Travel & Business Expense Policy
- Policy Statement
- Purpose
- To Whom This Policy Applies
- Responsibility
- Federal Expenditures - Sponsored Program Considerations
- Domestic Travel
- Foreign Travel/International Travel
- Rental Vehicles
- Personal Vehicles
- Lodging
- Telephone Usage
- Meals
- Unallowable Expenses
- Miscellaneous Expenses
- Travel Advances
- Reimbursement of Travel, Business and Entertainment Related Expenses-Taxable
- Links
POLICY STATEMENT
Employees of Loyola University Chicago (LUC) may charge against appropriate University accounts normal and reasonable travel, business and entertainment related expenses incurred for a University business purpose as it pertains to local transportation and out-of-town travel. These expenses should be incurred to further the educational, research and public service mission of the University. Amounts not approved or considered excessive by the University are authorized to be deducted and any expenses submitted after a reasonable period of time, as defined by University policy, will be reviewed for potential tax implications.
All faculty and staff at Loyola University Chicago are highly encouraged to use Egencia to book University sponsored travel due to the enhanced benefits, customer support, and overall travel assistance provided.
PURPOSE
This policy promotes the proper stewardship and general guidelines for the appropriate and legal uses of LUC funds. The University receives, from a variety of sources, funds that carry with them certain fiduciary responsibilities. Inherent in these responsibilities is the requirement to operate the institution under guidance set forth by the Board of Trustees, to follow Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and to comply with all federal, state, and local rules and regulations, while supporting the University's mission.
TO WHOM THIS POLICY APPLIES
- Individuals traveling on LUC business, regardless of the source of funds.
- Individuals with supervisory responsibilities for LUC budgets.
- Individuals who make LUC travel, business and entertainment related arrangements for themselves and/or for others.
- Individuals who initiate, review, approve, process, or record financial transactions on behalf of the University.
RESPONSIBILITY
The President, Provost, Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, Deans, and Vice Provosts are responsible for assuring that within their administrative units or colleges/schools:
Budgeted funds are available to meet all travel, business and entertainment related commitments.
- Proper authorization for travel is obtained before any commitments are made.
- Any expenditure twenty five dollars ($25.00) or greater is supported by a detailed receipt.
- The potential benefits of the trip justify its time and expense after considering more cost effective alternatives (such as Zoom/Teams).
- All expenditures follow appropriate LUC policies, regardless of the source of funds.
- There is recognition of the added conditions placed on expenditures paid from federal and/or state funds, or from restricted gifts, and those restrictions are accounted for when expenditures are planned.
Note: Contingency, Grant, Gift and funds from research incentive/stimulation are University funds, and are subject to the restrictions outlined in this policy.
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES – SPONSORED PROGRAM CONSIDERATIONS
"Federal allowable costs" are ordinary and reasonable business expenses that support the mission of the University based on rules defined in OMB A-21, and by LUC. "Federal unallowable costs" are expenses that are not reimbursable by the federal government, under regulations identified in OMB A-21. Federal unallowable expenses must NOT be charged to accounts funded directly by, or as a "flow-through" from the federal government, or to accounts that are used for cost-sharing. The inclusion of any federal unallowable cost in any allocation charged against federal awards can jeopardize those (or future) awards. A federal unallowable cost must be identified in one of the two ways described below:
- Federal unallowable cost identified by accounting unit: (when all expenses for a University function are unallowable regardless of object of expense, e.g., public relations, fund-raising, and alumni activities). In these cases, when the accounting unit is initially established, specific account attributes are assigned by the Office of Sponsored Program Accounting, using a federal unallowable function code.
- Federal unallowable cost identified by account: In this case, a specific transaction character is assigned by the Office of Sponsored Program Accounting when the transaction is recorded, using a federal unallowable account.
DOMESTIC TRAVEL
Domestic travel means travel within the fifty states of the United States of America, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
All faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to use Egencia to book University travel due to the enhanced benefits, customer support, and overall travel assistance provided. Egencia is wholly owned by American Express Global Business Travel and provides both an online booking tool as well as agent-assisted support for more complex itineraries. Please visit the Travel Resources page for more information.
A. Obtaining Authorization: Before making any travel commitments, an employee should be aware of their department's and/or sponsor's travel policies, as they may be more restrictive than those contained herein. Appropriate departmental approval to travel should be obtained. No one may authorize an exception to these policies and procedures for their own travel.
B. Spouse/Companion/Family Travel: University payment of Spouse/Companion/Family travel expenses is disallowed. Exceptions to this policy must be authorized by the President in advance of the travel commitment.
C. Combining University Business Travel with Other Travel: The University will only reimburse the business portion of a trip when that trip is combined with personal travel. Only receipts from the business portion of the trip should be submitted.
D. Sponsored Program Travel: The award document should be consulted to determine any travel restrictions. For example, under most sponsored program awards, the lowest available commercial discount or customary fare must be used; first-class fares are not reimbursable.
Federal guidelines require that travel on United States Flag carriers should be used to the maximum extent possible when commercial air transportation is the means of travel. This requirement shall not be influenced by factors of cost, convenience, or personal travel preference. On government grants and contracts, foreign travel is defined as any travel outside of Canada and the United States (including its territories and possessions).
E. Air Travel Reservations and Class of Service: LUC covers the cost of coach or economy class tickets for all domestic flights. Unless it is impossible to do so, advanced-purchase-discount tickets should be purchased. In each case, every effort must be made to obtain the lowest economy fare possible. While “basic economy” fares are typically lower in price than economy fares, the highly restrictive nature of a "basic economy" fare often makes them an ill-advised choice for purchase. Travelers should thoroughly review restrictions that come with a basic economy fare prior to booking.
Some airlines charge fees for advanced seat selection, early boarding, and extra leg room. Such costs are reimbursable if the individual is traveling in economy or coach class. However, these optional charges cannot be charged to externally sponsored awards. In these cases, other University funds must be used for reimbursement for these optional charges.
When compiling travel documentation, the confirmation receipt with ticket number must be provided.
F. Ground Transportation To and From Airports/Stations: The most economical mode of transportation to and from airports/stations should be used. Share ground transportation whenever possible, and make use of public transportation if available.
FOREIGN/INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
A. General Policy: Foreign/international travel is subject to the all rules and regulations as detailed in this policy as well as the additional requirements detailed in this section.
Foreign/International travel means any travel not included in the definition of Domestic travel. Therefore for this policy and the International Travel and Safety Policy, foreign/international travel means travel outside of the fifty states of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. All faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to use Egencia to book University travel due to the enhanced benefits, customer support, and overall travel assistance provided.
B. Meals: Reimbursement for meals while traveling to foreign countries will be reimbursed at the established OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States) per diem basis as determined by the U.S. General Services Administration. In the event the per diem locality in not listed in the OCONUS rate listing, the Standard OCONUS rate should be used. A list of the OCONUS rates can be obtained from the Accounts Payable Department or by visiting the Accounts Payable Website at http://www.luc.edu/finance/perdiem.shtml.
Please see Meals: https://www.luc.edu/finance/expensepolicy.shtml#MEALS
C. Sponsored Program Travel: Federal guidelines require that travel on United States Flag carriers should be used to the maximum extent possible when commercial air transportation is the means of travel. This requirement shall not be influenced by factors of cost, convenience, or personal travel preference. On government grants and contracts, foreign travel is defined as any travel outside of Canada, the United States and Mexico (including its territories and possessions).
D. Travel Advisories: University restrictions or limitations on international travel are informed by advisory guidance from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Travel Advisory System. Refer to the Loyola’s International Travel Safety Policy for travel limitations and the need for additional approvals to travel.
E. Air Travel Reservations and Class of Service: In general, LUC covers the cost of coach class tickets for all international flights. When traveling internationally, Business Class is allowable if the travel exceeds 8 hours on any direct flight. Any reservation for Business Class travel should be approved in advance in writing by the traveler's Senior Vice President. Unless it is impossible to do so, advanced-purchase-discount tickets should be purchased. In each case, every effort must be made to obtain the lowest fare possible. When compiling travel documentation, the confirmation receipt with ticket number and prior written approval (if necessary) must be provided.
F. Foreign Currency: Any expenses incurred in a foreign currency must be converted to U.S. dollars for reimbursement. It is the responsibility of the requestor to provide documentation supporting the conversion rates and dates used for the calculation of their requested reimbursement.
G. International Phone or Internet Data Usage: Departments may reimburse employees for incremental expenses incurred when international cell phone or data plan usage meets the requirements of Section C of “Phone and Internet Usage” below.
H. International Rental Car Reservations: Please refer to the section below for information concerning rental cars when traveling abroad.
RENTAL VEHICLES
A. Guidelines: The use of rental cars is authorized when their use is more time or cost-effective than airline or rail-travel, or when other modes of transportation are not available. LUC participates in a national car rental agreement through the Educational and Institutional Cooperative (E&I). The providers participating in this agreement are Enterprise and National Car Rental. A single corporate code can be accessed with a valid Loyola ID at the Purchasing Rental Cars page.
Any questions regarding this program can be directed to the Purchasing Department. When traveling by air or rail, a car may be rented when the destination is reached if doing so would be less expensive than the combined business purpose cost of taxis, buses or limousines used during one's stay.
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- At all times, individuals should rent the most economical class size of car for the number of people traveling. Any upgrades or enhancements are personal expenditures and will not be paid for by the University. In such circumstances, the cost of the most economical rental for the same trip should be determined, and substantiation printed. That documentation should be submitted with the receipt for the actual rental and the University will cover the base rate.
- When combining LUC and personal travel, the University will cover the cost of a rental car based on percentage LUC use and the appropriate size for the employee's LUC travel.
- When renting a car for business, Loyola's insurance will cover collision damage incurred by a Loyola-authorized driver on a direct route to or from authorized LUC business. A “Loyola-authorized driver” is one who completes the annual MVR process found here: Motor Vehicle Records and Vehicle Use Policy. In limited circumstances, the University's liability insurance will provide excess coverage (above that provided by the rental vehicle or the employee's insurer) on other liabilities incurred - if the accident occurred on a direct route, as outlined above. Only insurance that does not duplicate Loyola's coverage will be considered for reimbursement. Personal use of the rental car is not covered by the University.
B. International Rental Car Reservations: Insurance laws are different in each country. In some cases the insurance company is government-owned and purchase is mandatory in order to rent a vehicle. Obligations for insurance coverage should be investigated before leaving the United States, and if necessary a written authorization for acceptance of foreign insurance needs to be submitted by the traveler's budget supervisor before departure.
C. Rental Car Accidents: Should a rental car accident occur, immediately contact:
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- The rental car company, in accordance with the rental contract
- Local authorities, as required
- Employee's personal insurance company
- Employee's supervisor
- The University's Treasury-Risk Management Department at (312)915-7861. Additional information can be obtained through the Risk Management website.
D. Renting Passenger Vans or Trucks: The University's Treasury-Risk Management Department, must be contacted at (312) 915-7861 to make certain proper licensure and coverage is in force.
PERSONAL VEHICLES
A. Guidelines: When travel by private automobile is chosen over commercial transportation in order to save time, to transport equipment, or to reduce costs when a number of people are traveling together to the same destination, reimbursement to the driver is made on the basis of miles traveled. The mileage submitted for reimbursement must be documented. Current reimbursement rates can be found here.
When travel by private automobile is for the convenience of the traveler, reimbursement is not to exceed the cost (or sum of the costs for more than one traveler) of round-trip coach airfare, plus the reasonable costs of ground transportation.
The IRS mileage allowance covers all operating costs of the vehicle (including fuel and insurance); therefore no other vehicle expense reimbursements will be made. However, tolls and fees such as ferry, bridge, tunnel, road and parking charges will be reimbursed if duly noted in the daily travel-mileage log. Under no circumstances will fees for any kind of traffic/parking violation be reimbursed.
B. Reimbursement Rates for Local Usage of Personal Vehicles: Within the metropolitan Chicago area, Loyola will reimburse the driver for mileage by the most direct route, parking expenses, and toll fees. For trips outside of routine inter-campus travel, travelers should submit documentation (MapQuest or Google Maps) detailing the distance traveled. Travelers should use the following distances for inter-campus travel, and explain occasional exceptions due to road or traffic conditions on the expense report:
| From Lakeshore | From Medical Center | From Water Tower | From LUREC | From Cuneo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| To MC 23 miles |
To LSC 23 miles |
To LSC 9 miles |
To LSC 53 miles |
To LSC 29 miles |
| To WTC 9 miles |
To WTC 14 miles |
To MC 14 miles |
To WTC 56 miles |
To WTC 36 miles |
| To LUREC 53 miles |
To LUREC 52 miles |
To LUREC 56 miles |
To MC 52 miles |
To MC 36 miles |
| To Cuneo 29 Miles |
To Cuneo 36 miles |
To Cuneo 36 miles |
To Cuneo 28 miles |
To LUREC 28 Miles |
Parking expense incurred while conducting LUC business may be reimbursed at cost at the discretion of the division leader or Vice President, based on the business needs and expense policy of that division. Employees are encouraged to use LUC shuttle buses or courtesy business parking at other Loyola campuses whenever it is available. Employees based on one campus who have frequent business on another campus may obtain reimbursement for the continuous availability of key-card parking at the other campus, only if they demonstrate that this is less expensive than reimbursement on an occasion-by-occasion basis.
C. Personal Vehicle Accidents while on University Business: In limited circumstances, the University's liability insurance will provide excess coverage (above that provided by the employee's insurer) on other liabilities incurred - if the accident occurred on a direct route, as outlined above. However, to ensure full communication and disclosure between all parties should an accident occur, the employee should immediately contact:
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- Local authorities, as required
- Employee's personal insurance company
- Employee's supervisor
- The University's Treasury-Risk Management Department (312) 915-7861 (by next business day). Additional information can be obtained through the Risk Management website.
LODGING
A. Travelers should select modestly priced accommodations. For seminars, meetings or other group activity, reimbursement will be for no more than the mid-range rate for single occupancy at the host hotel. Advance bookings using hotel rates that are non-cancelable or non-refundable should be purchased with caution, and if unused, may not be reimbursed by the University.
B. When requesting reimbursement for Lodging, detailed hotel statements and/or detailed receipts must be included with your expense reimbursement request as supporting documentation (per IRS Regulation 1.274-5(c)(2)iii(B)).
C. It is the responsibility of the traveler to cancel any room reservation he or she will not be using. A record of the cancellation number should be retained, in case of billing disputes.
Caution: If an employee fails to cancel a reservation in a timely fashion, he or she may be held responsible for any cancellation fees. A written explanation for any failure to cancel must be filed.
PHONE AND INTERNET USAGE
A. Hotel Telephone Usage: Travelers should make every effort to minimize the use of hotel phones to avoid the additional charges added by hotels for room-telephone usage.
B. Computer Access/Wi-Fi Costs While Traveling: Reimbursement for charges to access hotel or other wi-fi services while on business travel may be reviewed and authorized by the employee's budget supervisor based on the criteria set forth in Section C below.
C. Personal Cell Phone and Home Internet Data Usage: The University will reimburse Faculty and Staff for costs related to personal cell phone and/or home Internet data if such costs are (a) incurred by the employee within the employee’s scope of employment; (b) directly related to services performed for the University; and (c) authorized or required by the University. The reimbursement must be authorized by the appropriate Senior Vice President, Vice President or Dean and must be within the reimbursement limits established by those roles and consistent with this policy. Examples of an employee using personal cell phone and/or home Internet data that may meet the foregoing criteria include: a documented business need arises when an employee's job requires that he or she be immediately accessible when away from their office or outside of normal business hours on a frequent basis, the employee is safety or emergency personnel and must be able to be reached in the event of an emergency, the employee is responsible for critical infrastructure and needs to be immediately accessible at all times, or the employee travels on a very frequent basis and needs to be accessible and have access to Loyola applications while traveling.
MEALS
A. Personal Meals: When lodging is required, LUC will reimburse personal meals at a per diem allowance as determined by the U.S. General Services Administration CONUS (Continental United States) rate for the location and time the event occurred. In the event the per diem locality in not listed in the CONUS rate listing, the Standard CONUS rate should be used. A list of the CONUS rates can be obtained from the Accounts Payable Department or by visiting the Accounts Payable Website at http://www.luc.edu/finance/perdiem.shtml.
Individual meal limits are applied when a person is away for less than a whole day and does not incur a cost for three meals as a result of the travel's brevity.
Meals are not covered whenever a registration fee, seminar cost, etc. includes specific meals. Receipts are required when requesting reimbursement.
LUC will reimburse up to the per diem amount for meals. Receipts are required for expenses over $25.
Example: If the allowable per diem for dinner is $37 and the actual meal is $45, LUC will reimburse $37. LUC requires a receipt be submitted for the meal.
B. Business Meals Business meals [Defined as: A Loyola University employee paying for someone else's meal, while they are conducting University business.] or entertainment will be reimbursed when supported by an approved expense report. Detailed restaurant receipts (as opposed to stub-receipts) including the date, name of the establishment and itemization of purchase along with a detailed description of the nature of business conducted, and names and business affiliations of all present must be submitted with your expense reimbursement request. Fiscal prudence and common sense should be used. Expenditures determined to be "lavish" will not be reimbursed.
C. Grant Exclusions: Grant-funded employees should note that federal grant regulations specifically disallow reimbursement for alcohol and entertainment expenses.
UNALLOWABLE EXPENSES
A. Unallowable expenses: University funds may be used for ordinary and reasonable business-related expenses that support the education, research and public service missions of the University.
The following list is a sample of unallowable expenses
- Expenses that do not support the University's missions of education, research and public service are unallowable.
- Expenses that are extreme, excessive and/or illegal are unallowable.
- Expenses that represent personal recognition of Loyola employees (Faculty & Staff) - i.e., costs to recognize birthdays, childbirth or adoption, weddings, anniversaries, holidays or Office Professional's/Secretary's Day are unallowable.
- Expenses for amusement, entertainment, or social activities are unallowable.
- Expenses for airline club membership dues are unallowable.
- Expenses for barbers and hair stylists are unallowable.
- Expenses for car washes are unallowable.
- Expenses for Clothing are unallowable.
- Expenses for Credit Card delinquency fees are unallowable.
- Expenses for Health club, sauna or massage fees are unallowable.
- Expenses for In-flight cash bar are unallowable.
- Expenses for In-flight or in-house movies are unallowable.
- Expenses for Pet care fees while on travel are unallowable.
- Expenses for Lost baggage are unallowable. (Please contact the airline for reimbursement claims.)
- Expenses for Mini-bar refreshments are unallowable.
- Expenses for Shoeshines are unallowable.
- Expenses for Souvenirs/personal gifts are unallowable.
- Expenses for Tobacco products are unallowable.
- Amounts billed by an independent contractor or other service provider, to the employee, are unallowable. (To ensure proper Form 1099 reporting, payments to independent contractors and other service providers should be contracted directly with LUC and not directly with an employee.)
- Fees for services billed to a third-party entity are unallowable.
- Expenses for PC Workstations and Laptops are unallowable. (Contact your purchasing agent or your campus Information Technology Services department for all departmental computer needs.)
- Expenses for Gift Cards are unallowable. (Contact your purchasing agent for all gift card or gift certificate requests.)
- Expenses for employees who elect to work in a location other than the location of a Loyola University Chicago campus workplace and are authorized to work remotely (fully remote or hybrid) are unallowable. Such employees are responsible for travel expenses for any in-person meetings and events at the Loyola campus location of their home unit. Please see the Policy on Workplace Strategies.
Caution: This list is intended to be representative, not comprehensive. Any exceptions to this policy will result in a taxable event for the employee and subject to payroll tax withholding.
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES
A. Allowable expenses: University funds may be used for ordinary and reasonable business-related expenses that support the education, research and public service missions of the University. A sample of allowable expenses include but are not limited to the following:
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- Checked baggage fees
- Reasonable tips and gratuities
- Overnight delivery/postage
- Hotel business center charges for faxes and printing
- Gasoline for rental cars
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning for trips exceeding five (5) business days
- Vaccinations required for foreign travel
- In flight or hotel Wi-Fi (for business purposes)
Caution: This list is intended to be representative, not comprehensive.
B. Alcohol: In general, alcohol should not be served at any University functions that take place during the workday. Faculty/Staff hosts and student guests of any event where alcohol is served (regardless of the time of day) must comply with all of the provisions of the University Policy on Alcohol contained in the Student Handbook - paying particular attention to the following provisions:
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- Special arrangements must be made if any invited guests are under the age of 21. At these events, alcohol service areas must be separated clearly and completely from any non-alcoholic beverage areas; and in these instances, a licensed bartender is required, and self-service is not permitted.
- There must be established time limits for the serving of alcohol; and those times must be shorter than the duration of the event.
- Alcohol should not be served to persons who appear to be intoxicated.
C. Memberships: The University may pay for individual professional memberships to organizations that do not offer institutional or corporate memberships, if the employee's supervisor or the authorized signer for the employee's department approves the membership. A request for payment of a membership that does not clearly indicate an institutional membership must meet the following guidelines:
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- The membership is clearly in the best interest of the University.
- An institutional or corporate membership is not offered by the organization.
- The membership is linked to an official University title or responsibility (i.e., specific office, duty, or function) rather than to the person holding the title or having the responsibility.
- Publications (journals, newsletters, etc.) that are a benefit of a membership should be available, whenever possible, for use by the other employees in the unit.
D. Official Guests: When hosting donors, visitors from other universities, members of the community, prospective appointees or students, for the purpose of generating the goodwill of prospective University donors or that of an Academic/Professional Society or Organization meeting, the cost of meals or light refreshments may be covered.
E. Receptions: Light refreshments served in connection with conferences, fundraising groups, student organizations, recognition/length of service/retirement presentations, or student events such as commencement may be covered.
TRAVEL ADVANCES
Travel Advances must be requested at a minimum fifteen (15) days prior to the event in question and must be reasonably calculated and are not to exceed the amount of anticipated expenses. A detail of anticipated expenditures should accompany the request of the advance. There will be no more than two (2) outstanding or unsubstantiated advances permitted at one time.
Travel advances must be substantiated and employees must adequately account for their expenses within 30 days after the actual expenses were paid and/or incurred. Unsubstantiated funds will be considered wages and therefore are subject to all rules and regulations governing your regular earnings and will be reported on your W-2.
In the event all advanced funds are not used during travel, the remaining funds should be returned with a detailed expense report. The return of funds can be made via a personal check or a deduction to payroll earnings (this can be noted in the appropriate section on the reimbursement request).
REIMBURSEMENT OF TRAVEL, BUSINESS AND ENTERTAINMENT RELATED EXPENSES - TAXABLE
In general, to allow for the appropriate recording of departmental expenses, an employee’s request for the reimbursement of University related out-of-pocket expenses should be processed on the approved Expense Reimbursement Form within 30 days after the actual expenses were paid and/or incurred (see below for the location of the approved Finance Forms). All appropriate information is required on the request which should include the Employee’s Complete Name, Address, Department and Location, Telephone Extension, LID/UVID, Accounting Unit and Account, Detailed Nature of Business and all relevant supporting documentation.
Documentation Requirements:
- Receipts: All expenses twenty five dollars ($25.00) and greater require the support of a detailed receipt. Copies of credit card statements, hotel statements (for non-lodging expenses) or restaurant pull tab receipts are not acceptable forms of documentation. Detailed restaurant receipts (as opposed to stub-receipts) should include the date, name of the establishment and itemization of purchase. Missing receipts will not be reimbursed unless a missing receipt form is completed and approved by the authorized approver.
- Lodging: Copies of detailed hotel receipts/statements are required for the reimbursement of lodging expenses. This documentation must include the name, location and date of the expenditures and separate amounts for each charge, such as lodging, meals, telephone, and miscellaneous [IRS Regulation - Section 1.274-5(c)(2)iii(B)]
- Airfare: Employees must provide adequate documentation to support the cost of airfare. Confirmation with ticket number, copies of E-tickets or other related support should be provided at the time of reimbursement request.
All expense reimbursement requests require the appropriate review and approval of each department Budget Administrator, Senior Vice President, Vice President or Dean. All authorized approvers must complete a Signature Authorization Form that will be kept on file in the Accounts Payable Department.
All requests should include an authorized budget administrator or designated approver(s). In the event the request exceeds $5,000, a second approval is required. Any individual approving a request must also provide their telephone extension in the event clarification is needed from the Accounts Payable Office. Please note that an individual cannot approve their own request nor is it deemed appropriate to have a subordinate approve a request, even if they are an authorized signatory on an accounting unit.
It is recommended that all expenses are submitted for reimbursement within 30 days after the travel is complete or the expense is incurred to allow time for processing and approvals.
All Reimbursements submitted more than 90 days following the date of the expense or the last date of travel will be considered taxable income to the employee and subject to income withholding taxes. Please note the date used to determine a report is submitted after 90 days is the date the documentation is submitted to Accounts Payable.
Any exceptions to this policy may result in a taxable event for the employee subject to payroll tax withholding.
LINKS
- Account Code Definitions
- Currency Conversion
- Sponsored Program Accounting
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Online Forms
- Per Diem Rates
- Procurement Card
- Motor Vehicle Records and Vehicle Use Policy
Reviewed/Updated: September 18, 2024
- Policy Statement
- Purpose
- To Whom This Policy Applies
- Responsibility
- Federal Expenditures - Sponsored Program Considerations
- Domestic Travel
- Foreign Travel/International Travel
- Rental Vehicles
- Personal Vehicles
- Lodging
- Telephone Usage
- Meals
- Unallowable Expenses
- Miscellaneous Expenses
- Travel Advances
- Reimbursement of Travel, Business and Entertainment Related Expenses-Taxable
- Links
POLICY STATEMENT
Employees of Loyola University Chicago (LUC) may charge against appropriate University accounts normal and reasonable travel, business and entertainment related expenses incurred for a University business purpose as it pertains to local transportation and out-of-town travel. These expenses should be incurred to further the educational, research and public service mission of the University. Amounts not approved or considered excessive by the University are authorized to be deducted and any expenses submitted after a reasonable period of time, as defined by University policy, will be reviewed for potential tax implications.
All faculty and staff at Loyola University Chicago are highly encouraged to use Egencia to book University sponsored travel due to the enhanced benefits, customer support, and overall travel assistance provided.
PURPOSE
This policy promotes the proper stewardship and general guidelines for the appropriate and legal uses of LUC funds. The University receives, from a variety of sources, funds that carry with them certain fiduciary responsibilities. Inherent in these responsibilities is the requirement to operate the institution under guidance set forth by the Board of Trustees, to follow Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and to comply with all federal, state, and local rules and regulations, while supporting the University's mission.
TO WHOM THIS POLICY APPLIES
- Individuals traveling on LUC business, regardless of the source of funds.
- Individuals with supervisory responsibilities for LUC budgets.
- Individuals who make LUC travel, business and entertainment related arrangements for themselves and/or for others.
- Individuals who initiate, review, approve, process, or record financial transactions on behalf of the University.
RESPONSIBILITY
The President, Provost, Senior Vice Presidents, Vice Presidents, Deans, and Vice Provosts are responsible for assuring that within their administrative units or colleges/schools:
Budgeted funds are available to meet all travel, business and entertainment related commitments.
- Proper authorization for travel is obtained before any commitments are made.
- Any expenditure twenty five dollars ($25.00) or greater is supported by a detailed receipt.
- The potential benefits of the trip justify its time and expense after considering more cost effective alternatives (such as Zoom/Teams).
- All expenditures follow appropriate LUC policies, regardless of the source of funds.
- There is recognition of the added conditions placed on expenditures paid from federal and/or state funds, or from restricted gifts, and those restrictions are accounted for when expenditures are planned.
Note: Contingency, Grant, Gift and funds from research incentive/stimulation are University funds, and are subject to the restrictions outlined in this policy.
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES – SPONSORED PROGRAM CONSIDERATIONS
"Federal allowable costs" are ordinary and reasonable business expenses that support the mission of the University based on rules defined in OMB A-21, and by LUC. "Federal unallowable costs" are expenses that are not reimbursable by the federal government, under regulations identified in OMB A-21. Federal unallowable expenses must NOT be charged to accounts funded directly by, or as a "flow-through" from the federal government, or to accounts that are used for cost-sharing. The inclusion of any federal unallowable cost in any allocation charged against federal awards can jeopardize those (or future) awards. A federal unallowable cost must be identified in one of the two ways described below:
- Federal unallowable cost identified by accounting unit: (when all expenses for a University function are unallowable regardless of object of expense, e.g., public relations, fund-raising, and alumni activities). In these cases, when the accounting unit is initially established, specific account attributes are assigned by the Office of Sponsored Program Accounting, using a federal unallowable function code.
- Federal unallowable cost identified by account: In this case, a specific transaction character is assigned by the Office of Sponsored Program Accounting when the transaction is recorded, using a federal unallowable account.
DOMESTIC TRAVEL
Domestic travel means travel within the fifty states of the United States of America, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
All faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to use Egencia to book University travel due to the enhanced benefits, customer support, and overall travel assistance provided. Egencia is wholly owned by American Express Global Business Travel and provides both an online booking tool as well as agent-assisted support for more complex itineraries. Please visit the Travel Resources page for more information.
A. Obtaining Authorization: Before making any travel commitments, an employee should be aware of their department's and/or sponsor's travel policies, as they may be more restrictive than those contained herein. Appropriate departmental approval to travel should be obtained. No one may authorize an exception to these policies and procedures for their own travel.
B. Spouse/Companion/Family Travel: University payment of Spouse/Companion/Family travel expenses is disallowed. Exceptions to this policy must be authorized by the President in advance of the travel commitment.
C. Combining University Business Travel with Other Travel: The University will only reimburse the business portion of a trip when that trip is combined with personal travel. Only receipts from the business portion of the trip should be submitted.
D. Sponsored Program Travel: The award document should be consulted to determine any travel restrictions. For example, under most sponsored program awards, the lowest available commercial discount or customary fare must be used; first-class fares are not reimbursable.
Federal guidelines require that travel on United States Flag carriers should be used to the maximum extent possible when commercial air transportation is the means of travel. This requirement shall not be influenced by factors of cost, convenience, or personal travel preference. On government grants and contracts, foreign travel is defined as any travel outside of Canada and the United States (including its territories and possessions).
E. Air Travel Reservations and Class of Service: LUC covers the cost of coach or economy class tickets for all domestic flights. Unless it is impossible to do so, advanced-purchase-discount tickets should be purchased. In each case, every effort must be made to obtain the lowest economy fare possible. While “basic economy” fares are typically lower in price than economy fares, the highly restrictive nature of a "basic economy" fare often makes them an ill-advised choice for purchase. Travelers should thoroughly review restrictions that come with a basic economy fare prior to booking.
Some airlines charge fees for advanced seat selection, early boarding, and extra leg room. Such costs are reimbursable if the individual is traveling in economy or coach class. However, these optional charges cannot be charged to externally sponsored awards. In these cases, other University funds must be used for reimbursement for these optional charges.
When compiling travel documentation, the confirmation receipt with ticket number must be provided.
F. Ground Transportation To and From Airports/Stations: The most economical mode of transportation to and from airports/stations should be used. Share ground transportation whenever possible, and make use of public transportation if available.
FOREIGN/INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
A. General Policy: Foreign/international travel is subject to the all rules and regulations as detailed in this policy as well as the additional requirements detailed in this section.
Foreign/International travel means any travel not included in the definition of Domestic travel. Therefore for this policy and the International Travel and Safety Policy, foreign/international travel means travel outside of the fifty states of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. All faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to use Egencia to book University travel due to the enhanced benefits, customer support, and overall travel assistance provided.
B. Meals: Reimbursement for meals while traveling to foreign countries will be reimbursed at the established OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States) per diem basis as determined by the U.S. General Services Administration. In the event the per diem locality in not listed in the OCONUS rate listing, the Standard OCONUS rate should be used. A list of the OCONUS rates can be obtained from the Accounts Payable Department or by visiting the Accounts Payable Website at http://www.luc.edu/finance/perdiem.shtml.
Please see Meals: https://www.luc.edu/finance/expensepolicy.shtml#MEALS
C. Sponsored Program Travel: Federal guidelines require that travel on United States Flag carriers should be used to the maximum extent possible when commercial air transportation is the means of travel. This requirement shall not be influenced by factors of cost, convenience, or personal travel preference. On government grants and contracts, foreign travel is defined as any travel outside of Canada, the United States and Mexico (including its territories and possessions).
D. Travel Advisories: University restrictions or limitations on international travel are informed by advisory guidance from the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Travel Advisory System. Refer to the Loyola’s International Travel Safety Policy for travel limitations and the need for additional approvals to travel.
E. Air Travel Reservations and Class of Service: In general, LUC covers the cost of coach class tickets for all international flights. When traveling internationally, Business Class is allowable if the travel exceeds 8 hours on any direct flight. Any reservation for Business Class travel should be approved in advance in writing by the traveler's Senior Vice President. Unless it is impossible to do so, advanced-purchase-discount tickets should be purchased. In each case, every effort must be made to obtain the lowest fare possible. When compiling travel documentation, the confirmation receipt with ticket number and prior written approval (if necessary) must be provided.
F. Foreign Currency: Any expenses incurred in a foreign currency must be converted to U.S. dollars for reimbursement. It is the responsibility of the requestor to provide documentation supporting the conversion rates and dates used for the calculation of their requested reimbursement.
G. International Phone or Internet Data Usage: Departments may reimburse employees for incremental expenses incurred when international cell phone or data plan usage meets the requirements of Section C of “Phone and Internet Usage” below.
H. International Rental Car Reservations: Please refer to the section below for information concerning rental cars when traveling abroad.
RENTAL VEHICLES
A. Guidelines: The use of rental cars is authorized when their use is more time or cost-effective than airline or rail-travel, or when other modes of transportation are not available. LUC participates in a national car rental agreement through the Educational and Institutional Cooperative (E&I). The providers participating in this agreement are Enterprise and National Car Rental. A single corporate code can be accessed with a valid Loyola ID at the Purchasing Rental Cars page.
Any questions regarding this program can be directed to the Purchasing Department. When traveling by air or rail, a car may be rented when the destination is reached if doing so would be less expensive than the combined business purpose cost of taxis, buses or limousines used during one's stay.
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- At all times, individuals should rent the most economical class size of car for the number of people traveling. Any upgrades or enhancements are personal expenditures and will not be paid for by the University. In such circumstances, the cost of the most economical rental for the same trip should be determined, and substantiation printed. That documentation should be submitted with the receipt for the actual rental and the University will cover the base rate.
- When combining LUC and personal travel, the University will cover the cost of a rental car based on percentage LUC use and the appropriate size for the employee's LUC travel.
- When renting a car for business, Loyola's insurance will cover collision damage incurred by a Loyola-authorized driver on a direct route to or from authorized LUC business. A “Loyola-authorized driver” is one who completes the annual MVR process found here: Motor Vehicle Records and Vehicle Use Policy. In limited circumstances, the University's liability insurance will provide excess coverage (above that provided by the rental vehicle or the employee's insurer) on other liabilities incurred - if the accident occurred on a direct route, as outlined above. Only insurance that does not duplicate Loyola's coverage will be considered for reimbursement. Personal use of the rental car is not covered by the University.
B. International Rental Car Reservations: Insurance laws are different in each country. In some cases the insurance company is government-owned and purchase is mandatory in order to rent a vehicle. Obligations for insurance coverage should be investigated before leaving the United States, and if necessary a written authorization for acceptance of foreign insurance needs to be submitted by the traveler's budget supervisor before departure.
C. Rental Car Accidents: Should a rental car accident occur, immediately contact:
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- The rental car company, in accordance with the rental contract
- Local authorities, as required
- Employee's personal insurance company
- Employee's supervisor
- The University's Treasury-Risk Management Department at (312)915-7861. Additional information can be obtained through the Risk Management website.
D. Renting Passenger Vans or Trucks: The University's Treasury-Risk Management Department, must be contacted at (312) 915-7861 to make certain proper licensure and coverage is in force.
PERSONAL VEHICLES
A. Guidelines: When travel by private automobile is chosen over commercial transportation in order to save time, to transport equipment, or to reduce costs when a number of people are traveling together to the same destination, reimbursement to the driver is made on the basis of miles traveled. The mileage submitted for reimbursement must be documented. Current reimbursement rates can be found here.
When travel by private automobile is for the convenience of the traveler, reimbursement is not to exceed the cost (or sum of the costs for more than one traveler) of round-trip coach airfare, plus the reasonable costs of ground transportation.
The IRS mileage allowance covers all operating costs of the vehicle (including fuel and insurance); therefore no other vehicle expense reimbursements will be made. However, tolls and fees such as ferry, bridge, tunnel, road and parking charges will be reimbursed if duly noted in the daily travel-mileage log. Under no circumstances will fees for any kind of traffic/parking violation be reimbursed.
B. Reimbursement Rates for Local Usage of Personal Vehicles: Within the metropolitan Chicago area, Loyola will reimburse the driver for mileage by the most direct route, parking expenses, and toll fees. For trips outside of routine inter-campus travel, travelers should submit documentation (MapQuest or Google Maps) detailing the distance traveled. Travelers should use the following distances for inter-campus travel, and explain occasional exceptions due to road or traffic conditions on the expense report:
| From Lakeshore | From Medical Center | From Water Tower | From LUREC | From Cuneo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| To MC 23 miles |
To LSC 23 miles |
To LSC 9 miles |
To LSC 53 miles |
To LSC 29 miles |
| To WTC 9 miles |
To WTC 14 miles |
To MC 14 miles |
To WTC 56 miles |
To WTC 36 miles |
| To LUREC 53 miles |
To LUREC 52 miles |
To LUREC 56 miles |
To MC 52 miles |
To MC 36 miles |
| To Cuneo 29 Miles |
To Cuneo 36 miles |
To Cuneo 36 miles |
To Cuneo 28 miles |
To LUREC 28 Miles |
Parking expense incurred while conducting LUC business may be reimbursed at cost at the discretion of the division leader or Vice President, based on the business needs and expense policy of that division. Employees are encouraged to use LUC shuttle buses or courtesy business parking at other Loyola campuses whenever it is available. Employees based on one campus who have frequent business on another campus may obtain reimbursement for the continuous availability of key-card parking at the other campus, only if they demonstrate that this is less expensive than reimbursement on an occasion-by-occasion basis.
C. Personal Vehicle Accidents while on University Business: In limited circumstances, the University's liability insurance will provide excess coverage (above that provided by the employee's insurer) on other liabilities incurred - if the accident occurred on a direct route, as outlined above. However, to ensure full communication and disclosure between all parties should an accident occur, the employee should immediately contact:
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- Local authorities, as required
- Employee's personal insurance company
- Employee's supervisor
- The University's Treasury-Risk Management Department (312) 915-7861 (by next business day). Additional information can be obtained through the Risk Management website.
LODGING
A. Travelers should select modestly priced accommodations. For seminars, meetings or other group activity, reimbursement will be for no more than the mid-range rate for single occupancy at the host hotel. Advance bookings using hotel rates that are non-cancelable or non-refundable should be purchased with caution, and if unused, may not be reimbursed by the University.
B. When requesting reimbursement for Lodging, detailed hotel statements and/or detailed receipts must be included with your expense reimbursement request as supporting documentation (per IRS Regulation 1.274-5(c)(2)iii(B)).
C. It is the responsibility of the traveler to cancel any room reservation he or she will not be using. A record of the cancellation number should be retained, in case of billing disputes.
Caution: If an employee fails to cancel a reservation in a timely fashion, he or she may be held responsible for any cancellation fees. A written explanation for any failure to cancel must be filed.
PHONE AND INTERNET USAGE
A. Hotel Telephone Usage: Travelers should make every effort to minimize the use of hotel phones to avoid the additional charges added by hotels for room-telephone usage.
B. Computer Access/Wi-Fi Costs While Traveling: Reimbursement for charges to access hotel or other wi-fi services while on business travel may be reviewed and authorized by the employee's budget supervisor based on the criteria set forth in Section C below.
C. Personal Cell Phone and Home Internet Data Usage: The University will reimburse Faculty and Staff for costs related to personal cell phone and/or home Internet data if such costs are (a) incurred by the employee within the employee’s scope of employment; (b) directly related to services performed for the University; and (c) authorized or required by the University. The reimbursement must be authorized by the appropriate Senior Vice President, Vice President or Dean and must be within the reimbursement limits established by those roles and consistent with this policy. Examples of an employee using personal cell phone and/or home Internet data that may meet the foregoing criteria include: a documented business need arises when an employee's job requires that he or she be immediately accessible when away from their office or outside of normal business hours on a frequent basis, the employee is safety or emergency personnel and must be able to be reached in the event of an emergency, the employee is responsible for critical infrastructure and needs to be immediately accessible at all times, or the employee travels on a very frequent basis and needs to be accessible and have access to Loyola applications while traveling.
MEALS
A. Personal Meals: When lodging is required, LUC will reimburse personal meals at a per diem allowance as determined by the U.S. General Services Administration CONUS (Continental United States) rate for the location and time the event occurred. In the event the per diem locality in not listed in the CONUS rate listing, the Standard CONUS rate should be used. A list of the CONUS rates can be obtained from the Accounts Payable Department or by visiting the Accounts Payable Website at http://www.luc.edu/finance/perdiem.shtml.
Individual meal limits are applied when a person is away for less than a whole day and does not incur a cost for three meals as a result of the travel's brevity.
Meals are not covered whenever a registration fee, seminar cost, etc. includes specific meals. Receipts are required when requesting reimbursement.
LUC will reimburse up to the per diem amount for meals. Receipts are required for expenses over $25.
Example: If the allowable per diem for dinner is $37 and the actual meal is $45, LUC will reimburse $37. LUC requires a receipt be submitted for the meal.
B. Business Meals Business meals [Defined as: A Loyola University employee paying for someone else's meal, while they are conducting University business.] or entertainment will be reimbursed when supported by an approved expense report. Detailed restaurant receipts (as opposed to stub-receipts) including the date, name of the establishment and itemization of purchase along with a detailed description of the nature of business conducted, and names and business affiliations of all present must be submitted with your expense reimbursement request. Fiscal prudence and common sense should be used. Expenditures determined to be "lavish" will not be reimbursed.
C. Grant Exclusions: Grant-funded employees should note that federal grant regulations specifically disallow reimbursement for alcohol and entertainment expenses.
UNALLOWABLE EXPENSES
A. Unallowable expenses: University funds may be used for ordinary and reasonable business-related expenses that support the education, research and public service missions of the University.
The following list is a sample of unallowable expenses
- Expenses that do not support the University's missions of education, research and public service are unallowable.
- Expenses that are extreme, excessive and/or illegal are unallowable.
- Expenses that represent personal recognition of Loyola employees (Faculty & Staff) - i.e., costs to recognize birthdays, childbirth or adoption, weddings, anniversaries, holidays or Office Professional's/Secretary's Day are unallowable.
- Expenses for amusement, entertainment, or social activities are unallowable.
- Expenses for airline club membership dues are unallowable.
- Expenses for barbers and hair stylists are unallowable.
- Expenses for car washes are unallowable.
- Expenses for Clothing are unallowable.
- Expenses for Credit Card delinquency fees are unallowable.
- Expenses for Health club, sauna or massage fees are unallowable.
- Expenses for In-flight cash bar are unallowable.
- Expenses for In-flight or in-house movies are unallowable.
- Expenses for Pet care fees while on travel are unallowable.
- Expenses for Lost baggage are unallowable. (Please contact the airline for reimbursement claims.)
- Expenses for Mini-bar refreshments are unallowable.
- Expenses for Shoeshines are unallowable.
- Expenses for Souvenirs/personal gifts are unallowable.
- Expenses for Tobacco products are unallowable.
- Amounts billed by an independent contractor or other service provider, to the employee, are unallowable. (To ensure proper Form 1099 reporting, payments to independent contractors and other service providers should be contracted directly with LUC and not directly with an employee.)
- Fees for services billed to a third-party entity are unallowable.
- Expenses for PC Workstations and Laptops are unallowable. (Contact your purchasing agent or your campus Information Technology Services department for all departmental computer needs.)
- Expenses for Gift Cards are unallowable. (Contact your purchasing agent for all gift card or gift certificate requests.)
- Expenses for employees who elect to work in a location other than the location of a Loyola University Chicago campus workplace and are authorized to work remotely (fully remote or hybrid) are unallowable. Such employees are responsible for travel expenses for any in-person meetings and events at the Loyola campus location of their home unit. Please see the Policy on Workplace Strategies.
Caution: This list is intended to be representative, not comprehensive. Any exceptions to this policy will result in a taxable event for the employee and subject to payroll tax withholding.
MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES
A. Allowable expenses: University funds may be used for ordinary and reasonable business-related expenses that support the education, research and public service missions of the University. A sample of allowable expenses include but are not limited to the following:
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- Checked baggage fees
- Reasonable tips and gratuities
- Overnight delivery/postage
- Hotel business center charges for faxes and printing
- Gasoline for rental cars
- Laundry/Dry Cleaning for trips exceeding five (5) business days
- Vaccinations required for foreign travel
- In flight or hotel Wi-Fi (for business purposes)
Caution: This list is intended to be representative, not comprehensive.
B. Alcohol: In general, alcohol should not be served at any University functions that take place during the workday. Faculty/Staff hosts and student guests of any event where alcohol is served (regardless of the time of day) must comply with all of the provisions of the University Policy on Alcohol contained in the Student Handbook - paying particular attention to the following provisions:
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- Special arrangements must be made if any invited guests are under the age of 21. At these events, alcohol service areas must be separated clearly and completely from any non-alcoholic beverage areas; and in these instances, a licensed bartender is required, and self-service is not permitted.
- There must be established time limits for the serving of alcohol; and those times must be shorter than the duration of the event.
- Alcohol should not be served to persons who appear to be intoxicated.
C. Memberships: The University may pay for individual professional memberships to organizations that do not offer institutional or corporate memberships, if the employee's supervisor or the authorized signer for the employee's department approves the membership. A request for payment of a membership that does not clearly indicate an institutional membership must meet the following guidelines:
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- The membership is clearly in the best interest of the University.
- An institutional or corporate membership is not offered by the organization.
- The membership is linked to an official University title or responsibility (i.e., specific office, duty, or function) rather than to the person holding the title or having the responsibility.
- Publications (journals, newsletters, etc.) that are a benefit of a membership should be available, whenever possible, for use by the other employees in the unit.
D. Official Guests: When hosting donors, visitors from other universities, members of the community, prospective appointees or students, for the purpose of generating the goodwill of prospective University donors or that of an Academic/Professional Society or Organization meeting, the cost of meals or light refreshments may be covered.
E. Receptions: Light refreshments served in connection with conferences, fundraising groups, student organizations, recognition/length of service/retirement presentations, or student events such as commencement may be covered.
TRAVEL ADVANCES
Travel Advances must be requested at a minimum fifteen (15) days prior to the event in question and must be reasonably calculated and are not to exceed the amount of anticipated expenses. A detail of anticipated expenditures should accompany the request of the advance. There will be no more than two (2) outstanding or unsubstantiated advances permitted at one time.
Travel advances must be substantiated and employees must adequately account for their expenses within 30 days after the actual expenses were paid and/or incurred. Unsubstantiated funds will be considered wages and therefore are subject to all rules and regulations governing your regular earnings and will be reported on your W-2.
In the event all advanced funds are not used during travel, the remaining funds should be returned with a detailed expense report. The return of funds can be made via a personal check or a deduction to payroll earnings (this can be noted in the appropriate section on the reimbursement request).
REIMBURSEMENT OF TRAVEL, BUSINESS AND ENTERTAINMENT RELATED EXPENSES - TAXABLE
In general, to allow for the appropriate recording of departmental expenses, an employee’s request for the reimbursement of University related out-of-pocket expenses should be processed on the approved Expense Reimbursement Form within 30 days after the actual expenses were paid and/or incurred (see below for the location of the approved Finance Forms). All appropriate information is required on the request which should include the Employee’s Complete Name, Address, Department and Location, Telephone Extension, LID/UVID, Accounting Unit and Account, Detailed Nature of Business and all relevant supporting documentation.
Documentation Requirements:
- Receipts: All expenses twenty five dollars ($25.00) and greater require the support of a detailed receipt. Copies of credit card statements, hotel statements (for non-lodging expenses) or restaurant pull tab receipts are not acceptable forms of documentation. Detailed restaurant receipts (as opposed to stub-receipts) should include the date, name of the establishment and itemization of purchase. Missing receipts will not be reimbursed unless a missing receipt form is completed and approved by the authorized approver.
- Lodging: Copies of detailed hotel receipts/statements are required for the reimbursement of lodging expenses. This documentation must include the name, location and date of the expenditures and separate amounts for each charge, such as lodging, meals, telephone, and miscellaneous [IRS Regulation - Section 1.274-5(c)(2)iii(B)]
- Airfare: Employees must provide adequate documentation to support the cost of airfare. Confirmation with ticket number, copies of E-tickets or other related support should be provided at the time of reimbursement request.
All expense reimbursement requests require the appropriate review and approval of each department Budget Administrator, Senior Vice President, Vice President or Dean. All authorized approvers must complete a Signature Authorization Form that will be kept on file in the Accounts Payable Department.
All requests should include an authorized budget administrator or designated approver(s). In the event the request exceeds $5,000, a second approval is required. Any individual approving a request must also provide their telephone extension in the event clarification is needed from the Accounts Payable Office. Please note that an individual cannot approve their own request nor is it deemed appropriate to have a subordinate approve a request, even if they are an authorized signatory on an accounting unit.
It is recommended that all expenses are submitted for reimbursement within 30 days after the travel is complete or the expense is incurred to allow time for processing and approvals.
All Reimbursements submitted more than 90 days following the date of the expense or the last date of travel will be considered taxable income to the employee and subject to income withholding taxes. Please note the date used to determine a report is submitted after 90 days is the date the documentation is submitted to Accounts Payable.
Any exceptions to this policy may result in a taxable event for the employee subject to payroll tax withholding.
LINKS
- Account Code Definitions
- Currency Conversion
- Sponsored Program Accounting
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Online Forms
- Per Diem Rates
- Procurement Card
- Motor Vehicle Records and Vehicle Use Policy
Reviewed/Updated: September 18, 2024