Emergency Transportation Program

The Emergency Transportation Assistance program is designed to provide temporary support to students facing urgent transportation challenges.  This support can cover public transit fares or emergency travel expenses, ensuring that students can continue their education without interruptions. 

    Urgent situations may include immediate needs to access academic resources during class hours, attend important academic events, or navigate housing services due to housing insecurity but are not limted: 

    Medical/ Family Emergencies

    • Transportation is required for a student experiencing a mental health crisis.
    • Sudden need to travel home due to a family member's illness or injury.

    Safety Concerns

    • Needing a safe ride home due to feeling threatened or unsafe on campus or in the surrounding area.
    • Transportation is required after being stranded due to car trouble or other unforeseen circumstances on the way to campus.

    Academic Commitments

    • Transportation is needed to attend an important academic event, such as an internship, presentation, or meeting.
    • Needing transportation to access essential academic resources, like a library or lab, during class hours or in urgent situations.

    Housing Issues

    • Transportation required to relocate temporarily due to sudden housing displacement (e.g., fire, flooding, eviction).
    • Housing-insecure students in need of transportation to navigate housing services.

    Transportation Failures

    • Immediate need for transportation due to the sudden breakdown of a personal vehicle requiring alternative transportation costs.
    • Emergency rides are required because of unexpected cancellations or delays of public transportation services.

    Accidents

    • Transportation is required after being involved in a vehicular accident, particularly if the student is stranded or the vehicle is no longer operable.
    • Needing a ride home or to a repair shop after the sudden breakdown of a personal vehicle.

    Legal or Administrative Issues

    • Urgent need to appear in court or attend a legal meeting with short notice due to homelessness/eviction.
    • Transportation is required to address urgent administrative matters, such as housing services.

    Lost or Stolen Property

    • Emergency transportation is needed if a student's personal belongings, including keys or transportation passes, are lost or stolen, preventing them from getting home or to a safe place.

    To qualify for the Emergency Transportation Program funded by the Petrie and Gerstner Helping Hands Foundations, students must meet the following criteria:

    Enrollment Status

    • Students must be enrolled in on-campus classes for the semester in which they apply, 

    Housing Insecurity

    • Must be experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness.
    • Requires transportation to access housing services or temporary shelters.

    Academic Needs

    • Requires transportation to access essential academic resources, such as libraries or labs, particularly during class hours or urgent situations.
    • Needs transportation to attend critical academic events, including but not limited to unpaid internships, presentations, or important academic meetings.

    Documentation

    • Must provide a Written explanation detailing the nature of the transportation emergency and relevant documentation supporting their need for transportation assistance.  This may include but is not limited to proof of enrollment, housing insecurity, class scheduled/academic events, loss of employment letter within the last 30 days, internship placement letter loss of a scholarship letter/email, and proof of pending Federal Work-study job placement.

    Approval Process

    • Must complete the application process through the college’s Emergency Funding Program.
    • Applications will be reviewed case-by-case to determine eligibility and the extent of assistance required.

    What is the Emergency Transportation Program?

    • The Emergency Transportation Program provides temporary transportation assistance to students facing specific challenges, such as housing insecurity or urgent academic needs.

    Who funds the Emergency Transportation Program?

    • The program is funded by the Petrie and Gerstner Helping Hands Foundations.

    Who is eligible for transportation assistance?

    • Currently enrolled students who are eligible include housing-insecure students who need transportation to access housing services and students who need transportation to essential academic resources or critical academic events.

    What types of transportation assistance are available?

    • The program offers various forms of transportation assistance, such as public transit passes, ride-sharing credits, or shuttle services.

    Can I use the transportation assistance for non-academic purposes?

    • No, the assistance is specifically intended for accessing housing services, essential academic resources, or critical academic events.

    How long can I receive transportation assistance?

    • The duration of assistance varies based on individual needs and circumstances. It is typically provided on a temporary, short-term basis.

    What should I do if my transportation needs change?

    • If your transportation needs change, contact the Wellness Resource Services to discuss your situation and apply for Fare Fares, if applicable. 

    Can I receive transportation assistance for attending an off-campus unpaid internship?

    • Yes, the program supports transportation to critical academic events, including off-campus unpaid internships.