SECTION: TRAVEL INDEX: F-1
SUBJECT: REIMBURSEMENT FOR TRAVEL AND OTHER EXPENSES
POLICY
It is the policy of the institution that all reasonable expenses for official travel shall be reimbursed in accordance with the guidelines set forth below. It is recognized that exceptions are necessary from time to time and these should be cleared in advance through the Travel Coordinator in the Finance Department.
PROCEDURE
State Funds
All travel on state funds will be reimbursed according to the State of
Local Funds
The Texas State Travel Allowance Guide will be applicable for all local travel situations that are not specifically covered in the UHV Travel Policy and Procedures.
TRANSPORTATION
Airplane. Air coach should be used in the interest of economy. If such accommodations are not available to use, the next highest class travel is allowable if a proper explanation is provided on the travel expense voucher. Original ticket stubs or e-ticket itinerary must be attached to the voucher for reimbursement and dates of travel must agree.
Automobile. Travel by private auto is reimbursable at the current state mileage rate per mile, provided such total reimbursement does not exceed equivalent air coach fare or other reasonable available transportation. Necessary extra costs for food or lodging while en route are not reimbursable if the traveler is reimbursed on a mileage basis in preference to air travel or other public transportation.
The Texas Mileage guide shows the mileage between two locations. The electronic mileage guide is adopted under TEX.GOV’T CODE ANN. 660.053(a)(2)-(3). It is intended as a guide for state employees to use when traveling by automobile.
The Texas Mileage Guide can be accessed from the State Comptroller's web site. Some destinations are not available on this sight. Point to point destinations obtained from the employee’s odometer readings along with street address to street address may be used. Intercity mileage can be reimbursed from odometer readings using a Personal Vehicle Mileage Form when point to point addresses are stated on travel voucher.
Rental Automobiles. Rental autos may be used when such travel is more advantageous to the institution than the use of taxis or other means of transportation. Advance reservations for automobiles should be requested. Rental receipts must be attached to the voucher for reimbursement. Traveler must use the state-contracted car rental agency for in-state, if available.
Taxi, Bus or Limo Service. Fares including reasonable tips are allowable if no other reasonable public transportation is available. Receipts must be attached to the voucher for reimbursement.
PER DIEM
Employees traveling in state, out of state, or foreign may be reimbursed for lodging and meal expenses. Lodging expenses require receipts. Meal expenses may be reimbursed from actual receipts not to exceed the per diem rate or the per diem rate without receipts. Travel vouchers cannot be processed without the necessary receipts. If a receipt is lost, a copy of the receipt or a credit card slip will be accepted as proof of payment.
Meals
Per diem or meal expense should be claimed only when there is an expense. If meals are provided at no cost to the employee as part of a registration fee or an airplane ticket, those meals should not be claimed by the traveler.
An employee traveling and not requiring overnight lodging may not claim reimbursement for actual meal costs, UHV Policy F-4. The employee must be away from the campus over night to claim meal reimbursement. When a traveler is reimbursed for per diem, instead of actual meal expenses, the traveler may claim up to 100 percent of the per diem for the first and last days of travel, not to exceed their actual meal expenses. The ability to claim per diem is not based on the time of departure or return.
State Funds
Meals paid from state funds will be reimbursed at the current state per diem rate found on the State Comptroller's web site.
Local Funds
Meals paid from local funds will be reimbursed at the current state per diem rate found on the State Comptroller's web site. When requesting current state rate, receipts are not required.
Actual meal expenses, when supported by receipts, may be reimbursed from local funds. Actual meal expenses must not exceed the current state rate, current out-of-state rate, or foreign rate. Per Diem for foreign travel can be found on the following website: http://aoprals.state.gov/web920/
Hotel
State Funds
Requests for reimbursements from state funds may not exceed the current state contracted hotel rate found on the State Comptroller's web site.
Current state-contracted hotels must be used unless the voucher is accompanied by written justification.
Local Funds
Actual reasonable hotel expense, when “reasonable” is determined prior to travel, is reimbursable from local funds when supported by receipts. Out of State Travel and Foreign Travel
Employees traveling out-of-state using state funds receive a flat rate for meals and lodging. Out-of-State Rates can be found on the State Comptroller's web site. Per diem meal receipts are not required.
Other Necessary Miscellaneous Expenses.
Category #1: Reimbursement Requires Receipts
e. Books or documents purchased for and while attending a seminar or conference
f Passport or visa charges, departure taxes, and inoculations for foreign travel
Category #2 Reimbursement from either Actual Receipts or up to a total of $15 per day for all category #2 itemized expenses without receipts
a. Telephone calls (only related to university business);
b. Toll charges
c. Copying charges;
d. Postage;
e. Notary fees;
f. Charges to exchange U.S. currency for foreign currency and vice versa. The exchange rate used for conversion of monies must be stated;
g. Travelers check charges;
h. Tips for baggage handling or other services where it is customary to tip. Discretion must be used to ensure tips are given only in appropriate circumstances and for appropriate amounts. However, if meals are reimbursed by the Foreign M&IE per diem, tips for baggage handling may not be reimbursed separately, since M&IE per diem already includes an allowance for baggage handling tips;
Facsimile charges; parking; laundry and dry cleaning expenses incurred during travel for a trip lasting longer than six days. However, if meals are reimbursed by the Foreign M&IE per diem, laundry and dry cleaning expenses may not be reimbursed separately, since M&IE per diem already includes an allowance for laundry and dry cleaning.
MISCELLANEOUS
Travel Request. The Travel Request must be approved by (1) the traveler’s supervisor or unit head paying for the travel expenses and (2) certifying signatory for the cost center(s) on the Travel Request. Both signatures are required even if the Supervisor and Cost Center Authority are the same person. This is a requirement for insurance. Exception: A Travel Request is not required for a non-overnight stay when using a personal vehicle.
Point to Point. A building, house, address, highway intersection, or other similarly-localized spot.
Purpose of Travel. A clear statement of the purpose and necessity of travel must be stated on the travel voucher.
Designated Headquarters. For purposes of per diem and mileage, 3007.
North Ben Wilson, Victoria, Texas 77901 is designated headquarters for
UH-Victoria; 3402 N. Ben Wilson, Victoria, Texas 77901 is designated
headquarters for Small Business Development Center; 14000 University Blvd.,
Insurance. The cost for employee life or disability insurance premiums cannot be claimed for reimbursement by the employee.
Acronyms. Acronyms are not acceptable. The organizations’ name must be spelled out at least once on the travel voucher.
Cash Advances. A cash advance is not available.
Approved:
_________________
Tim Hudson, Ph.D.
Date
President
Next review date: September 2010
Origination: Finance Department