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LESLEY UNIVERSITY TRAVEL POLICY AND PROCEDURESEffective September 2006INTRODUCTIONThe Lesley University Travel Policy provides guidelines and establishes procedures for employees traveling on University business. The purpose of this policy is to:
These policies and procedures were developed for University-wide use. Any questions, recommendations, concerns or suggestions regarding this travel policy may be directed to the Operations or Controller's office. All concerns relating to Off-Campus Programs travel should be directed to that office. Responsibility of the TravelerIt is the traveler's responsibility to understand this policy before planning and commencing travel. Business travel expenses will be paid or reimbursed by the University for normal business travel or travel disrupted or interrupted beyond the traveler's control if they are reasonable, documented, properly authorized and within the guidelines of this policy. The traveler should neither gain nor lose personal funds as a result of travel. Travelers may not authorize reimbursement for their own expenses. Additionally employees are not authorized to approve the expenses of a colleague or supervisor. Responsibility of Authorized SignerDepartments will designate authorized signers to the Finance office for business and travel expenses. The authorized signers have the primary responsibility for ensuring compliance with this policy. The authorize signers must verify that expenses and expense reports meet the following criteria:
Sponsored Project TravelDomestic and foreign travel charged to sponsored projects should follow guidelines set forth by this policy unless the funding agency imposes greater restrictions. The terms of a particular grant or contract should be referred to for guidance on which expenditures are allowed. The authority for determining which travel is reimbursable under a particular grant or contract is the Controller's office. Invitational TravelIf a department is arranging travel for a non-Lesley employee (e.g. speaker or employee candidate), the same policies and procedures apply. OFF-CAMPUS PROGRAMSFor a detailed summary of policies specific to Off-Campus Travel, go to the Instructional Travel Policy Summary. TRAVEL AGENCIES AND PROGRAMSLesley University has entered into an agreement with Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) to provide quality services at the lowest available cost within the framework of this policy. All air, car and rail travel should be arranged through CWT. CWT is committed to working with university departments to provide quality services and the lowest cost within the framework of this policy. Any issues related to CWT should be brought to the attention of the Operations office. CARLSON WAGONLIT TRAVELCWT Toll Free, CWT 24 Hour Service, Off-Campus Emergency ProceduresAll travelers should click here to review the emergency procedures.Travel ArrangementsTravelers have the responsibility to make reservations as early as possible to take advantage of advance purchase discounts. All air travel, lodging, car rental, and rail travel should be booked through CWT. All employees planning to travel at least twice a year are expected to submit traveler profiles to CWT to ensure that details and preferences are adhered to in the reservation process. If the employee is combining a business trip with a personal trip, all personal expenses including any increase in airfare are to be paid directly by the employee. Travel Arrangements – Off-Campus ProgramsTravel arrangements for faculty teaching in Off-Campus Programs is the same as that for regular Lesley University business travelers, with the exception that all lodging will be arranged by the Program Assistants in the Faculty Care Department of National Programs. TicketingWhenever possible, employees will be issued an electronic ticket for air travel. Electronic tickets cannot be lost or stolen. If the traveler loses a paper ticket they must contact CWT immediately. In the case of Off-Campus faculty, most programs run from 5:00-10:00 p.m. on Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on Saturday and 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on Sundays. Travel arrangements must be planned to accommodate these hours; any exceptions require authorized approval by the Program Directors with notification to Faculty Care. Travel Accounting and Billing – Non-Off-Campus Programs
Travel Accounting and Billing – Blanket Purchase Orders
Travel Accounting and Billing – Blanket Purchase Orders - Off Campus ProgramThe Off Campus Program travel accounting and billing is the same policy as above. COMMERICAL AIR TRAVELCommercial air travel should be made through CWT. Travelers should inform the agents that they are with Lesley University. Travel agents have been advised to offer electronic tickets where eligible and will inform the traveler of all necessary trip information. Airline Class of ServiceAll air travel must be in coach class. Employees are expected to use the lowest logical air fare available. CWT has been instructed to notify travelers of the Lesley University policy requiring employees to accept the least expensive comparable and reasonable flight that is within a one hour window of the original requested flight time. Frequent flyer memberships must not influence flight selection that would result in selecting a flight that is not the lowest price available. If a traveler declines to accept the lowest reasonable fare within the one hour window of the original requested flight times and the increased cost of the flight is $100 or more, the traveler is required to get Supervisor or Off Campus Division or Program Director approval. The lowest priced coach class airfare is generally available with an advance purchase (3, 7, 14 or 21 days in advance) and is usually classed non-refundable, allowing for a reservation change (for a fee) to the return portion of the trip only. Upgrades for Air TravelAn upgrade at the expense of the university is not permitted and will not be reimbursed. Free upgrades or upgrades paid by the traveler must be clearly documented in the Travel Expense Report. Airline Frequent Flyer ProgramsLesley University will not reimburse travelers for tickets purchases with frequent flyer miles. Frequent Flyer miles earned by the traveler during university business travel may be retained by the traveler for personal use. Airline Club MembershipDues for membership in any airport/airline club are not reimbursable. Travel on Private or Charter AircraftTravel on private or charter aircraft is not authorized by Lesley University. Lost or Excess BaggageThe University will not reimburse travelers for personal items lost while traveling on business. The airlines are responsible for compensating travelers for lost baggage. Employees will be reimbursed for excess baggage charges when traveling with heavy or bulk material or equipment for business and if traveling for more than two weeks. Documentation must be included in the Travel Expense Report explaining the nature of the excess baggage charge. Cancellations /Unused Airline TicketsWhen a trip is cancelled after a paper ticket has been issued, the traveler should return the unused ticket to the issuing travel agent. Unused airline tickets have a cash value and should not be discarded or destroyed. Travelers must not include unused tickets in their expense reports. In the event of a cancellation for an electronic ticket, travelers should call CWT agents and the refund will be processed by the agent. Denied Boarding CompensationAirlines occasionally offer free tickets or cash allowances to compensate travelers for delays due to overbooking, flight cancellations, changes of equipment etc. Travelers may volunteer for denied boarding compensation only if flying outside of normal working hours or if the delay in their trip will not result in any interruption or loss of business. Travelers may keep the compensation for their own personal use. Lost or Stolen Airline TicketsTravelers whose paper airline tickets are lost or stolen must contact the issuing agent immediately. A new ticket will be issued for the lost portion of the ticket at the cost of the original ticket plus a lost ticket fee for the paper ticket. Additional costs incurred by a lost or stolen ticket will be the responsibility of the traveler and will not be reimbursed by the University. RAIL TRAVELRail travel should be made thru CWT. Lesley University employees on business or personal travel can receive a 30% discount off the regular one–way fare on the Business Class Acela Express and the Regional Metroliner from Boston or Providence to New York and Washington. Class of ServiceRail travel may be used when the traveler finds it convenient and it is the least costly transportation available. Rail travel should be at the lowest available fare that offers reserve seating. Business class may be authorized by the traveler's department head if the cost is less than a coach class air fare. Rail Travel ReimbursementThe original passenger receipt is required for reimbursement. AUTOMOBILE TRAVELRental CarsTravelers may rent a car when driving is more convenient and less expensive than airline or rail service or it is necessary to transport equipment or materials. Reimbursement for rental cars in the general area of one's regular place of business is prohibited. Travelers may rent a car when the total costs including parking are less expensive than other transportation modes such as taxis and airport shuttles. All employees renting cars must comply with all rental agency requirements as well as state and local laws governing operating a motor vehicle. Violations of any motor vehicle law are the employee's personal responsibility. Every reasonable effort should be made to return the rental car with a full tank of gas to avoid expensive refueling charges. If the rental car is returned and requires gasoline, a portion of any refueling that exceeds $10 will be deducted from the employee's reimbursement. If the rental company offers the fuel service option, it is to be refused. If the fuel service option is chosen, the entire cost will be deducted from the employee's reimbursement. The university does not pay for the rental of children's car seats or for additional drivers, unless the other driver is a Lesley employee. Rental cars are not to be used for any personal travel. GPS cannot be requested unless vendor allows traveler to pay the cost personally upon pickup; the expense is not reimbursable. Rental Car Requirements for University EmployeesUniversity employees are approved to rent cars if they live more than 150 miles from their business travel destination. Authorization must be given by their supervisor before reservations can be made. Employees who are required as part of their primary duties to travel in the Boston area but outside of the Massachusetts Transit System and do not have access to an automobile may, on an infrequent basis and with prior authorization from their supervisor, rent a car when the total costs to rent, including parking and gas, are less expensive than other transportation modes such as taxis. This is to be done only on an occasional basis when required by University business and the employee is expected to rent the least expensive class of car. The car is to be used for business travel only. Car rentals for an employee's regular commute will not be reimbursed by the university as this is in violation of IRS regulations. Before renting, the employee should always compare the cost of rental against the University agreement with Zip Car. The cost of gasoline is included in the Zip Car rate. If the employee is scheduled for several one-day trips, Zip Car is often a more cost effective alternative. Rental Car CategoriesBoth regular Lesley business travelers and Off Campus program travelers, are required to use economy, compact or midsize cars. Travelers may book a class of service one level higher when there is no additional cost to the University or in case of bad weather conditions. For Off-Campus travel, faculty member needs to obtain approval from the Program Director for upgrade above a midsize car. At the time of the rental, the car should be inspected with the rental car company representative if available and any damage found should be noted on the contract before the vehicle is accepted. When the car is returned, an inspection should take place with the rental car company representative if available to ensure car was returned in the same condition in which it was received. Preferred Rental Car SuppliersThe University has negotiated agreements with National, Avis and Zip Car for discounted car rental rates. These rates are available through CWT. Other car rental agencies may be used in areas where Avis is not available. Rental Car Insurance –DomesticTravelers should decline rental car insurance. If car insurance is accepted, it will be deducted from the employee's reimbursement. Rental Car Insurance –InternationalTravelers should accept all insurance coverage when renting a car in a foreign country. Rental Car AccidentsShould a rental car accident occur, travelers need to submit a written accident report to the rental car company, local authorities and the CFO's office. For Off-Campus travel, if an adjunct has a car accident, the scheduler for that program also needs to be notified. Rental Car ReimbursementIf rental car is not being paid by direct bill, the original car rental agreement receipt is required for reimbursement. Rental Car Club MembershipTravelers may participate in rental car club memberships that are free of charge or at their own expense. Personal CarEmployees may use their personal car for business purposes if it is less expensive than renting a car, taxi or alternative transportation or if it is timelier than taking public transportation. Personal Car – Off-Campus ProgramsEmployees can be reimbursed to a maximum of 600 miles per weekend, without prior approval. Reimbursement for Personal Car UsageTravelers will be reimbursed for business usage of personal cars. For travel taking place on or after July 1, 2008, the mileage reimbursement rate will be 58.5 cents per mile. For travel taking place from January 1, 2008 to June 30, 2008, the mileage reimbursement rate will be 50.5 cents per mile. For travel that occurs from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007, the mileage reimbursement rate is 46.5 cents per mile. Employees will not be reimbursed for their daily commute. Automobile mileage allowance assumes coverage of all transportation. The automobile mileage allowance assumes coverage of all transportation and operating costs including gas, oil, towing charge, repairs, auto insurance and damages. Tolls and parking will be reimbursed in addition to the allowance. Employees will not be reimbursed for tickets, fines or traffic violations. Requests for reimbursement should include starting point, destination, number of miles and purpose of trip. Automated tolls paid (e.g. Fastlane / EZ-Pass) will not require support documentation as long as the charges are reasonable. In case of insurance claims including theft or damages while on University business, the employee's personal insurance coverage is the primary insurance carrier. LEISURE TRAVELTravelers can take advantage of special discounts with Avis by entering the Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number A846190. For further information visit the Avis Special Services page. OTHER TRANSPORTATIONGround TransportationThe most economical mode of transportation should be used to and from air, bus and rail terminals. In many cities transportation to and from airports is provided free by many major hotels. Public transportation and shuttle service should also be considered. Employees traveling to the same location should share ground transportation whenever possible. Reasonable use of a car service will be reimbursed only if it costs less than other available modes of transportation such as taxi or shuttle or if a valid business reason precludes the use of a more economical mode of transportation. Ground Transportation Reimbursement Requirements Original receipts are required for all ground transportation expenses. LODGINGHotel ReservationsTravelers should use standard accommodations at non-luxury hotels and motels when making reservations. In many locations special rates have been negotiated by the University or CWT. Employees should be aware of and utilize these special discounts when appropriate. Seminars and conferences often offer favorable rates at particular hotels for attendees. Employees attending conferences at specific hotels should request a room at the minimum rate offered. Hotel Spending GuidelinesThe University will pay for the cost of a single room unless a larger room is shared with another employee on University business or special business circumstances warrant a larger room or suite of rooms. Documentation of such situations should accompany the hotel receipt. Exceptions should be approved before the expense is incurred by the Dean or Budget Unit Head. Expanded accommodations for family members and/or guests are the responsibility of the employee and are not reimbursable. Hotel CancellationsNormally, reservations will guarantee a late arrival. If a traveler is unable to honor the reservations, it is the traveler's responsibility to ensure that the room is canceled in compliance with the cancellation terms established by the hotel. This may be done by contacting CWT or by calling the hotel directly. Hotel Reimbursement RequirementsThe original detailed hotel bill is required for reimbursement of lodging expenses. Personal expenses should be labeled on the hotel bill and not be claimed on the Travel Expense Report. Hotel expenses should be broken down by day and category (room, meals, miscellaneous ) when claimed on the expense report. If receiving meal reimbursements, a detailed meal receipt must also be included. If the detailed receipt is not included, the meal will not be reimbursed. If the hotel bill indicates that the number of guests as more than one and the expenses are not split accordingly, the business purpose of the guest will need to be explained or the cost differential (i.e.: single vs. double room) should be adjusted. Small hotels and bed and breakfast lodging often do not provide an itemized bill. The receipt from the establishment and record of payment will be accepted for reimbursement. Hotel Frequent Guest ProgramsMany hotels have frequent guest programs that reward travelers with free accommodations in exchange for a given number of paid room nights at a hotel. Awards from such programs may be retained by the traveler. Participation in these programs must not influence hotel selection which would result in incremental costs beyond the University or travel agency negotiated rate. Any membership fees associated with joining these programs are not reimbursable. Lodging in a Private ResidenceTravelers who stay in a private residence with friends or relatives while traveling on business will be reimbursed for reasonable actual expenses incurred to extend appreciation for their hospitality. Lodging Per DiemReimbursement for lodging is primarily made on the basis of actual expenses incurred. Under special circumstances, such as lodging in foreign countries where receipts are difficult to obtain, the use of lodging per diem may be warranted. Authorization for use of the lodging per diem must be granted by the Controller in advance of travel. Per diem amounts will be based on Federal Travel Regulation guidelines. Lodging GuidelinesOvernight lodging will be provided if a traveler's destination is fifty miles or more from their home. Any deviation to this is subject to supervisor's approval and requires documentation of reason. Reimbursement for lodging within the general area of one's residence may be considered personal income as defined by the IRS regulations and subject to income tax. Lodging Guidelines for Off-Campus ProgramsOvernight lodging will be provided for Friday and Saturday night when the destination is 50 miles or greater from the faculty member's residence. The number of approved nights can be found on the Faculty Care Confirmation Sheet received from Faculty Care administrators. Any deviation to this is subject to supervisor's approval and documentation of reason. Reimbursement for lodging within the general area of one's residence may be considered personal income as defined by the IRS regulations and subject to income tax. These IRS regulations also apply to Lesley's core faculty who teach in Cambridge and surrounding area; so core faculty will not be granted lodgings for classrooms located in Cambridge and surrounding area regardless of the distance from their home address. If lodging is approved, it will be considered personal income and subject to income tax by the IRS. Lodging Allowances for Off-Campus ProgramsThe allowable number of nights lodging has been determined based on departure and arrival time zones. For example, if one were flying from Boston, MA to Seattle, WA it would be Eastern to Pacific time and one would be allotted four nights lodging. Exceptions to these timelines may be made due to remote location or flight availability, etc., with prior approval from the Division or Program Director.
Allowable Number of Nights Lodging:
Many hotels bill Lesley directly for hotel stays. If the hotel stay is covered by direct bill, any non-room related charges must be paid directly by the employee. If appropriate, those expenses will be reimbursed to the employee. Off-Campus Site Hotel ReservationsProgram Assistants in the Faculty Care Department of National Programs make all hotel reservations for faculty in Off-Campus Programs. These reservations are direct billed to the University and include room and tax only. Both faculty and site coordinators will be sent hotel confirmation numbers. Faculty should have those confirmation numbers with them at check-in time. MEALSPersonal MealsPersonal meals are defined as meal expenses incurred by the traveler when dining alone or with another employee on a business trip. Travelers must select the method for reimbursement (actual or per diem) and apply it for the entire trip. Mixing reimbursements methods on the same trip is not allowed. It is important to note that off campus instructional travel is always by per diem. If being reimbursed for actual meals, an original detailed receipt is required to be submitted with the reimbursement. Business MealsBusiness meals, while traveling on University business are meals taken with clients or prospects during which specific business discussions take place. If being reimbursed for actual meals, an original detailed receipt is required to be submitted with the reimbursement. Employees will be reimbursed for business meal expenses according to actual and reasonable costs. In accordance with IRS regulations a written explanation identifying the date, place, specific purpose of the meal, persons in attendance and business relationship must accompany the Travel Expense report for reimbursement. Meals Per Diem for Off-Campus FacultyThe Off-Campus per diem is paid at the rate of $39 per day where lodging is incurred and at $29.25 for the day of checkout. If no lodgings have been authorized, there is no per diem. AlcoholThe cost of alcoholic beverages is not a reimbursable travel expense. OTHER TRAVEL EXPENSESConference RegistrationEmployees will be reimbursed for conference registration costs. Auxiliary conference activities such as sightseeing trips, museum tours, golf outings and local travel cost to them, are not reimbursable. Registration fees are paid through a purchase order and are not to be charged to credit cards. Telephone CallsBusiness telephone calls will be reimbursed, as well as one telephone call of reasonable length home per day. Requests for reimbursement must include the original bill noting the call made. Telephone Calls – Off-Campus ProgramsThe nature of our off-campus program delivery requires that staff make business telephone calls to communicate with the office, site coordinators and students. These calls will be reimbursed as well as one call home per day. Requests for reimbursement must include the original bill noting the call made. When teaching at an off-campus site that involves overnight lodging, Lesley reimburses for personal phone calls at the maximum rate of $10.00 for a three-day weekend trip (Friday to Sunday), with an additional maximum rate of $3.00 for each additional day of travel beyond the first three days. Request for reimbursement must include the original bill noting the calls made. Thus, a three-day trip (Friday to Sunday) will be reimbursed up to the sum of $10.00; a four-day trip (Thursday to Sunday or Friday to Monday) will be reimbursed to the sum of $13.00. GratuitiesTravelers will be reimbursed for reasonable gratuities. The amount of the tip should reflect the quality of the actual service received and /or the prevailing custom for that particular service. Gratuities for meals should be included as part of the cost of the meal. However, meals using the per diem allowance method already include the tip amount. All other tips should be reported as miscellaneous on the travel expense report and should be accompanied by a brief description. i.e. bellhop, taxi driver etc. Miscellaneous Reimbursable ExpensesTravelers will be reimbursed for miscellaneous expenses associated with business travel. Examples include parking, tolls, tips, currency conversion fees, business office expenses, one phone call home per day and costs associated with baggage handling and storage. Non Reimbursable ExpensesAn employee is personally responsible for payments of the following travel expenses:
Travel CompanionThe travel expense of an employee's spouse, significant other, friend or family member is not reimbursable without written authorization from the employee's Department head. If approved, the reimbursement is considered personal income and subject to income tax. When travel expenses include costs related to companion travel, a written explanation and clear documentation identifying the incremental costs of all expenses items affected should accompany the Travel Expense Report and reimbursement for these costs should not be requested. Travel AdvancesTravel advances are not used unless the trip involves traveling with students. The Controller's office must approve all advances. Advances must be substantiated to the Controller's office within 14 days after returning from the trip. Original receipts for all expenses must be submitted on a Lesley University expense voucher and the receipt of the cash advance must be noted on the form. Any leftover money is to be deposited with the cashier. Failure to follow these policies will result in the refusal of additional cash advances. Travel Expenses ReportingTo obtain reimbursement for business related travel expenses the traveler must complete the Lesley University Expense Voucher. In compliance with IRS regulations, all expenses must be submitted within thirty days after they were paid or incurred. Requests received after 30 days will be delayed in processing. If the reimbursement is received one year after the expenses were incurred, the reimbursement will be returned to the employee and will not be processed for payment. Reimbursement requests must be signed by the supervisor and the budget unit head, if appropriate. They are to be forwarded to the Accounts Payable office where reimbursement checks will be issued. Expense vouchers are available from Accounts Payable. Departments should maintain a supply of reimbursement request forms. Travel Expenses Reporting – Off Campus ProgramsThe same policies and procedures apply to faculty in Off Campus Programs. However, all expenses need to be submitted within thirty days of the second teaching weekend. Instructors should use the (yellow) Travel Voucher and self-addressed envelope provided with their assignment confirmation packet. updated 07/01/08 | 02:32 PM
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