.unlocked_units.count() == 9
 
@@ -827,22 +836,22 @@ def test_inquiry(otis) -> None:
         for i in range(11, 14):
             otis.assert_message(
                 otis.post(
-                    "inquiry",
+                    "petition",
                     alice.pk,
                     data={
                         "unit": units[i].pk,
-                        "action_type": "INQ_ACT_UNLOCK",
+                        "action_type": "PET_ACT_UNLOCK",
                         "explanation": "hi",
                     },
                     follow=True,
                 ),
                 "You can't have more than 9 unfinished units unlocked at once.",
             )
-            inq = UnitInquiry.objects.get(
-                student=alice, unit=units[i].pk, action_type="INQ_ACT_UNLOCK"
+            pet = UnitPetition.objects.get(
+                student=alice, unit=units[i].pk, action_type="PET_ACT_UNLOCK"
             )
-            assert inq.was_auto_processed
-            assert inq.status == "INQ_REJ"
+            assert pet.was_auto_processed
+            assert pet.status == "PET_REJ"
         assert alice.curriculum.count() == 9
         assert alice.unlocked_units.count() == 9
 
@@ -850,33 +859,33 @@ def test_inquiry(otis) -> None:
         for i in range(15, 18):
             otis.assert_message(
                 otis.post(
-                    "inquiry",
+                    "petition",
                     alice.pk,
                     data={
                         "unit": units[i].pk,
-                        "action_type": "INQ_ACT_APPEND",
+                        "action_type": "PET_ACT_APPEND",
                         "explanation": "hi",
                     },
                     follow=True,
                 ),
                 "Petition automatically processed.",
             )
-            inq = UnitInquiry.objects.get(
-                student=alice, unit=units[i].pk, action_type="INQ_ACT_APPEND"
+            pet = UnitPetition.objects.get(
+                student=alice, unit=units[i].pk, action_type="PET_ACT_APPEND"
             )
-            assert inq.was_auto_processed
-            assert inq.status == "INQ_ACC"
+            assert pet.was_auto_processed
+            assert pet.status == "PET_ACC"
         assert alice.curriculum.count() == 12
         assert alice.unlocked_units.count() == 9
 
         # check that petitions are now locked because of abnormally large count
         otis.assert_message(
             otis.post(
-                "inquiry",
+                "petition",
                 alice.pk,
                 data={
                     "unit": units[19].pk,
-                    "action_type": "INQ_ACT_DROP",
+                    "action_type": "PET_ACT_DROP",
                     "explanation": "hi",
                 },
                 follow=True,
@@ -884,44 +893,44 @@ def test_inquiry(otis) -> None:
             "You have submitted an abnormally large number of petitions "
             "so you should contact Evan specially to explain why.",
         )
-        inq = UnitInquiry.objects.get(
-            student=alice, unit=units[19].pk, action_type="INQ_ACT_DROP"
+        pet = UnitPetition.objects.get(
+            student=alice, unit=units[19].pk, action_type="PET_ACT_DROP"
         )
-        assert not inq.was_auto_processed
-        assert inq.status == "INQ_HOLD"
+        assert not pet.was_auto_processed
+        assert pet.status == "PET_HOLD"
 
         # drop a bunch of units for alice
         otis.login(firefly)
         for i in range(4, 14):
             otis.assert_message(
                 otis.post(
-                    "inquiry",
+                    "petition",
                     alice.pk,
                     data={
                         "unit": units[i].pk,
-                        "action_type": "INQ_ACT_DROP",
+                        "action_type": "PET_ACT_DROP",
                         "explanation": "hi",
                     },
                     follow=True,
                 ),
                 "Petition automatically processed.",
             )
-            inq = UnitInquiry.objects.get(
-                student=alice, unit=units[i].pk, action_type="INQ_ACT_DROP"
+            pet = UnitPetition.objects.get(
+                student=alice, unit=units[i].pk, action_type="PET_ACT_DROP"
             )
-            assert inq.was_auto_processed
-            assert inq.status == "INQ_ACC"
+            assert pet.was_auto_processed
+            assert pet.status == "PET_ACC"
         assert alice.curriculum.count() == 6
         assert alice.unlocked_units.count() == 3
 
     with freeze_time("2025-10-31", tz_offset=0):
         otis.assert_message(
             otis.post(
-                "inquiry",
+                "petition",
                 alice.pk,
                 data={
                     "unit": units[5].pk,
-                    "action_type": "INQ_ACT_UNLOCK",
+                    "action_type": "PET_ACT_UNLOCK",
                     "explanation": "add back in",
                 },
                 follow=True,
@@ -930,14 +939,14 @@ def test_inquiry(otis) -> None:
         )
         assert alice.curriculum.count() == 7
         assert alice.unlocked_units.count() == 4
-        inq = UnitInquiry.objects.get(
+        pet = UnitPetition.objects.get(
             student=alice,
             unit=units[5].pk,
-            action_type="INQ_ACT_UNLOCK",
+            action_type="PET_ACT_UNLOCK",
             explanation="add back in",
         )
-        assert inq.was_auto_processed
-        assert inq.status == "INQ_ACC"
+        assert pet.was_auto_processed
+        assert pet.status == "PET_ACC"
 
         # Alice hit the hold limit earlier, this just circumvents it.
         otis.login(alice)
@@ -953,11 +962,11 @@ def test_inquiry(otis) -> None:
 
         otis.assert_message(
             otis.post(
-                "inquiry",
+                "petition",
                 alice.pk,
                 data={
                     "unit": secret_unit.pk,
-                    "action_type": "INQ_ACT_UNLOCK",
+                    "action_type": "PET_ACT_UNLOCK",
                     "explanation": "its almost halloween and my family wants to host it at our house.",
                 },
                 follow=True,
@@ -966,24 +975,24 @@ def test_inquiry(otis) -> None:
         )
         assert alice.curriculum.count() == 8
         assert alice.unlocked_units.count() == 5
-        inq = UnitInquiry.objects.get(
-            student=alice, unit=secret_unit.pk, action_type="INQ_ACT_UNLOCK"
+        pet = UnitPetition.objects.get(
+            student=alice, unit=secret_unit.pk, action_type="PET_ACT_UNLOCK"
         )
-        assert inq.was_auto_processed
-        assert inq.status == "INQ_ACC"
+        assert pet.was_auto_processed
+        assert pet.status == "PET_ACC"
 
     # test a bunch of fail conditions
     bob: Student = StudentFactory.create(semester=SemesterFactory.create(active=False))
     otis.login(bob)
-    otis.get_denied("inquiry", bob.pk)
+    otis.get_denied("petition", bob.pk)
 
     carl: Student = StudentFactory.create(enabled=False)
     otis.login(carl)
-    otis.get_denied("inquiry", carl.pk)
+    otis.get_denied("petition", carl.pk)
 
     dave: Student = StudentFactory.create(newborn=True)
     otis.login(dave)
-    otis.get_denied("inquiry", dave.pk)
+    otis.get_denied("petition", dave.pk)
 
     invoice_semester = SemesterFactory.create(
         show_invoices=True,
@@ -995,22 +1004,22 @@ def test_inquiry(otis) -> None:
         InvoiceFactory.create(student=eve)
 
     with freeze_time("2021-07-30", tz_offset=0):
-        otis.get_denied("inquiry", eve.pk)
+        otis.get_denied("petition", eve.pk)
 
 
 @pytest.mark.django_db
-def test_inquiry_cant_rapid_fire(otis) -> None:
+def test_petition_cant_rapid_fire(otis) -> None:
     with freeze_time("2025-10-31", tz_offset=0):
         alice = StudentFactory.create()
         unit = UnitFactory.create()
         otis.login(alice)
         otis.assert_message(
             otis.post(
-                "inquiry",
+                "petition",
                 alice.pk,
                 data={
                     "unit": unit.pk,
-                    "action_type": "INQ_ACT_UNLOCK",
+                    "action_type": "PET_ACT_UNLOCK",
                     "explanation": "unlock a unit",
                 },
                 follow=True,
@@ -1019,11 +1028,11 @@ def test_inquiry_cant_rapid_fire(otis) -> None:
         )
         otis.assert_message(
             otis.post(
-                "inquiry",
+                "petition",
                 alice.pk,
                 data={
                     "unit": unit.pk,
-                    "action_type": "INQ_ACT_UNLOCK",
+                    "action_type": "PET_ACT_UNLOCK",
                     "explanation": "accidentally pressed again because trigger happy",
                 },
                 follow=True,
@@ -1033,7 +1042,7 @@ def test_inquiry_cant_rapid_fire(otis) -> None:
 
 
 @pytest.mark.django_db
-def test_inquiry_cant_rapid_fire_after_auto_reject(otis) -> None:
+def test_petition_cant_rapid_fire_after_auto_reject(otis) -> None:
     """A double submit is caught even when the first copy was auto-rejected."""
     with freeze_time("2025-10-31", tz_offset=0):
         alice: Student = StudentFactory.create()
@@ -1045,46 +1054,46 @@ def test_inquiry_cant_rapid_fire_after_auto_reject(otis) -> None:
 
         data = {
             "unit": unit.pk,
-            "action_type": "INQ_ACT_DROP",
+            "action_type": "PET_ACT_DROP",
             "explanation": "drop this unit please",
         }
         otis.assert_message(
-            otis.post("inquiry", alice.pk, data=data, follow=True),
+            otis.post("petition", alice.pk, data=data, follow=True),
             "You have a pending submission for this unit.",
         )
         otis.assert_message(
-            otis.post("inquiry", alice.pk, data=data, follow=True),
+            otis.post("petition", alice.pk, data=data, follow=True),
             "The same petition already was submitted within the last 90 seconds.",
         )
         assert (
-            UnitInquiry.objects.filter(
-                student=alice, unit=unit, action_type="INQ_ACT_DROP"
+            UnitPetition.objects.filter(
+                student=alice, unit=unit, action_type="PET_ACT_DROP"
             ).count()
             == 1
         )
 
 
 @pytest.mark.django_db
-def test_inquiry_can_resubmit_after_cancel(otis) -> None:
+def test_petition_can_resubmit_after_cancel(otis) -> None:
     """Canceling a petition lets the student submit the same one right away."""
     with freeze_time("2025-10-31", tz_offset=0):
         alice: Student = StudentFactory.create()
         unit: Unit = UnitFactory.create()
-        inquiry = UnitInquiry.objects.create(
+        petition = UnitPetition.objects.create(
             student=alice,
             unit=unit,
-            action_type="INQ_ACT_UNLOCK",
+            action_type="PET_ACT_UNLOCK",
             explanation="changed my mind",
-            status="INQ_CANC",
+            status="PET_CANC",
         )
         otis.login(alice)
         otis.assert_message(
             otis.post(
-                "inquiry",
+                "petition",
                 alice.pk,
                 data={
                     "unit": unit.pk,
-                    "action_type": "INQ_ACT_UNLOCK",
+                    "action_type": "PET_ACT_UNLOCK",
                     "explanation": "actually i do want this one",
                 },
                 follow=True,
@@ -1092,15 +1101,15 @@ def test_inquiry_can_resubmit_after_cancel(otis) -> None:
             "Petition automatically processed.",
         )
         assert (
-            UnitInquiry.objects.filter(student=alice, unit=unit)
-            .exclude(pk=inquiry.pk)
+            UnitPetition.objects.filter(student=alice, unit=unit)
+            .exclude(pk=petition.pk)
             .count()
             == 1
         )
 
 
 @pytest.mark.django_db
-def test_inquiry_rejects_drop_lock_if_pending_pset(otis) -> None:
+def test_petition_rejects_drop_lock_if_pending_pset(otis) -> None:
     """Drop/lock petition auto-rejected if there's a pending submission."""
     alice: Student = StudentFactory.create()
     unit: Unit = UnitFactory.create()
@@ -1110,71 +1119,71 @@ def test_inquiry_rejects_drop_lock_if_pending_pset(otis) -> None:
     otis.login(alice)
 
     resp = otis.post(
-        "inquiry",
+        "petition",
         alice.pk,
         data={
             "unit": unit.pk,
-            "action_type": "INQ_ACT_DROP",
+            "action_type": "PET_ACT_DROP",
             "explanation": "i'm a cool haxx0r who wants 10 units",
         },
         follow=True,
     )
     otis.assert_message(resp, "You have a pending submission for this unit.")
-    inq = UnitInquiry.objects.get(student=alice, unit=unit, action_type="INQ_ACT_DROP")
-    assert inq.status == "INQ_REJ"
+    pet = UnitPetition.objects.get(student=alice, unit=unit, action_type="PET_ACT_DROP")
+    assert pet.status == "PET_REJ"
     resp = otis.post(
-        "inquiry",
+        "petition",
         alice.pk,
         data={
             "unit": unit.pk,
-            "action_type": "INQ_ACT_LOCK",
+            "action_type": "PET_ACT_LOCK",
             "explanation": "o no evan is too smart for me 😂",
         },
         follow=True,
     )
     otis.assert_message(resp, "You have a pending submission for this unit.")
-    inq = UnitInquiry.objects.get(student=alice, unit=unit, action_type="INQ_ACT_LOCK")
-    assert inq.status == "INQ_REJ"
+    pet = UnitPetition.objects.get(student=alice, unit=unit, action_type="PET_ACT_LOCK")
+    assert pet.status == "PET_REJ"
 
 
 @pytest.mark.django_db
-def test_cancel_inquiry_sets_status_to_canceled(otis) -> None:
+def test_cancel_petition_sets_status_to_canceled(otis) -> None:
     alice = StudentFactory.create()
     unit = UnitFactory.create()
-    inquiry = UnitInquiry.objects.create(
+    petition = UnitPetition.objects.create(
         student=alice,
         unit=unit,
-        action_type="INQ_ACT_UNLOCK",
-        status="INQ_NEW",
+        action_type="PET_ACT_UNLOCK",
+        status="PET_NEW",
         explanation="Please unlock",
     )
     otis.login(alice)
     resp = otis.post_20x(
-        "inquiry-cancel",
-        inquiry.pk,
+        "petition-cancel",
+        petition.pk,
         follow=True,
     )
-    inquiry.refresh_from_db()
-    assert inquiry.status == "INQ_CANC"
-    otis.assert_message(resp, "Inquiry successfully canceled.")
+    petition.refresh_from_db()
+    assert petition.status == "PET_CANC"
+    otis.assert_message(resp, "Petition successfully canceled.")
 
 
 @pytest.mark.django_db
-def test_cancel_inquiry_rejects_get(otis) -> None:
+def test_cancel_petition_rejects_get(otis) -> None:
     alice = StudentFactory.create()
     unit = UnitFactory.create()
-    inquiry = UnitInquiry.objects.create(
+    petition = UnitPetition.objects.create(
         student=alice,
         unit=unit,
-        action_type="INQ_ACT_UNLOCK",
-        status="INQ_NEW",
+        action_type="PET_ACT_UNLOCK",
+        status="PET_NEW",
         explanation="Please unlock",
     )
     otis.login(alice)
     # a cross-site navigation is a GET, so canceling can't be reachable that way
-    assert otis.get("inquiry-cancel", inquiry.pk).status_code == 405
-    inquiry.refresh_from_db()
-    assert inquiry.status == "INQ_NEW"
+    assert otis.get("petition-cancel", petition.pk).status_code == 405
+    petition.refresh_from_db()
+    assert petition.status == "PET_NEW"
 
 
 @pytest.mark.django_db
@@ -1183,58 +1192,58 @@ def test_only_owner_or_staff_can_cancel(otis):
     bob = StudentFactory.create()
     staff = UserFactory.create(is_staff=True, is_superuser=True)
     unit = UnitFactory.create()
-    inquiry = UnitInquiry.objects.create(
+    petition = UnitPetition.objects.create(
         student=alice,
         unit=unit,
-        action_type="INQ_ACT_UNLOCK",
-        status="INQ_NEW",
+        action_type="PET_ACT_UNLOCK",
+        status="PET_NEW",
         explanation="Please unlock",
     )
-    # Bob cannot cancel Alice's inquiry
+    # Bob cannot cancel Alice's petition
     otis.login(bob)
-    otis.post_40x("inquiry-cancel", inquiry.pk)
-    inquiry.refresh_from_db()
-    assert inquiry.status == "INQ_NEW"  # Ensure status is still "INQ_NEW"
+    otis.post_40x("petition-cancel", petition.pk)
+    petition.refresh_from_db()
+    assert petition.status == "PET_NEW"  # Ensure status is still "PET_NEW"
 
     # Staff can cancel
     otis.login(staff)
-    otis.post_20x("inquiry-cancel", inquiry.pk, follow=True)
-    inquiry.refresh_from_db()
-    assert inquiry.status == "INQ_CANC"
+    otis.post_20x("petition-cancel", petition.pk, follow=True)
+    petition.refresh_from_db()
+    assert petition.status == "PET_CANC"
 
 
 @pytest.mark.django_db
 def test_cancel_button_only_for_pending(otis):
-    for status in ["INQ_ACC", "INQ_REJ", "INQ_HOLD", "INQ_CANC"]:
+    for status in ["PET_ACC", "PET_REJ", "PET_HOLD", "PET_CANC"]:
         alice = StudentFactory.create()
         unit = UnitFactory.create()
-        UnitInquiry.objects.create(
+        UnitPetition.objects.create(
             student=alice,
             unit=unit,
-            action_type="INQ_ACT_UNLOCK",
+            action_type="PET_ACT_UNLOCK",
             status=status,
             explanation="Test",
         )
         otis.login(alice)
-        otis.get_20x("inquiry", alice.pk)
+        otis.get_20x("petition", alice.pk)
 
 
 @pytest.mark.django_db
 def test_cannot_cancel_non_pending(otis):
     alice = StudentFactory.create()
     unit = UnitFactory.create()
-    for status in ["INQ_ACC", "INQ_REJ", "INQ_HOLD", "INQ_CANC"]:
-        inquiry = UnitInquiry.objects.create(
+    for status in ["PET_ACC", "PET_REJ", "PET_HOLD", "PET_CANC"]:
+        petition = UnitPetition.objects.create(
             student=alice,
             unit=unit,
-            action_type="INQ_ACT_UNLOCK",
+            action_type="PET_ACT_UNLOCK",
             status=status,
             explanation="Test",
         )
         otis.login(alice)
-        otis.post_40x("inquiry-cancel", inquiry.pk)
-        inquiry.refresh_from_db()
-        assert inquiry.status == status
+        otis.post_40x("petition-cancel", petition.pk)
+        petition.refresh_from_db()
+        assert petition.status == status
 
 
 @pytest.mark.django_db
@@ -1611,7 +1620,7 @@ def test_reg(otis) -> None:
             "email_on_announcement": False,
             "email_on_pset_complete": True,
             "email_on_suggestion_processed": False,
-            "email_on_inquiry_complete": False,
+            "email_on_petition_complete": False,
         },
         follow=True,
     )
@@ -1642,7 +1651,7 @@ def test_reg(otis) -> None:
             "email_on_announcement": False,
             "email_on_pset_complete": True,
             "email_on_suggestion_processed": False,
-            "email_on_inquiry_complete": False,
+            "email_on_petition_complete": False,
         },
         follow=True,
     )
@@ -1662,7 +1671,7 @@ def test_reg(otis) -> None:
     assert not profile.email_on_announcement
     assert profile.email_on_pset_complete
     assert not profile.email_on_suggestion_processed
-    assert not profile.email_on_inquiry_complete
+    assert not profile.email_on_petition_complete
 
     resp = otis.post_20x(
         "register",
@@ -1681,7 +1690,7 @@ def test_reg(otis) -> None:
             "email_on_announcement": False,
             "email_on_pset_complete": True,
             "email_on_suggestion_processed": False,
-            "email_on_inquiry_complete": False,
+            "email_on_petition_complete": False,
         },
         follow=True,
     )
@@ -1755,7 +1764,7 @@ def test_reg_with_apply_uuid(otis) -> None:
             "email_on_announcement": False,
             "email_on_pset_complete": True,
             "email_on_suggestion_processed": False,
-            "email_on_inquiry_complete": False,
+            "email_on_petition_complete": False,
         },
         follow=True,
     )
@@ -1786,7 +1795,7 @@ def test_reg_with_apply_uuid(otis) -> None:
             "email_on_announcement": False,
             "email_on_pset_complete": True,
             "email_on_suggestion_processed": False,
-            "email_on_inquiry_complete": False,
+            "email_on_petition_complete": False,
         },
         follow=True,
     )
@@ -1835,7 +1844,7 @@ def test_reg_with_apply_uuid(otis) -> None:
             "email_on_announcement": False,
             "email_on_pset_complete": True,
             "email_on_suggestion_processed": False,
-            "email_on_inquiry_complete": False,
+            "email_on_petition_complete": False,
         },
         follow=True,
     )
@@ -1861,7 +1870,7 @@ def test_reg_with_apply_uuid(otis) -> None:
             "email_on_announcement": False,
             "email_on_pset_complete": True,
             "email_on_suggestion_processed": False,
-            "email_on_inquiry_complete": False,
+            "email_on_petition_complete": False,
         },
         follow=True,
     )
@@ -1902,7 +1911,7 @@ def test_reg_with_disabled_apply_uuid(otis) -> None:
             "email_on_announcement": False,
             "email_on_pset_complete": True,
             "email_on_suggestion_processed": False,
-            "email_on_inquiry_complete": False,
+            "email_on_petition_complete": False,
         },
         follow=True,
     )
@@ -2173,7 +2182,7 @@ def test_registration_is_all_or_nothing(otis) -> None:
                 "email_on_announcement": False,
                 "email_on_pset_complete": True,
                 "email_on_suggestion_processed": False,
-                "email_on_inquiry_complete": False,
+                "email_on_petition_complete": False,
             },
         )
 
diff --git a/roster/urls.py b/roster/urls.py
index cc5319c2..832fca5c 100644
--- a/roster/urls.py
+++ b/roster/urls.py
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 from django.shortcuts import redirect
 from django.urls import path
+from django.views.generic.base import RedirectView
 
 from . import views
 
@@ -11,8 +12,14 @@
     path(r"invoice/<int:student_pk>/", views.invoice, name="invoice"),
     path(r"master-schedule/", views.master_schedule, name="master-schedule"),
     path(r"edit-invoice/<int:pk>/", views.UpdateInvoice.as_view(), name="edit-invoice"),
-    path(r"inquiry/<int:student_pk>/", views.inquiry, name="inquiry"),
-    path(r"inquiry/cancel/<int:pk>/", views.cancel_inquiry, name="inquiry-cancel"),
+    path(r"petition/<int:student_pk>/", views.petition, name="petition"),
+    path(r"petition/cancel/<int:pk>/", views.cancel_petition, name="petition-cancel"),
+    # "inquiry" was the old internal name for a unit petition; keep the URL
+    # students may have bookmarked pointing at the renamed view.
+    path(
+        r"inquiry/<int:student_pk>/",
+        RedirectView.as_view(pattern_name="petition"),
+    ),
     path(r"register/", views.register, name="register"),
     path(r"profile/", views.update_profile, name="update-profile"),
     path(r"giga-chart/<str:format_as>/", views.giga_chart, name="giga-chart"),
diff --git a/roster/views.py b/roster/views.py
index 40d259c7..1d542a10 100644
--- a/roster/views.py
+++ b/roster/views.py
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@
     AdvanceForm,
     CurriculumForm,
     DecisionForm,
-    InquiryForm,
+    PetitionForm,
     UserForm,
     UserLookupForm,
     UserMergeForm,
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@
     RegistrationContainer,
     Student,
     StudentRegistration,
-    UnitInquiry,
+    UnitPetition,
     build_student,
 )
 
@@ -274,21 +274,21 @@ def get_success_url(self):
         return reverse("invoice", args=(self.object.student.pk,))
 
 
-def handle_inquiry(request: AuthHttpRequest, inquiry: UnitInquiry, student: Student):
-    current_inquiries = UnitInquiry.objects.filter(student=student)
-    inquiry.student = student
+def handle_petition(request: AuthHttpRequest, petition: UnitPetition, student: Student):
+    current_petitions = UnitPetition.objects.filter(student=student)
+    petition.student = student
     # check if exists already and created recently.
-    # every status counts here except INQ_CANC: canceling a petition is the one
+    # every status counts here except PET_CANC: canceling a petition is the one
     # action that should let a student immediately submit the same one again.
     # in particular a double submit whose first copy was auto-rejected or put
     # on hold still needs to be caught.
     if (
-        current_inquiries.filter(
-            unit=inquiry.unit,
-            action_type=inquiry.action_type,
+        current_petitions.filter(
+            unit=petition.unit,
+            action_type=petition.action_type,
             created_at__gte=timezone.now() - datetime.timedelta(seconds=90),
         )
-        .exclude(status="INQ_CANC")
+        .exclude(status="PET_CANC")
         .exists()
     ):
         messages.warning(
@@ -297,63 +297,63 @@ def handle_inquiry(request: AuthHttpRequest, inquiry: UnitInquiry, student: Stud
         )
         return
 
-    inquiry.save()
+    petition.save()
 
     # early auto accept criteria
-    if inquiry.action_type == "INQ_ACT_APPEND" or request.user.is_staff:
-        inquiry.run_accept()
-        inquiry.was_auto_processed = True
-        inquiry.save()
+    if petition.action_type == "PET_ACT_APPEND" or request.user.is_staff:
+        petition.run_accept()
+        petition.was_auto_processed = True
+        petition.save()
         messages.success(request, "Petition automatically processed.")
         return
 
-    past_unlock_inquiries = current_inquiries.filter(action_type="INQ_ACT_UNLOCK")
+    past_unlock_petitions = current_petitions.filter(action_type="PET_ACT_UNLOCK")
 
-    num_past_unlock_inquiries = past_unlock_inquiries.count()
+    num_past_unlock_petitions = past_unlock_petitions.count()
 
     unlocked_count = (
-        past_unlock_inquiries.filter(status="INQ_NEW").count()
+        past_unlock_petitions.filter(status="PET_NEW").count()
         + student.unlocked_units.count()
     )
 
     auto_reject_checks = [
         (
-            inquiry.action_type == "INQ_ACT_UNLOCK" and unlocked_count > 9,
+            petition.action_type == "PET_ACT_UNLOCK" and unlocked_count > 9,
             "You can't have more than 9 unfinished units unlocked at once.",
         ),
         (
-            inquiry.action_type in ("INQ_ACT_DROP", "INQ_ACT_LOCK")
+            petition.action_type in ("PET_ACT_DROP", "PET_ACT_LOCK")
             and PSet.objects.filter(
-                student=student, unit=inquiry.unit, status__in=("P", "PA", "PR")
+                student=student, unit=petition.unit, status__in=("P", "PA", "PR")
             ),
             "You have a pending submission for this unit.",
         ),
         (
-            inquiry.action_type == "INQ_ACT_LOCK"
-            and PSet.objects.filter(student=student, unit=inquiry.unit, status="A"),
+            petition.action_type == "PET_ACT_LOCK"
+            and PSet.objects.filter(student=student, unit=petition.unit, status="A"),
             "You can't lock units with accepted submissions.",
         ),
     ]
 
     for condition, message in auto_reject_checks:
         if condition:
-            inquiry.status = "INQ_REJ"
-            inquiry.was_auto_processed = True
-            inquiry.save()
+            petition.status = "PET_REJ"
+            petition.was_auto_processed = True
+            petition.save()
             messages.error(request, message=message)
             return
 
     # auto hold criteria
     num_psets = PSet.objects.filter(student=student).count()
-    auto_hold_criteria = num_past_unlock_inquiries > (10 + 2.5 * num_psets**1.2)
+    auto_hold_criteria = num_past_unlock_petitions > (10 + 2.5 * num_psets**1.2)
 
     if auto_hold_criteria:
-        inquiry.status = "INQ_HOLD"
-        inquiry.save()
+        petition.status = "PET_HOLD"
+        petition.save()
         logger.log(
             SUCCESS_LOG_LEVEL,
-            f"Held {student}'s petition to {inquiry.action_type} {inquiry.unit} "
-            f"({num_psets} psets and {num_past_unlock_inquiries} unlock petitions).",
+            f"Held {student}'s petition to {petition.action_type} {petition.unit} "
+            f"({num_psets} psets and {num_past_unlock_petitions} unlock petitions).",
             extra={"request": request},
         )
         messages.warning(
@@ -363,33 +363,33 @@ def handle_inquiry(request: AuthHttpRequest, inquiry: UnitInquiry, student: Stud
         )
         return
 
-    unit = inquiry.unit
+    unit = petition.unit
 
     # auto accepting criteria for unlocking
-    if inquiry.action_type == "INQ_ACT_UNLOCK" and unlocked_count <= 9:
+    if petition.action_type == "PET_ACT_UNLOCK" and unlocked_count <= 9:
         # when less than 6 past unlock (newbie) or a secret unit (currently uses subject to determine this)
         auto_accept_criteria = (
-            num_past_unlock_inquiries <= 6 or unit.group.subject == "K"
+            num_past_unlock_petitions <= 6 or unit.group.subject == "K"
         )
-    elif inquiry.action_type == "INQ_ACT_DROP":
+    elif petition.action_type == "PET_ACT_DROP":
         # auto dropping locked units
         auto_accept_criteria = not student.unlocked_units.contains(unit)
     else:
         auto_accept_criteria = False
 
     if auto_accept_criteria:
-        inquiry.run_accept()
-        inquiry.was_auto_processed = True
-        inquiry.save()
+        petition.run_accept()
+        petition.was_auto_processed = True
+        petition.save()
         messages.success(request, "Petition automatically processed.")
         return
 
     messages.success(request, "Petition submitted, wait for it!")
 
 
-# Inquiry views
+# Petition views
 @login_required
-def inquiry(request: AuthHttpRequest, student_pk: int) -> HttpResponse:
+def petition(request: AuthHttpRequest, student_pk: int) -> HttpResponse:
     student = get_student_by_pk(request, student_pk)
     if not request.user.is_staff:
         if not student.semester.active:
@@ -406,37 +406,37 @@ def inquiry(request: AuthHttpRequest, student_pk: int) -> HttpResponse:
             )
     context: dict[str, Any] = {}
 
-    # Create form for submitting new inquiries
+    # Create form for submitting new petitions
     if request.method == "POST":
-        form = InquiryForm(request.POST, student=student)
+        form = PetitionForm(request.POST, student=student)
         if form.is_valid():
-            inquiry: UnitInquiry = form.save(commit=False)
-            handle_inquiry(request, inquiry, student)
-            return HttpResponseRedirect(reverse("inquiry", args=(student.pk,)))
+            petition: UnitPetition = form.save(commit=False)
+            handle_petition(request, petition, student)
+            return HttpResponseRedirect(reverse("petition", args=(student.pk,)))
 
     else:
-        form = InquiryForm(student=student)
+        form = PetitionForm(student=student)
     context["form"] = form
 
-    context["inquiries"] = UnitInquiry.objects.filter(student=student)
+    context["petitions"] = UnitPetition.objects.filter(student=student)
     context["student"] = student
     context["curriculum"] = student.generate_curriculum_rows()
 
-    return render(request, "roster/inquiry.html", context)
+    return render(request, "roster/petition.html", context)
 
 
 @login_required
 @require_POST
-def cancel_inquiry(request: AuthHttpRequest, pk: int) -> HttpResponse:
-    inquiry = get_object_or_404(UnitInquiry, pk=pk)
-    if inquiry.student.user != request.user and not request.user.is_staff:
-        raise PermissionDenied("You are not authorized to cancel this inquiry.")
-    if inquiry.status != "INQ_NEW":
+def cancel_petition(request: AuthHttpRequest, pk: int) -> HttpResponse:
+    petition = get_object_or_404(UnitPetition, pk=pk)
+    if petition.student.user != request.user and not request.user.is_staff:
+        raise PermissionDenied("You are not authorized to cancel this petition.")
+    if petition.status != "PET_NEW":
         raise PermissionDenied
-    inquiry.status = "INQ_CANC"
-    inquiry.save()
-    messages.success(request, "Inquiry successfully canceled.")
-    return HttpResponseRedirect(reverse("inquiry", args=(inquiry.student.pk,)))
+    petition.status = "PET_CANC"
+    petition.save()
+    messages.success(request, "Petition successfully canceled.")
+    return HttpResponseRedirect(reverse("petition", args=(petition.student.pk,)))
 
 
 @login_required
@@ -775,7 +775,7 @@ def post(self, request: HttpRequest, *args: Any, **kwargs: Any) -> HttpResponse:
 @staff_required
 def link_assistant(request: HttpRequest) -> HttpResponse:
     assistant = get_object_or_404(Assistant, user=request.user)
-    # Create form for submitting new inquiries
+    # Create form for submitting new petitions
     if request.method == "POST":
         form = LinkAssistantForm(request.POST)
         if form.is_valid():