Student Transportation Policy

NYIFT Assistance Program for Food Science Students to Attend Monthly Meetings and Events

Last Modified January 2025

Students must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students in a NYIFT approved Food Science program at Rutgers or Montclair State Universities. Students must be a member of the IFT and NYIFT. 

Students can attend either the CNJIFT or NYIFT EXCOM meetings, dinner meetings and the Supplier Day event. Students can attend one or both meetings (two maximum per month) following one of the three options below. 

Option One

Students who do not have their own cars must first try to find a ride with other students or faculty who will be going to the meeting and would be able to take them. 

Option Two

If students cannot get a ride by Option One, then they can use the reimbursement option as follows: find a student who would be willing to drive to the meeting and if there is a MINIMUM of TWO STUDENTS (INCLUDING THE DRIVER) IN ONE VEHICLE. NYIFT will reimburse the student who is driving their personal car based on the current IRS mileage reimbursement rate rules (current IRS rate for Jan 2025 is $0.70/mile). Maximum reimbursement would be $100 round trip to that student. 

Option Three

If neither Option One nor Option Two is available, students can use a Shared Ride Service (Uber or Lyft) with a MINIMUM OF TWO STUDENTS IN ONE VEHICLE. NYIFT will reimburse the student that pays for the Uber/Lyft ride up to $100 (which includes tipping) round trip. Expenses over that $100 will be split evenly and paid with personal funds by the two or more students travelling to the meeting. 

NOTE: The NYIFT or the University will not be responsible for any liability issues when using any of the above options. Students should use good judgment and travel at their own risk. 

Students will submit a reimbursement form (for the Treasurer) by email and a copy of their expenses and any Uber/Lyft receipts to the NYIFT Office within 14 days of the meeting event. NYIFT will arrange for payment by check to the student who drives or pays for the Uber/Lyft. 

Students who take advantage of this NYIFT Assistance Program are expected to help at the meetings and events as needed and directed by the NYIFT Office. Students should communicate with the NYIFT Office before and during the meeting to determine the needs and the time they should arrive/leave the meeting.