UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 34, Page 5
June 6, 1996
New travel policy

     The University Travel Policy has been revised with significant
changes. Policy 3-7, which became effective June 1, will be
distributed soon by the senior vice president as part of the
University Policy and Procedures.
     A summary of the changes includes:
        * Reimbursements for meal expenses will be based on actual
          cost only. Per-diem reimbursements will no longer be
          allowed, except for the Office of International Programs and
          Special Sessions extended-stay study program and extended-
          stay visiting faculty.
        * Reimbursements for meal expenses are expected to be
          "reasonable," as determined by the expense report approver.
        * Original receipts will be required for all expenditures over
          $10, except taxi fares.
        * Full primary insurance coverage is provided by the
          University for short term rentals of automobiles by
          employees on University business. The deductible amount has
          been eliminated for University departments. Business
          travelers should refuse insurance coverage offered by
          commercial car rental companies.
        * Departments may establish their own, more restrictive,
          travel policies.
        * Prior approval requirements, if any, are to be established
          by each dean or vice president.
        * Lunch reimbursement is no longer prohibited for travel
          within the state of Delaware. However, under Internal
          Revenue Service regulations, individual meal reimbursements
          not involving overnight travel is taxable income to the
          individual and will be reported at calendar year end on the
          W-2 form. Meal costs associated with entertainment of
          University guests are not considered taxable income.
        * The current Request for Personal Reimbursement Invoice will
          be replaced by the Business Expense Report (BER).
          Departments may use up their existing supply of forms before
          switching to the new form.
        * Responsibilities of travelers and expense report approvers
          are spelled out in the "approvals" section.


     Questions about the policy may be referred to the manager of
Accounts Payable at 831-8521.