as of September 1, 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TRAVEL APPLICATION
GROUP TRAVEL
TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT
TRAVEL AT VENDOR EXPENSE
TRAVEL COMPANIONS
ON ISLAND TRAVEL
AIRPORT MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT
TRAVEL-PRIVATELY OWNED VEHICLES
INSURANCE
USE OF UNIVERSITY ON-SITE RESERVATIONS SERVICES
COMMERCIAL AIR TRAVEL
TRAVEL INSURANCE
TRAVEL-PRIVATE AIRCRAFT/CHARTERS/BUSES
AIRPLANE CHARTERS
BUS CHARTERS
TRAVEL BY RAIL
TRAVEL-RENTAL AUTOMOBILES
TRAVEL-TAXIS AND AIRLINE/HOTEL SHUTTLE SERVICE
TRAVEL PER DIEM ALLOWANCE
EXTENDED TRIPS
MOVING AND TEMPORARY RELOCATION EXPENSE
TRAVEL-MEALS AND OTHER EXPENSES
FOREIGN TRAVEL PER DIEM ALLOWANCE
REGISTRATION FEES
NON-TRAVEL RELATED BUSINESS MEALS AND ENTERTAINMENT
TRAVEL-HOSTING AND ENTERTAINMENT
TRAVEL-LODGING
PERSONAL VACATION WHILE IN TRAVEL STATUS
FOREIGN TRAVEL
TRAVELERS CHECKS
SPECIAL TRAVEL
TRAVEL-CORPORATE CHARGE CARDS
TRAVEL ADVANCES
RETENTION OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS TRAVEL
NON-ALLOWABLE TRAVEL EXPENSES
NON-UNIVERSITY TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENTS
The University reimburses faculty, staff, and others or pays outside vendors for all necessary and appropriate transportation and travel-related costs incurred with approved University activities. The University reimburses travel on the basis of the procedures outlined in this policy. Any exception to this policy must be approved in advance of the reimbursement claim at the vice president level. Please contact the Travel Services office, ext. 3395, if it becomes necessary to receive assistance in processing a policy exception request.
This policy applies to reimbursements of all University funds including gifts, endowment income, grants, designated income, auxiliary/athletic funds, and University appropriations. All personnel are responsible for following this policy.
The University designates a dean, department chair or director as the responsible party to approve, monitor, and provide accountability for travel activities in their respective areas. The signature of the responsible party indicates approval in advance of any planned travel, availability of sufficient funds to cover projected travel expenses, and compliance with the current University Travel Policy.
TRAVEL APPLICATION
All personnel traveling on University business must file a Travel
Application Form with the Travel Services office for each trip which
requires them to be away from home overnight and/or requires them to
use any form of commercial transportation. Travel Applications are
not required for same-day travel which does not require any form of
commercial transportation. The department chair and dean, or director
must approve and file the Travel Application before trip departure.
The Travel Application may include multiple travelers going to the
same destination who are not requesting individual cash advances and
who will not be filing an individual reimbursement request at the
conclusion of the trip.
GROUP TRAVEL
Normally, travel authorization is on an individual basis.
However, students or other personnel may receive authorization to
participate in group travel for a single activity with University
personnel acting as advisor/coordinator. Examples are athletic teams,
music/drama groups, student performing groups or classes attending
mandatory field trips. For group travel approval, the
advisor/coordinator should submit a Travel Application describing the
nature of the activity and list the name of each group participant.
(See TRAVEL PRIVATE AIRCRAFT/CHARTERS/BUSES. Also see Student Travel
Policy.)
Personnel functioning as advisors/coordinators for group travel and having responsibilities for booking airfare, lodging and other expenses should charge expenses (excluding airfare) on corporate charge cards. Upon returning from a group excursion, the advisor/coordinator must reconcile all trip charges to the corporate charge card statement and submit a completed Travel Application to Financial Services within fifteen days. Receipts and complete documentation for all charges claimed must be included. If meal money has been advanced to the trip advisor/ coordinator and distributed to group participants, a list of amounts distributed and signature of the recipient must be attached to the reimbursement claim.
TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT
All personnel traveling on University-approved business must
submit a completed Travel Application within fifteen days after
returning from a trip. The traveler is to report actual expenditures
and make an accounting of all financial activities for the trip. All
trip expenses incurred must have an express business purpose.
Travelers must not report personal expenses on this form (see
NON-ALLOWABLE TRAVEL EXPENSES).
Travelers must submit original, itemized receipts for each expense
exceeding $25.00 claimed on the completed Travel Application.
Individual expense claims of less than $25.00 should be documented
but do not require receipts. All required receipts must show date, to
whom paid, the amount and purpose of payment. Corporate charge card
slips are not acceptable since they do not contain the detail
required to make an effective reconciliation. While not all
inclusive, the following list shows examples of reimbursable expenses
which require receipts:
Travelers do not need to submit receipts for meals if the amount claimed does not exceed the University established per diem allowance (see TRAVEL-MEALS AND OTHER EXPENSES).
If original receipts are lost, a traveler must make a reasonable effort to obtain duplicates. If such efforts fail to produce duplicate receipts, the traveler must obtain a statement approved by the responsible dean, director or associate/assistant vice president. Financial Services will evaluate the statement for policy compliance and notify the traveler of its acceptance.
Non-university persons accompanying University personnel will not receive reimbursement for travel expenses unless the appropriate vice president authorizes the travel in advance and an express business purpose is identified on the original travel application. Advances will not be made to non-university personnel. If advance funding is required, a university employee must take responsibility for the advance, including the filing of all documentation following travel.
Travelers filing reimbursement requests involving accounting for a University cash travel advance are responsible for the application of governing tax laws (see TRAVEL ADVANCES for detail).
TRAVEL AT VENDOR EXPENSE
Personnel may not accept complimentary travel, hotel or food
expenses paid by a vendor beyond reasonable hospitality suite meals
where the purpose of the vendor is to sell or promote a product or
service. This does not apply to training trips regarding equipment or
services which the University has or will make payment as part of the
purchase price.
Travel Services must approve and process any donations or donations-in-kind for services, trade agreements, airline rebates, other travel monies or services offered at no charge to the University or its personnel, departments or programs.
TRAVEL COMPANIONS
Family, spouse or other persons may accompany personnel. However,
if such persons are to travel at University expense, the express
business purpose and advance authorization by the appropriate vice
president must appear on the Travel Application. Travelers are
responsible to comply with tax laws requiring an express business
purpose when family members are accompanying the business traveler.
Reimbursement for spouse travel requires submitting a detailed log of
business-related activities and time spent in performing those
duties. Travel Services will report to the IRS as additional taxable
income any approved family expenses paid by the University where
there is no documented business purpose.
Non-related University colleagues of the opposite sex should exercise sensitivity and good judgment when traveling together on University business to the same location. Careful planning should be exercised so that travel arrangements do not appear to compromise LDS Church standards or the integrity of appropriate personnel relationships.
ON ISLAND TRAVEL
Personnel REQUIRED to use privately owned vehicles for on island
travel may receive reimbursement at the current rate of $0.325 per
mile. Normal commuting mileage to and from work is not reimbursable
under any circumstances.
AIRPORT MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT
Travelers using personal vehicles to travel to and from the
airport may request mileage reimbursement for one round trip
($0.325 per mile) plus current airport long-term parking rates
(receipts required) or two round trips, whichever is less.
TRAVEL-PRIVATELY OWNED VEHICLES
The University authorizes reimbursement for transportation by
private automobile only when:
Travelers driving privately owned vehicles on approved University business who qualify under the above guidelines are eligible for mileage reimbursement at $0.325 per mile. Travel Services will calculate mileage between cities based on official state highway maps showing the shortest, most widely traveled route between cities.
The above reimbursement rates cover all fuel, maintenance, insurance, transportation, and operating costs. Travelers do not receive separate reimbursement for fuel costs for private automobiles. Damage to personal automobiles used on University business is covered by private insurance. The University does not assume liability or responsibility for deductibles or other uninsured loss to the vehicle or its occupants (see Insurance below).
The University will reimburse tolls and reasonable off-airport parking charges in addition to the mileage allowance if the traveler provides complete receipts with the Travel Reimbursement Request. There is no reimbursement for the cost of repairs, towing charges, or other such costs whether they result from the traveler's acts or the actions of others. Tickets for parking and moving violations are the responsibility of the traveler and are not reimbursable.
Whenever the usage of a personal automobile for approved University travel is primarily for the convenience of the traveler, reimbursement will not exceed the lesser of the cost of the per-mile reimbursement plus tolls or the most reasonable round-trip airfare between the nearest commercial airport serving the origin and destination cities plus associated transfer costs to and from airports and parking. The traveler does not receive reimbursement for extra expenses, such as meals and lodging, INCURRED BECAUSE OF PERSONAL AUTOMOBILE USAGE when commercial airline transportation is less expensive. To determine the amount to be reimbursed, travelers should contact Travel Services IN ADVANCE OF THE TRIP to have the airfare to mileage comparison calculated and approved.
INSURANCE
Travelers who use privately owned vehicles on University business
must sign a statement that a personal insurance policy is in force
which provides the following insurance coverage for the vehicle.
In the event University personnel are involved in an accident resulting in a loss, their liability insurance shall be primary to the full extent of its coverage limits. Personnel who use privately-owned vehicles for approved University travel shall have the sole responsibility for providing collision, comprehensive, and all other forms of personal insurance coverage for such a vehicle.
USE OF UNIVERSITY ON-SITE RESERVATIONS
SERVICES
In an effort to provide optimum service levels and preferred
pricing on all travel arrangements, University personnel are required
to arrange all airfare, lodging, car rental and transportation by
common carrier through the University on site travel reservations
center. The on-site reservations center is a full-service ARC
approved travel agency branch office with computer reservations and
ticketing capabilities. University personnel staffing the on-site
center have been selected specifically for their industry competence,
efficiency, expertise and service attitude to provide professional
service and quality value to University travelers. Services provided
through the on-site reservations center have also been specifically
selected and designed in an effort to provide maximum service and
preferential treatment and pricing to University travelers.
University personnel should contact the on-site reservations center as soon as they know travel dates and destination information to give agents as much time as possible to secure optimal fares and schedules. On-site agents should be made aware of, and will also book all special conference group and association discounts if applicable. An on-site, designated University agent must book all air, land and sea transportation. The University no longer maintains any direct billing arrangements with any other travel agencies. The University encourages travelers to call Travel Services, EXT. 3395, with questions and to receive assistance in planning or arranging travel.
As the main focus of the on-site reservations center is to provide maximum value to University personnel throughout the trip planning process, it is recognized there may be occasions requiring the University to consider purchasing travel arrangements from outside sources. Special proprietary tour packages, exclusive organization fares, and other special needs may be requested as an exception by contacting the Travel Services office for approval.
University personnel requesting this type of approval must be cognizant of propriety and confidentiality issues in dealing with outside vendors. The University's on-site reservations center status qualifies the University for preferred pricing in the industry and often will involve confidential contracts and other sensitive pricing information. While working through the trip planning process, personnel becoming aware of such information may not share pricing, schedules, contract terms, or other sensitive information with outside vendors as leverage to insure better pricing. Such activity endangers valuable contracts and industry relationships and is a violation of University Purchasing Policy and business code of ethics.
COMMERCIAL AIR TRAVEL
Air travel accommodations must be tourist, coach or special fare
class only. University-paid first class air travel is not an
allowable expense. Travelers are responsible to book air travel at
the most economical rates using normally traveled routes. Travelers
should make every effort to take advantage of all advance purchases,
Saturday night stay, promotional flights, reasonable non-direct
flights, conference fares, special negotiated fares, departing and
arriving at times slightly less than convenient and any other
reasonable savings opportunities which do not compromise the
effectiveness and purpose of the trip. In the event that a traveler
chooses a higher fare than the lowest applicable fare, assuming the
scheduling and convenience factors to be equal, approval must be
obtained from the responsible dean or vice president to purchase the
fare.
AIR CARRIER SELECTION CANNOT BE BIASED BY ANY TRAVELER'S FREQUENT FLYER AFFILIATION OR BENEFITS. THE LOWEST COST AIR TRAVEL WILL TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAMS. ANY EMPLOYEE CHOOSING A MORE EXPENSIVE FLIGHT PLAN TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A PROMOTIONAL PROGRAM SUCH AS A FREQUENT FLYER PLAN WILL BE REQUIRED TO REIMBURSE THE UNIVERSITY FOR ANY EXCESS COSTS.
Frequent flyer miles earned on travel funded by the University are maintained and redeemed individually by University personnel. Whenever practicable, personnel should redeem frequent flyer miles earned while traveling on University business to fund other University business travel. Personnel may also use earned frequent flyer miles for personal use if business use is not practicable. When redeeming frequent flyer certificates, the actual certificate must be exchanged in person on location at the respective airline city or airport office. Through a special agreement with the airlines, when frequent flyer certificates are being used for business travel, personnel may take certificates to the University Travel Services office where the exchange will be handled, thus eliminating the need for personnel to travel to an airport office.
Any frequent flyer miles earned while traveling on University business may not be exchanged for cash. Likewise, the University cannot reimburse personnel for their use.
University personnel qualifying for senior citizen discount coupons and planning to use the coupons for both University business and personal travel should purchase the coupons with personal funds. When using the coupons for a University-sponsored trip, the traveler should request reimbursement for the percentage of the cost calculated by the Travel Services office as being business related. Travelers who purchase senior citizen discount coupons with University funds, must use the entire value of the airline coupons for University-approved travel.
Travelers must book all air transportation through the University Travel Services office. When booking air travel, travelers must give the Travel Application number and the University approved account code to the on-site travel agent. The airfare is automatically charged to the University's central American Express business travel account and then charged directly to each department's account. The traveler must have an approved Travel Application before purchasing air tickets and send it to the University Travel Services office after completing reservations.
Travelers should not bill University-paid airline tickets purchased in advance of a trip to individual American Express cards or any other form of payment other than described in this policy. If the University is not paying for traveling companion's airline tickets, travelers should not charge them to the University.
Travelers who experience changes in trip plans, missed flights, or other difficulties during a trip, making the purchase of an additional airline ticket necessary, may charge it to their University-issued American Express Corporate charge card. The traveler must return all applicable receipts to the Financial Services office when requesting reimbursement. Travelers must return any unused airline tickets to the Travel Services office as soon as possible. Upon processing of the ticket refund, if possible, the respective campus department will receive credit for the refund. If the ticket is non-refundable, the ticket will be returned to the campus department for use on a future trip. All such tickets remain the property of the University and must be used for business travel. Tickets being held for exchange on a later trip may not be used for personal travel.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
By adhering to the University Travel Policy, travelers will
automatically receive, at no cost to themselves or the University,
$200,000 air travel insurance from American Express and $150,000 from
travel industry ARC affiliation. In addition, all personnel traveling
on University business (including students) have coverage under the
University's blanket travel insurance policy. Also, personnel may
purchase DMBA's Occupational Accidental Death and Dismemberment
and/or 24-hour accident insurance. Personnel choosing to purchase
additional travel insurance other than what is currently provided
must do so at their own personal expense.
TRAVELERS SHOULD BE AWARE THAT WHEN FLYING ON A NO-CHARGE TOUR CONDUCTOR PASS OR OTHER AIRLINE-ISSUED, NO-CHARGE TICKET, CORPORATE CHARGE CARD AND ARC AFFILIATION INSURANCE WILL NOT BE IN EFFECT.
TRAVEL-PRIVATE AIRCRAFT/CHARTERS/BUSES
Normally, the University does not allow travel by private
aircraft. The appropriate vice president must approve in advance air
flights other than on scheduled airlines. Travelers should use the
Travel Services office for any unscheduled or chartered flight
activity. Travelers who arrange for non-scheduled chartered
transportation should be aware of the basic fundamental principles
that should be followed in chartering airplanes and buses.
AIRPLANE CHARTERS
Federal regulations require Air Taxis (air charter companies) to be
certified with the Flight Standards Office of the Federal Aviation
Administration.
All charter airplane companies used for University business must be certified and in good standing with the Flight Standards Office in the area where they are located. Generally a minimum amount of liability insurance of $100,000,000 is required. On small charters lesser amounts of insurance may be appropriate. Contact the University Risk Management office for assistance in these instances. An "Insurance Certificate" stating the above, and naming Brigham Young University-Hawaii campus as an "additional insured" in connection with the chartered trip should be requested from the air charter company and forwarded to the Risk Management office for approval and filing.
BUS CHARTERS
Anyone chartering a bus for group travel should verify the
company is licensed by the state(s) in which they operate and is in
good standing. The recommended minimum amount of liability insurance
is $5,000,000. An "Insurance Certificate" stating the above, and
naming Brigham Young University-Hawaii campus as an "additional
insured" in connection with the chartered trip should be requested
from the bus company, and forwarded to the Risk Management office for
approval and filing. Personnel should contact the Risk Management and
Safety office with questions.
TRAVEL BY RAIL
The University will reimburse the cost for railroad fare not to
exceed the cost of the least expensive air fare. Travelers must
submit receipts to be reimbursed.
TRAVEL-RENTAL AUTOMOBILES
The University reimburses the cost of a rented automobile when
suitable or less expensive local transportation is unavailable or
when routing and time factors make it more advantageous than taxi or
other ground transportation. Travelers should only use a rental
vehicle when it is not possible or practical to use a University
vehicle. Rental vehicles should not be used if less expensive
transportation is available.
Whenever a rental car is used as the primary source of transportation and is primarily for the convenience of the traveler, reimbursement will not exceed the lesser of the cost of the rental car plus fuel and taxes or the most reasonable round-trip airfare between the nearest commercial airport serving the origin and destination cities plus associated transfer costs to and from airports and parking. The traveler will not receive reimbursement for extra expenses, such as meals and lodging in transit, the cost of a larger vehicle to transport family members or other non business related guests, or other expenses incurred for personal benefit when commercial airline transportation is less expensive.
The University's primary car rental suppliers are Hertz and Alamo. Both companies offer considerable discounts off normal rates, complete insurance coverage while operating a rental vehicle, discounts off international rental activity, and good vehicle availability both on and off airport nationwide.
Benefits of the contracts include the following:
University personnel should charge all car reservations to their University-issued corporate charge card. In addition, all rental car reservations should be made through the University Travel Services office which is equipped to make direct computer reservations with travel vendors.
Questions regarding rates, insurance coverage, reservations or other related issues should be referred to the University Travel Services office, ext. 3395.
Personnel should rent mid-size vehicles under normal traveling conditions. In exceptional cases, the University will reimburse the use of larger vehicles (several travelers in one vehicle, equipment transported, etc.).
Travelers should refuel the rental car before returning it to avoid the high cost of gasoline at the rental agency.
Personnel should decline all Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) coverage when traveling domestically on University business. Domestic travelers will not receive reimbursement for additional insurance coverage purchased. The University's corporate insurance policy combined with vendor car rental contract terms and conditions covers these insurance items for personnel. In case of an accident, contact the car rental agency and the Risk Management office.
WHEN TRAVELING INTERNATIONALLY, TRAVELERS SHOULD PURCHASE ALL AVAILABLE INSURANCE. ADDITIONAL INTERNATIONAL CAR RENTAL INSURANCE EXPENSE IS REIMBURSABLE.
TRAVEL-TAXIS AND AIRLINE/HOTEL SHUTTLE
SERVICE
Taxi and other types of livery or conveyance are reimbursable for
official business-related travel as follows:
Following the above guidelines, reasonable charges for taxi and airline or hotel limousine service are reimbursable when other modes of travel are not available or practical. To avoid unnecessary taxi expenses, personnel should utilize regularly-scheduled airport, bus or limousine service between terminal facilities and hotels, if available. Many hotels offer complimentary hotel shuttle services.
Taxi charges are reimbursable specifically for travel related to approved University business. Taxis between hotel and airport are allowable; however, taxis from a hotel to a restaurant for sightseeing trips are not allowable.
TRAVEL PER DIEM ALLOWANCE
Personnel traveling for the University away from home overnight
with an established business purpose are entitled to a per diem
allowance while on travel status. Per diem allowance includes both
meals and incidental expenses.
The per diem allowance is an all-inclusive allowance established and governed by current tax laws and its use is for meals and incidental expenses. There is no allowance for additional charges for other meals, fees, television and in room movies.
Under normal circumstances, when travel occurs and where the entire trip begins and ends in the same calendar day, per diem allowances and reimbursement for meals do not apply. Federal tax laws prohibit the reimbursement of meals and other incidental TRAVEL EXPENSES to personnel who are not away from home overnight or for long enough to require sleep or rest. As a result, personnel are normally responsible for providing their own meals and snacks while engaged in same-day travel.
Under special circumstances when an individual leaves home very early in the morning and returns home late the same night, the University will consider the individual away from home longer than a normal work day (the person must be gone a minimum of 12 hours to qualify) and will reimburse actual meal costs with receipts not to exceed the allowable per diem. These meal expenses are considered de minimis.
EXTENDED TRIPS
Full-time personnel traveling for extended periods of time (at least
60 days but not more than one year) may either travel under the
regular travel policy or receive approval from the appropriate vice
president for per diem only reimbursement to cover all expenses of
the trip. The negotiated per diem rate may not exceed the maximum
federal per diem rate for meals and lodging for the specific approved
travel destination(s), as published by the IRS and State Department.
The Financial Services Office will assist in planning extended trips
and in determining appropriate per diem allowances within the
published federal rates. Personnel traveling on meal and lodging per
diem allowances are not required to itemize expenses nor to provide
supporting receipts, but rather will receive a straight per diem to
cover all expenses. However, travelers must confirm to the Financial
Services Office the times, places and business purposes of the trip
every 90 days or at the conclusion of the trip, whichever is less.
This accounting can be made by FAX or mail. Contact the Financial
Services office for extended trip accounting forms.
MOVING AND TEMPORARY RELOCATION EXPENSE
Moving expenses for permanent relocation of either incoming or
outbound personnel are covered under the University Moving Policy.
Temporary relocation expenses may be reimbursed as travel expense if
the relocation is for less than 39 weeks. Relocation expenses
associated with a temporary assignment must be processed on a
University Travel Application form. A Travel Advance may be requested
for all relocation expenses not chargeable to the University
corporate charge card. Personnel involved in the actual temporary
relocation must submit all reimbursement claims on a Reimbursement
Request form and provide documentation and complete receipts for all
expenses claimed. Lump sum relocation allowances without
accountability will not be processed.
REGISTRATION FEES
Registration fees for meetings and conferences are reimbursable.
The traveler should use the University-issued American Express or
purchasing card whenever possible. Where University corporate cards
are not accepted, the traveler may use Limited Purchase Drafts or
University Visa purchasing card.. When using these two means of
payment, the traveler should not request reimbursement in addition to
the direct payment.
NON-TRAVEL RELATED BUSINESS MEALS AND ENTERTAINMENT
It may be appropriate to include meals or other expenses in the
regular conduct of day-to-day business which furthers the interest of
the University and has an express business purpose. Each department
chair or administrative manager authorized to approve such activities
should carefully consider the appropriateness of food and other
related purchases.
The University considers this type of expense as non-travel related transportation and general business expense. Departments should cover these expenses by using Limited Purchase Drafts, Purchasing Cards, Check Requisitions, Campus Purchase Orders. Personnel may request reimbursement for such expenses, if needed, on a Travel Reimbursement Request. They must justify and document an express business purpose with the following criteria:
Department chairs/managers approving non-travel related business meals and other expenses are responsible to provide complete receipts and documentation as described above. Complete documentation includes names of all personnel and non-employees with business relationship to the meal. The documentation must be specific and indicate how the meal or other expense furthered the University's interests and why the expense was a necessary element of the overall business outcome of the activity. Financial Services will refuse reimbursement and charge back expenditures to the participants for undocumented or questionable meal purchases.
Undocumented reimbursed expenditures are taxable to the participants, and the University will report it as taxable income on the individual's W-2 tax form.
TRAVEL-HOSTING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Occasionally, it may become necessary to host other individuals'
meals while traveling. Entertainment, however represented, is not an
allowable charge without specific, prior approval at the vice
president level on the Travel Application. Costs for approved hosting
activities are reimbursable only under the following conditions and
with documentation of the specific business purpose (see Non-travel
Related Business Meals and Entertainment section for documentation
requirements):
TRAVEL-LODGING
Travelers should use standard accommodations in reasonably
priced, commercial-class hotels/motels. The traveler should use the
University American Express corporate charge card to pay for lodging
and to guarantee room reservations whenever possible. The traveler
may use Limited Purchase Drafts or Check Requisitions to guarantee
rooms only when the University American Express corporate charge
cards are not accepted.
Travelers should book hotel reservations through the University Travel Service whenever possible. This practice insures the lowest possible cost, inclusion of all available discounts, and contract hotel availability. Reimbursement is made on the actual base rate plus taxes and approved amenities. The traveler must attach the original hotel/motel paid receipt (credit card receipt is not acceptable) to the Travel Reimbursement Request.
The University has negotiated exceptional rates to many of its most heavily traveled cities. Rate information, availability, reservations, and other hotel booking needs can be obtained by contacting University Travel Services, ext 3395.
If two employees share the cost of a double room, they should either request a separate receipt for each portion of a shared room rate and indicate a proportionate share of the total expense; or one employee should seek reimbursement for the entire bill and the second employee not make a hotel reimbursement request. In either case, the corresponding name and Travel Application number must be cross-referenced on each travel reimbursement request to verify the names of the persons sharing the expense.
Travelers do not receive reimbursement for lodging costs when they stay with friends or relatives. However, when traveling away from home overnight, a maximum of $30.00 amount is allowed for each seven-days of housing or portions thereof provided by family or friends. Travelers may use this allowance along with the regular meal subsistence allowance, if applicable, to provide a gratuity to the host.
In-room movies, mini-bar charges, concierge services and other in-room services are not reimbursable beyond the approved per diem allowance. Travelers should not charge long distance telephone calls on the hotel bill, if avoidable, since exorbitant hotel surcharges are not reimbursable. To avoid surcharges, travelers should use University Calling Cards. (Numbers and complete user instructions are available from University Telephone Services, ext. 3515.) Reasonable, business-related telephone calls, necessary calls associated with an ecclesiastical calling, and one personal call per day for the purpose of communicating safe arrival and continued well being are allowable.
Business-related cellular telephone calls and charges are reimbursable when approved by the appropriate dean or vice president. Telephone calls made from an airplane or other unreasonably priced areas are not reimbursable except under extreme emergencies.
Laundry charges are not normally reimbursable beyond the approved per diem allowance. If, however, normal business trips extend beyond seven days, one laundry expense per seven-day period will be reimbursable.
PERSONAL VACATION WHILE IN TRAVEL STATUS
A traveler must indicate any personal vacation time and expense
on the Travel Reimbursement Request when claiming allowable business
travel expenses where business and personal vacation time are
combined within the same trip period. The subsistence allowance and
other University financial support for travel-related expenses ceases
during personal vacation periods. In addition, travel, lodging, or
meal expenses for spouses or other dependents is not
reimbursable.
When combining personal vacation with business and traveling through use of a University vehicle or motor pool vehicle, all vacation mileage and any expense associated with using a larger vehicle than would normally be required for the purpose of transporting family members should be logged and reimbursed to the University upon conclusion of the trip. In general, any personal expenses associated with vacation and family travel should be paid from personal funds.
Vacation time taken in conjunction with an official business trip should, when applicable be reported as such, upon conclusion of the trip (see Leaves Policy - Vacation).
FOREIGN TRAVEL
To the maximum extent possible, the policies and procedures about
domestic travel also apply to foreign travel, and actual costs are
reimbursable where reasonable and necessary.
TRAVELERS CHECKS
Travelers may purchase American Express Travelers Checks in the
University's Business Office between 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday
through Friday, at no service charge to personnel. The University
will not reimburse service charges for travelers checks obtained
elsewhere.
SPECIAL TRAVEL
Travel for such purposes as employment interviews at the
University and visits to the University by lecturers and other
official visitors is special travel and is governed by the general
University Travel Policy. Department budgets and/or the terms of
contracts and grants often limit funds to support special travel.
Departments should not charge such travel to the regular travel
account. University personnel should not make a commitment to
incoming individuals for paying or reimbursing travel expenses
without receiving approval from the appropriate dean or vice
president. This is a general standard within the University. An
individual dean or vice president may, at their discretion, approve
more specific or restrictive policies for individual department
needs.
Official visitors to campus may receive reimbursement, if authorized, for travel expenses incurred within the business purpose of their visit at the University under the normal travel policy for personnel. University representatives should submit a travel application when applicable for inbound travelers. Travel arrangements should be booked through the University Travel Services Office. Reimbursement of travel expenses associated with an on campus employment interview or other official visits should be processed on a University Travel application form, and complete receipts must be included for all claimed expenses. Incoming traveler's reimbursement requests will not be processed on a Check Requisition form.
University personnel involved in making reimbursement commitments to incoming lecturers and visitors should be in compliance with all tax laws and immigration laws required in the reimbursement process. DEPARTMENTS SHOULD NOT MAKE ANY PAYMENTS OR REIMBURSEMENTS TO INDIVIDUALS FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES WHO ARE NOT TRAVELING ON AN APPROVED WORKING VISA. Questions and information about international visa requirements should be referred to the appropriate vice president.
TRAVEL-CORPORATE CHARGE CARDS
The University provides, upon approved application and at no
charge, American Express corporate charge cards to any full-time
faculty or staff member with a yearly income of at least $15,000. The
University encourages all personnel who qualify to apply for a
corporate charge card to be used for many University business related
travel expenses. Applications are available from the Vice President
for Administrative Services, and the individual can initiate an
application at any time. Applicants should return completed forms for
processing, which includes a minimum level credit check by the
corporate charge card company. Upon approval, the office receives the
card from the card vendor and notifies the applicant of its arrival.
The individual must pick the card up in person. At the time of
pickup, each employee must sign an acknowledgment form recognizing
receipt of the card and agreeing to comply with all travel
policies.
The corporate charge card program at the University is designed to provide personnel with a convenient, low-risk method to meet University-approved travel and other business expenses. For eligible personnel, the corporate charge card replaces the former practice of issuing large travel advances.
Personnel should use their corporate charge cards for official University-approved travel expenses. Personal charges should not be made on University corporate charge cards.
The University uses the card strictly for convenience in handling travel related charges, and not because of a need for consumer credit or debt. Cardholders should not use the corporate charge card to circumvent the University purchasing function by charging anything other than approved travel related activities.
Whenever possible, personnel should charge lodging, car rentals, meals, registration, and other University approved business travel expenses to their corporate charge card. Card users will apply for and receive reimbursement to pay their charge bill each month. An individual is responsible to pay all card charges in a timely manner. Individuals may not withhold payment to the corporate card company after receiving reimbursement for the purpose of earning personal interest. The Travel Services office will honor requests for reimbursement quickly, but it cannot make payments directly to the card company. Personnel may not make corporate charge card payments to card vendors on Limited Purchase Drafts, Check Requisitions or any method other than outlined in this policy.
The amount owed for charge card usage is due upon receipt of the statement by the cardholder. An account is delinquent if the card company does not receive payment within 30 days of the statement billing date. The card company notifies the employee and University that the account is delinquent. Financial Services will notify the individual of the obligation to make timely payments.
If an employee does not make payment within 60 days of the billing date, the University will suspend charge privileges until the employee clears the account. Financial Services will contact the employee and immediate supervisor to advise of the seriousness of nonpayment. Personnel who have canceled cards due to intentional nonpayment may not rejoin the program.
Any individual participating in a LEAVE OF ABSENCE WITHOUT BENEFITS must surrender any corporate charge cards in their possession before leaving the University. Personnel participating in a LEAVE OF ABSENCE WITH BENEFITS may retain and continue using their corporate charge cards during their leave.
Personnel must surrender their American Express corporate charge cards to the Vice President for Administrative Services immediately upon terminating employment.
If an employee's corporate charge card becomes lost or stolen, the person should call the Travel Services office immediately to report the incident. University and individual liability for charges ceases upon notification to the charge card company at 1-800-528-2121.
The University is 100% liable for all charges from which it receives direct benefit and has not reimbursed the traveling employee. Once the University reimburses the traveler, the traveler becomes 100% liable to forward the payment to the corporate charge card company.
TRAVEL ADVANCES
The University functions under the Internal Revenue Services
"Accountable Cash Advance Plan" for classification purposes. As a
result of that classification, personnel requesting cash advances
must comply with the following restrictions:
Cash travel advances may be issued for trips or portions of trips not extending beyond 60 days duration.
The American Express corporate charge cards normally eliminate the need for large travel advances. In addition to the convenience, the cards can reduce the chance of income tax implications, financial risk from carrying cash or travelers checks, and other cash-related liabilities.
Travelers may receive advances when necessary and approved by the dean or vice president. Individuals may request and receive an (minimum $50.00) advance in the following situations:
Personnel may not use travel advances to purchase air, train, rental car, or other commercial transportation.
Personnel should request travel advances on an approved Travel Application form. Travel advance requests require a minimum of five working days to process. Travelers should plan ahead since Travel Services will process emergency travel advance requests only in legitimate, unavoidable emergency situations. The University will not issue travel advances more than ten working days before the approved travel. Travelers must pick up the advance in person at Financial Services with proper identification. If circumstances do not permit in-person pick up, the person picking up the advance must show University identification, and have the traveler sign and return an affidavit verifying receipt of the travel advance.
Non-University personnel may not receive travel advances. If a non-University person requires an advance, a responsible employee must personally request the advance in his/her name and assume full responsibility for the business purpose, accounting and complete documentation for the advance. Approved student advances not documented within 30 days will be added to their student receivables account.
The University considers a travel advance a personal loan, and the traveler must account for it within fifteen days of returning from a trip or with 30 days of issuance, whichever is earlier. After a trip, the traveler should deposit unspent cash at the Business Office. Upon deposit, the traveler receives a receipt to attach to the completed Travel Application which verifies the deposit of the unspent funds. Travelers should not submit cash with the completed Travel application. Travel advances left unsubstantiated and unspent balances not returned within 30 days of issuance will be deducted from the employees wages to avoid personal income tax implications.
Travelers who do not account for earlier travel advances will not receive an additional advance.
Travelers engaging in back-to-back trips should reconcile all outstanding advance activity before leaving on a later trip.
RETENTION OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Departments must retain department copies of travel applications,
travel advance records, and travel reimbursement request
documentation for the current and immediate past fiscal years.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS TRAVEL
All costs incidental to travel of independent contractors are the
sole responsibility of the contractor.
NON-ALLOWABLE TRAVEL EXPENSES
Some expenses are the personal responsibility of the employee and
are not reimbursable. The following list is not all inclusive, but
show examples of such non-reimbursable expenses.
NON-UNIVERSITY TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENTS
The travel policies and procedures stated in this document apply
fully to individuals who are not University personnel but receive
reimbursement for University-approved travel. Normally, these
individuals are guest lecturers, consultants, or prospective faculty
or staff. The department arranging the travel is responsible for
policy compliance, properly completed forms, and complete
documentation of all expenses.