Terms of Use

NUCarpool is an online platform that enables Northwestern University students to coordinate shared rides (including Uber or similar services) by posting, discovering, and joining ride opportunities.

NUCarpool:

• Is a technology platform only
• Does not provide transportation services
• Does not operate vehicles
• Does not employ drivers
• Does not collect or process ride payments between users

All transportation arrangements and cost-sharing occur directly between users and third-party transportation providers.

To use the Service, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a valid Northwestern University email address
• Create an account in your own name

The Service is intended exclusively for Northwestern University students. NUCarpool reserves the right to verify eligibility and remove accounts that do not meet these requirements.

You are solely responsible for:

• The accuracy of information you post
• Your conduct during ride coordination and participation
• Verifying ride details before travel
• Ensuring safe and lawful behavior
• Handling cost-sharing and payment arrangements directly with other users

You agree not to:

• Post false or misleading information
• Impersonate another person
• Use the Service for commercial solicitation
• Harass, threaten, or abuse other users
• Use the Service in violation of any law

NUCarpool does not screen users, verify identities beyond email authentication, or conduct background checks. All ride participation is voluntary and at your own risk.

You understand and agree that:

• NUCarpool does not guarantee the reliability, punctuality, or safety of any user
• NUCarpool is not responsible for missed rides, no-shows, disputes, or payment disagreements
• NUCarpool is not responsible for accidents, injuries, damages, theft, misconduct, or losses arising from rides arranged through the Service
• You assume all risks associated with coordinating or participating in rides

The Service uses automated systems to match riders and send SMS notifications with contact information so matched participants can coordinate their shared ride.

Opt-In. By creating an account and checking the SMS consent box during registration, you expressly consent to receive SMS from NUCarpool about your ride. You will not receive SMS unless you have completed this opt-in.

Message Frequency. Message frequency varies. You will typically receive one or more SMS per ride match. Additional messages may be sent if your match group changes (e.g., a third rider joins).

Opt-Out. You may opt out at any time by replying STOP to any SMS from NUCarpool. After opting out, you will receive one final confirmation message and no further SMS. To re-enable SMS notifications, you must re-submit a ride request and re-consent.

Help. Reply HELP for help, or contact us at support@nucarpool.com.

You are responsible for ensuring that any contact information you share is accurate and that you have authority to provide it.

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and all activity under your account. If you believe your account has been compromised, you must notify us immediately at support@nucarpool.com.

You retain ownership of content you post (such as ride details). By posting content, you grant NUCarpool a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute that content solely for operating and improving the Service.

You may not copy, reproduce, or distribute any part of the Service without permission.

NUCarpool reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to remove ride posts, suspend accounts, or terminate access to the Service. This may occur for violations of these Terms, safety concerns, misuse, or any behavior deemed harmful to the platform or its users.

We are not obligated to provide advance notice before suspension or termination.

The Service is provided "as is" and "as available." NUCarpool makes no warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to fitness for a particular purpose, availability or uptime, accuracy of user-posted information, or safety or reliability of ride participants.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, NUCarpool and its operator shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:

• Personal injury
• Property damage
• Loss of profits or data
• Emotional distress
• Transportation-related incidents

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless NUCarpool and its operator from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including legal fees) arising out of your use of the Service, your violation of these Terms, your interactions with other users, or any ride-related incident.

Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Service shall be resolved through binding arbitration in the State of Illinois, rather than in court, except that you may bring claims in small claims court if eligible.

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to conflict of law principles.

NUCarpool may modify or discontinue parts of the Service at any time. We may update these Terms periodically. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

If you have questions about these Terms, contact: