Office of the Vice President for Research

  • Service Units
  • Research Development
  • Research Advisory Groups
  • Health Center Research Advisory Council (HCRAC)
  • Grant Programs

Travel Grants for Graduate Students

  • uconn health

Application

  • Graduate Student Travel Grant Application Form

Application Guidelines and Instructions

This program has been established to support travel costs for graduate students (PhD, MD/PhD, or DMD/PhD students) who present research results in-person at scientific meetings and symposia. The program will support costs of that travel up to a limit of $700 per fiscal year. Note, HCRAC travel funds cannot be combined with any other UConn travel support.

Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis, until the funds for this program have been exhausted.

Eligibility

  • Eligibility for this program is restricted to UConn Health graduate students (PhD, MD/PhD, or DMD/PhD students) provided that their faculty preceptor for the research is based at UConn Health.
  • In order to be eligible, applicants must have a research paper or poster accepted for presentation, and that paper must be related to the graduate student’s thesis or dissertation research.
  • Only one presenter per abstract will be eligible for funding under the travel grants program, first author having precedence for an award.

If there are any questions about this travel grant program, please call extension 860.679.2513 or contact Stephanie Holden at [email protected] .

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Educational Neuroscience Programs

TRANSCEND Ph.D. Training Program

Applying for the transcend travel & research funds.

**This page is written by Charlotte Nelson and supported by  SLAC ; edited by Celine Li for TRANSCEND**

TRANSCEND trainees may request up to $1000 for travel funds and $1000 research funds. The application can be found here: https://uconn.kualibuild.com/app/650cae0732976c013ab0df27/start . We will notify you within a week after we receive your submission. Before starting the application, please make sure to visit the resources below and familiarize yourself with travel policies in UCONN. Please let your program coordinator know if you have any questions about the following items. 

Travel Award Guidelines for Booking Travel & Receiving Reimbursement

UPDATE TO TRAVEL GUIDANCE, APRIL 2021

RELAUNCH OF TRAVEL PPT .pdf

REQUIRED READING PRIOR TO BOOKING TRAVEL: 

  • Travel Reopening  for detailed information on travel FAQs
  • Federal Sponsored Travel FAQ .pdf .pdf
  • UConn Travel Policy
  • Open Skies Agreement
  • Travel Ban to North Carolina and Mississippi  

TRAVEL FUNDS:

  • Click   here (TBD)   to complete a travel award application form.
  • your full name as it appears on your id/passport
  • your date of birth
  • phone number
  • preferred travel days/times
  • preferred departure cities if flying
  • preferred airline and frequent flier # (if any)
  • For conference registration, the log in credentials so that the registration can be purchased with a Pro Card

If you are a GA, you will need to apply for your own travel card, submit a travel request in Concur and book your own travel with Anthony Travel and then reconcile it in Concur.  See steps below

If you have any questions about the process, please contact  [email protected]  and they can assist you.

  • GA can request a Travel card to cover their hotel and other allowable incidental expenses, or they can choose to use a personal card.
  • Submit a travel request  in Concur for approval
  • After travel, GA will need to submit an expense report  ( create one from the approved travel request ), for the UConn Business expenses charged to their Travel card/personal card and any out-of-pocket expenses they are being reimbursed for.
  • In order to receive per diem, all of the meals and incidental expenses need to be paid out of pocket.  If you use the travel card you will need receipts for all purchases and cannot receive partial per diem.
  • Ensure you have a brochure, or conference badge  that you can take a picture of or upload in your expense report when you submit it after the trip.
  • KFS#(ask Program Coordinator for it)

The following training documents contains detailed instructions on Requests, Booking and Expensing travel in Concur.   https://travel.uconn.edu/training-and-resources/

EXPENSE AND REIMBURSEMENT

  Reconciling and reimbursement of expenses:

  • Any expense incurred out of pocket by the student will need to be reimbursed through a Concur expense report where they will list their out of pocket expenses such as meals or ground transportation-if all meals and incidentals were paid for out of pocket then you can use per diem in concur to calculate reimbursement.  If even one meal was paid using the travel card, you cannot use per diem.   Make sure that you have receipts and justification for each expense.  

BDL Parking:    BDL has suspended the parking pass service, so you can claim parking from any of the regular long term lots when you return

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College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Department of History

  • Submitting a Travel Request
  • Booking in Concur Travel
  • Creating an Expense Report
  • Travel Policies

History Department Travel Procedures

For Faculty: AAUP/ OVPR Travel Funding

The system for requesting travel funds from AAUP/OVPR remains as before, and separate from Concur.  If you are doing travel which is eligible for AAUP/OVPR funding, request that first. Guidelines here: https://ovpr.uconn.edu/services/research-development/faculty-travel/

Once it is awarded later on, you can enter the KFS number for your award into Concur so your travel spending is taken out of your award (you will need to type in the number one by one, rather than copy and pasting).   The form to request OVPR/AAUP travel funding is here: https://travelfunds.core.uconn.edu/

For All: Concur Travel and Expense

Setting up your account:.

You should establish your traveler profile in the Concur system as soon as possible .  This is the basic information about you, your passport, your preferences, and so on which is used to book travel. You log in with your NetID here: travel.uconn.edu

  • When the system asks you (under Request Settings) for an account number to pay for travel, put in the KFS number for your department research account.  Ask Kathy Erickson for the number if you don’t have it.  This will be the default: charges made against this account can later be moved to other accounts, for instance funds from  AAUP/OVPR.  But since everyone has this KFS number this is the starting point.
  • Also: the system will ask you for a backup credit card. You are free to add that or not, though it might well be of help in booking items which funding sadly does not fully cover.

Booking and Completing Your Travel:

  • Before anything else, make a travel request in Concur.   You don’t need to have approved funding from AAUP/OVPR , and you do not need exact figures– a simple estimate of some costs will do.  The request will then route to  Mark Healey or Kathy, and they will approve.  Details of this are in the “Submitting a Travel Request” pdf above.
  • If during the request you are notified by the system that a waiver is needed (required for some international travel), contact Kathy Erickson for assistance.
  • To be reimbursed, the vendor bill must be in the traveler’s name. This means that the University will not reimburse any payments made to colleagues in an effort to cost-share, including for lodging. Please consult with  Kathy about any plans to share hotel rooms or an airbnb before booking.
  • The university will only reimburse up to a total of a 20% gratuity (meals, taxis, ubers, etc.) For example, if the restaurant includes a 20% tip on the receipt, anything you tip on top of that would not be reimbursable. 
  • While travelling, decide if you are going to request per diem or reimbursement for actual meal costs.  It must be one or the other for the entire trip, not a mix. Once you use your travel card for a meal, you can NOT get a per diem.
  • Post trip, complete and submit your expense report.   Save all of your receipts, including receipts for travel card usage.  Please do not use the Concur App to upload your receipts. Please schedule a short meeting with Kathy, if you have any questions while you are doing your expense report.  It’s a good idea to ask Kathy to check it, prior to submitting, especially on the first few that you do.
  • Concur sends MANY automatic emails before and during the entire process. You can ignore these! Or, if you are concerned, forward to Kathy and check in, but please do not reply directly to these emails.
  • If you have any questions, please write to Kathy rather than the general travel account.

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Office of Undergraduate Research

Our research travel awards.

Students working outside in a science/lab class at Avery Point campus.

Program Overview

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) will provide up to $500 to undergraduate students for travel to conduct research , such as travel to consult materials in an archive or work with equipment in a national lab. Students may use these awards to pay for travel, parking, meals, and lodging, where permitted by University policy, while away from their home UConn campus. Travel costs incurred as part of UConn coursework are not eligible for this award.

Note: Research Travel Awards do not fund expenses associated with conference presentations. For such support, OUR Conference Presentation Awards are the appropriate funding source.

The most updated travel guidance is available at travel.uconn.edu . International, university-sponsored travel by students to destinations with a Level 3 or 4 travel advisory requires an approved waiver from Global Affairs. Information on international travel and access to the travel waiver application is available here . OUR will not fund a student to travel internationally unless the student has secured all necessary travel registrations, waivers, and approvals.

It can take up to 6 weeks for a Travel Award to be approved and for funds to be disbursed, so early application is encouraged. You must apply a minimum of 4 weeks before you travel.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and awards are made until funds are exhausted. (In other words, apply early!) Travel awards will not normally be made in support of travel to conduct research over the summer, but applications related to summer travel will be considered if funding remains after the application deadline. Please note that funding for this program, which is intended to support students across the university, is limited. Multiple students applying for support for the same project may receive smaller awards.

Students who receive an OUR Research Travel Award are required to present their work at a Frontiers in Undergraduate Research Poster Exhibition during the academic year in which they received their OUR Award.

Funding rates for Research Travel Awards vary; we will take financial need into account when making these awards.

Eligibility

To apply for these awards, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be an undergraduate enrolled full-time at any campus of the University of Connecticut. Eligibility for funding through Office of Undergraduate Research award programs is restricted to students currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at UConn. This includes students pursuing Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of General Studies, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Engineering, and Bachelor of Social Work degrees. Note: Part-time undergraduate students enrolled at any campus of the University of Connecticut may apply for these awards if they have completed at least 60 academic credits (including at least 12 credits at UConn). 
  • Must complete the travel associated with this award before graduating from their bachelor’s degree program.
  • Must be in good academic standing.
  • Must have their faculty advisor on the project submit a recommendation form on their behalf as part of their online application.
  • May receive no more than one OUR Research Travel Award during any given academic year.

AWARD CONDITIONS

  • Students engaging in international travel for academic purposes must register with UConn Global Affairs in accordance with the UConn Student International Travel Policy . Students will be automatically enrolled and covered by Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) Health Insurance for the duration of their trips upon their completion of the Global Affairs undergraduate student travel registration form. Learn more about registration with Global Affairs.
  • OUR Travel Award recipients must present at the Frontiers in Undergraduate Research Poster Exhibition in the fall or spring of the academic year in which the award was received.
  • Recipients must submit the Research Travel Award Research Experience Completion Form by the deadline specified in their award letter.

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Application Deadline

The online application for 2023-24 OUR Research Travel Awards is now open. Apply here .

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The deadline to apply for OUR Research Travel Award funding for the 2023-24 academic year is 11:59pm on Monday, April 1, 2024 .

Research Travel awards will not normally be made in support of summer projects, but applications related to summer research will be considered if funding remains after the April 1, 2024 application deadline. Updated information regarding the availability of funds will be posted here.

How to Apply

The OUR Research Travel Award application is now open. Apply here . The OUR Research Travel Award Application Outline provides a list of all the questions you will need to answer in the online application.

For guidance on how to use the application management system, please review the Quest Portal User Tips . A complete application consists of the online application, an uploaded Budget Worksheet , and a recommendation form to be completed by the faculty advisor of your project.

Please use the Research Travel Budget Worksheet  to generate an itemized budget for your travel; you will be asked to upload this in PDF format as part of the online application. Students applying to conduct research internationally must also complete a Supplemental International Travel Questions form as part of the online application. You will request that your faculty advisor complete a recommendation via the Quest online application system by entering his/her name and email address in the application. The system will send your faculty advisor a personalized link to complete the recommendation form.

We encourage you to share your application – including your project description and budget – with your faculty advisor so s/he can refer to them when completing the recommendation.

It is advisable to review the OUR Research Travel Award Application Outline prior to completing the online application. The outline lists all the questions you will need to answer and the types of information you will need to provide in the online application.

Please note that the final question on the application will ask you to certify that you have prepared your application materials in accordance with University standards for academic integrity. Learn more about academic integrity.

Information for Recommenders

Faculty advisors are asked to complete an online recommendation form; you will not be asked to upload a recommendation letter. Your assessment of the quality of the student’s work to date and the necessity of this funding for the achievement of the student’s goals are critically important to the review process. Students will request recommendations via the online application system ( quest.uconn.edu ). Once the recommendation has been requested, UConn faculty should go to the main Quest Portal page , click “Log In” in the top right corner, select “UConn Single Sign-on” and log in with your netID and password; you should then see the recommendation task to complete.

Please note that award funds are typically disbursed directly to the student. Under limited circumstances, funds may be transferred to a ledger 2 account associated with the faculty supervisor or his/her department to cover travel expenses in the student’s award budget for which the faculty or department has already paid.

Criteria for Review and Selection

OUR Travel Award applications are reviewed by the Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research based on the following criteria:

  • The project description is well written and clearly explains the project and the value of the travel opportunity.
  • The student and his/her project meet the eligibility criteria.
  • The budget is itemized, appropriate to the project described, and reports the total cost of the proposed travel (even if it exceeds the funding requested).
  • The student has secured research compliance approval(s) if necessary for the project. No award will be issued until documentation of these approval(s) is received.
  • The proposed travel conforms to University policy.
  • The advisor is familiar with the student’s project and rates the student’s work to date highly.
  • The student could not accomplish all the goals associated with the research project without this funding and the advisor recommends funding.

How are OUR Research Travel Awards disbursed?

OUR staff will be in contact with you to gather all the information needed for UConn’s travel pre-approval process. Once all approvals are in place, the award funds will be posted to your fee bill. Once posted to your fee bill, you will be able to request a refund from the Bursar’s Office. Learn more about requesting a refund. Under limited circumstances, funds may be transferred to a ledger 2 account associated with the faculty supervisor or his/her department to cover travel expenses in the student’s award budget for which the faculty or department has already paid.

I am conducting research at UConn Health. Am I eligible for this award?

You may apply for a Research Travel Award to cover expenses associated with travel to the UConn Health campus, provided that (a) you provide an explanation of why you cannot use CTtransit services (free with a U-Pass), and (b) that you are not a current participant in the Health Research Program (as travel support equivalent to an OUR Research Travel Award is made available to HRP participants). Please note that these applications will have lower priority for funding given the availability of free or low-cost transit options.

I will be driving my own vehicle as part of my travel to conduct research. Is that an allowable expense?

If you will be driving, you can request that the expense be covered using the prevailing IRS standard business mileage rate multiplied by the round trip mileage. See the IRS Standard Mileage Rates website for the current rate.

I am planning international travel. Are there any restrictions on international locations to which I can travel?

International, university-sponsored travel by students requires additional approvals by Global Affairs and remains subject to COVID restrictions. Information on international travel and access to the travel waiver application is available  here . OUR will not fund a student to travel internationally unless the student has secured all necessary travel registrations, waivers, and approvals.

Under normal circumstances, the University will not permit or support travel to any country with a U.S. Department of State Travel Warning or Travel Alert except pursuant to a Waiver approved by the Vice President for Global Affairs under the Policy for Education Abroad and Related Activities in Sites with a U.S. Department of State Travel Warning/Travel Alert .

Can I pay for summer research travel expenses with this award?

The OUR Research Travel Awards program is focused on supporting research and creative projects pursued during the academic year. Awards will not normally be made in support of summer projects; however, applications related to summer work will be considered if funding remains after the application deadline . A summer Research Travel Award cannot be held in conjunction with another summer award from OUR (i.e., UConn Co-op Legacy Fellowship, Health Research Program stipend, UConn IDEA Grant, SURF Award). Updated information about the availability of funds will be posted in the Application Deadline section above.

Is my OUR Research Travel Award subject to taxation?

For questions related to taxation, please refer to the UConn Tax & Compliance Office’s Student Taxation page and Student Tax FAQs .

I have questions about OUR Research Travel Awards. Is there someone I can speak with?

If you have questions about OUR Research Travel Awards or the application process, contact the Office of Undergraduate Research at [email protected] or schedule an appointment with an OUR Advisor .

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Office of University Compliance

University Policies

Travel services, travel and entertainment policy, general guidelines.

PART 1: PLANNING AND APPROVAL 1a. Authorization to Travel 1b. Travel Advances and Payroll Deductions 1c. Official Travel Parties 1d. Spousal/Partner Travel Event Participation 1e. Combined Business and Personal Travel 1f. Fellowship Travel 1g. Sponsored Program Travel

PART 2: AIR TRAVEL 2a. Transportation to and from an Airport 2b. Airport Parking 2c. Commercial Air Travel 2d. Baggage Fees 2e. Unused Tickets 2f. Charter Air Travel for Official Travel Parties

PART 3: GROUND TRAVEL 3a. Ground Versus Air Travel 3b. Rail Travel 3c. State‐owned Vehicles 3d. Personally Owned Vehicles 3e. Rental Vehicles

PART 4: LODGING 4a. Out‐of‐State Lodging 4b. In‐State Lodging 4c. Use of Local Hotels 4d. Group Lodging

PART 5: MEALS 5a. Meals for Unclassified Employees (while traveling) 5b. Meals for Classified Employees (while traveling) 5c. Meal Expenses for Single‐Day Travel (no overnight) 5d. Conference and Other Meals Provided 5e. Business Meals 5f. Gratuities

PART 6: OTHER EXPENSES 6a. Registration Fees 6b. Telephone, Internet, Computer, and Facsimile Charges While Traveling 6c. Foreign Currency Rates and Per Diem Reimbursement 6d. Prescriptions and Medical Expenses for International Travel

The University of Connecticut (University), here defined as all campuses and programs except for UConn Health, recognizes and supports the need for faculty, staff, and students (undergraduate and graduate) to travel for conferences, events, and other purposes that further the reputation of the University and enhance the productivity of the University community.  Likewise, the University may also find it important to entertain guests.

University business includes travel and entertainment related to activities such as program accreditation, student assessment, academic programming, clinical placements, presentations at or participation in conferences, professional development, fundraising, continuing education, travel related to an employee’s official duties, athletic travel, and many other important activities that support the intellectual and operational endeavors of the University.

At the same time, as a State agency, we must respect and safeguard our travel privileges and funds. We must practice fiscal, ethical, and public responsibility.  This policy sets forth rules that balance the University’s business travel and entertainment needs with sound stewardship of public resources.

This policy addresses the most common aspects of University business travel and entertainment. It cannot contemplate every situation that might arise, however.  Travelers and administrators with questions should contact their supervisor or University Business Services for guidance before they arrange their travel.

This policy applies to all University employees, students, and guests, including but not limited to recruits and job candidates.  The policy shall also apply to the travel and entertainment expenses of contractors, unless the applicable contract provides terms inconsistent with this policy.  Where the policy is intended to apply differently to any of the above University business travelers, it will be so stated in the appropriate section of the policy.  This policy covers all types of University travel for individuals, groups, and team travel.  Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement (“CBA”) may be subject to additional and/or different policies regarding travel and entertainment.  For such employees, in the event of a conflict between this policy and the applicable CBA, the CBA shall control.

Employees can be reimbursed for certain travel and entertainment expenses related to University business.  University business expenses are the ordinary and necessary expenses of conducting your job, are not lavish or extravagant, and are not for personal purposes.  To be reimbursable, such expenses must be reasonable and appropriate to the circumstances, and in the case of federal grant and/or grant-based sponsored travel, conform to the sponsor requirements as described below under “Sponsored Program Travel” and highlighted in specific sections of this policy.  All reimbursements are subject to final review and approval from Accounts Payable.

Students should follow the same policies for University employees, with the exception of those provisions in Collective Bargaining Agreements that apply to particular employees. Students are reimbursed at the same rate as unclassified employees.  Travelers should also be aware of the Protection of Minors policy ( https://policy.uconn.edu/2016/03/29/protection-of-minors-and-reporting-of-child-abuse-and-neglect-policy/ ).

ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT

With appropriate justification and documentation, travelers can be reimbursed for airfare, railroad tickets, conference registrations, mileage, tolls, lodging, meals, car rental, parking, and other relevant business expenses. Travelers must submit receipts for: (i) expenses greater than $50 that are paid for using the University Travel Card; and (ii) expenses greater than $25 that are paid for by means other than the University Travel Card.

Travelers and Administrators should contact [email protected] or visit travel.uconn.edu for additional information on what may be reimbursed and how.

A primary goal of these policies is to generate cost savings for the University to the greatest extent possible, while simultaneously maintaining the convenience and practicality of the traveler.  If a traveler can document a cost saving measure, which would otherwise be in violation of these policies, Accounts Payable will review the expenditure and, most often, support and reimburse the cost saving measure.

In situations where individuals may share expenses related to travel or entertainment, it is the policy of the University to reimburse the individual who can document having paid the shared expense.  The University is not a party to agreements between individuals to loan or share expenses, and individuals who enter such agreements are responsible for settlement between themselves.

In special circumstances, exceptions to these policies may be warranted.  The President, Provost, Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer, or the Athletic Director or their authorized designees, may review and grant reasonable exceptions.  Exceptions are subject to final review and approval by Accounts Payable.  Additionally, individuals who require accommodations for reasons of health or disability may seek reasonable exceptions to this policy.  Individuals who seek such accommodations may seek the assistance of the Department of Human Resources.

The University reimburses travel and entertainment expenses pursuant to the rules applicable to accountable plans under Section 1.62-2(c)(1) of the Treasury Regulations and, for certain independent contractors, the rules applicable to working condition fringe benefits under Section 132(a)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury Regulations corresponding thereto.  Accordingly, all reimbursable expenditures must have a business purpose and must be supported by documentation.  Whenever this policy is silent or ambiguous about the sufficiency of documentation of expenses, the terms of the tax authorities cited above shall control.  For further guidance, travelers may consult IRS Publication 463.

NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT

Employees are responsible for getting to and from work each workday.  Employees will not be reimbursed for mileage associated with their normal commutes, regardless of the location of their home in relation to their official duty station at the University.  Moreover, when an employee travels from their home to an off-site business destination (including an airport or a rail station), only the difference between the mileage to the off-site destination and the mileage of the employee’s normal commute is eligible for reimbursement.  In other words, employees must deduct the mileage of their normal commute when they claim mileage for travel from their homes to business destinations.

Travelers will not be reimbursed for personal items, including but not limited to newspapers, magazines, toiletries, laundry services, childcare costs, pet boarding fees, credit card interest or late fees, hotel and airline membership fees, airline upgrades, pillows, blankets, headsets, or parking for personal travel.

Travelers will not be reimbursed for parking fines, traffic violation tickets, towing charges, or other vehicular fines.

Travelers will not be reimbursed for trip cancellation insurance or other private insurance. For this reason, as well as administrative considerations, travelers are strongly encouraged to book their flights through the University’s contracted and preferred agency. For international travel only, medical insurance and emergency evacuation is provided by the University.

Travelers will be responsible for no-show fees (e.g., airfare, hotel, etc.), unless in rare circumstances the no-show fee relates to a business reason or an emergency that prevented the traveler from cancelling.  The justification must be documented and provided to Accounts Payable, which may require approval from the appropriate Department Head, Director, or Dean.  These fees are typically not reimbursable in the case of federal grant and/or grant-based sponsored travel.

Expenses paid with credits received from rebates, points, vouchers, etc., are not eligible for reimbursement regardless of how the credits were earned.

In addition, travelers will not receive travel reimbursement for participation in events that are not related to their University work or activities.

REIMBURSEMENT APPROVAL

To avoid actual or apparent conflicts of interest, and to ensure proper separation of duties, employees may not approve payment or reimbursement for their own expenses, expenses of a close relative, expenses related to an event in which they participated, or expenses of an individual to whom they directly or indirectly report.

Employees’ travel and reimbursement requests are subject to approval by supervisors, the Fiscal Officer of the account(s) from which the expenses are paid and Accounts Payable.  These constituencies share responsibility in enforcing this policy and confirming that all reimbursements are supported with a business purpose and clear documentation.  Additionally, travel expenses funded by sponsored awards administered by the University will be reviewed by Sponsored Program Services and the Principal Investigator (PI).  Final approval of the expenses is subject to review by Accounts Payable.

To be reimbursed, travelers are requested to submit a Concur expense report, along with all supporting documentation, within fifteen days of returning from a trip. The University is committed to the timely processing of financial transactions as an integral part of operations and is also observant of the tax rules applicable to employee reimbursements. Therefore, reimbursements submitted later than 60 days after travel is complete will be paid only at the discretion of the appropriate Department Head, Director, or Dean, subject to final review and approval by Accounts Payable. In no event will reimbursements submitted later than 120 days after travel is complete be reimbursed, even with approval from the appropriate Department Head, Director, or Dean

PROCEDURES 

Travel and Entertainment procedures are available at: https://travel.uconn.edu .

PART 1: PLANNING BUSINESS TRAVEL

1a. AUTHORIZATION TO TRAVEL

The University requires pre-approval for travel that involves any travel segment (Airfare, Hotel or Car Rental) for employees, students and guests.  Individuals who incur travel expenses relating to any travel segment (Airfare, Hotel or Car Rental) without prior approval from their supervisor bear the risk that their expenses may not be reimbursed upon return.  The decision to reimburse a traveler in connection with travel that had not been pre-approved will be at the sole discretion of the President, Provost, Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer, or Athletic Director (or their designees).

Further, travelers are strongly encouraged to secure a pre-approval through Concur’s Travel Request module for travel that does not involve a travel segment (e.g., day trip to Boston or New York City), as this will enable monitoring in the event of an emergency.

Travelers should make every effort to reserve travel as soon as practicable, in order to achieve the most cost-effective travel rates.

1b. TRAVEL ADVANCES AND PAYROLL DEDUCTIONS

It is possible to request an advance for certain travel expenses.  However, such advances will only be issued in certain limited circumstances, and may not be used for expenses that can be charged to the employee’s University Travel Card or that may be paid directly by the University.

1c. OFFICIAL TRAVEL PARTIES – ATHLETIC TRAVEL

An “Official Travel Party” is a group of individuals who are authorized to travel on behalf of the University to athletic events.  The Athletic Director is required to approve the “Official Travel Party.”

Individuals not included in an “Official Travel Party” require pre-approval by the Athletic Director, or his or her designee, prior to travelling on a team trip.

Once travel is completed, Athletics is required to submit the final travel roster for that trip.  The final travel roster must include the names and affiliation of individuals that traveled.

1d. SPOUSAL/PARTNER TRAVEL AND ENTERTAINMENT PARTICIPATION

The travel or entertainment expenses of a spouse, partner, immediate family or dependent generally fall within one of three classifications. (Such expenses are not allowed on sponsored awards.)

Bona Fide Business Purpose

If the attendance of a spouse, partner, immediate family or dependent serves a bona fide business purpose for the University, the University may pay the travel or entertainment expenses of the spouse or partner.  To meet the high standard of a bona fide business purpose, the presence of the spouse or partner must be compelling or essential (and not just beneficial) to carry out the business interests and functions of the University.

Employment Agreement

Absent a bona fide business purpose, if an individual’s University employment arrangement or contract permits his or her spouse or partner to travel, or provides that his or her spouse or partner may attend University events, then the cost of such travel or event, or any reimbursement therefore, will be considered compensation to the employee and will be included in the taxable wages of the employee.

Accompaniment with No Business Purpose

The travel and entertainment expenses of a spouse, partner, immediate family or dependent who has no official role for the University and is simply accompanying an individual on University-related travel are the personal responsibility of the traveler, and as such will not be paid or reimbursed using University funds.

1e. COMBINED BUSINESS AND PERSONAL TRAVEL

Employees may combine travel for personal and business reasons, subject to the guidelines below.

If weekends, holidays, or necessary standby days fall between business travel days the traveler may be reimbursed for a hotel where a cost savings can be demonstrated.  Example – if a traveler attends a two-week conference and there is a cost savings by remaining at the conference location over the weekend versus flying home and back during the weekend.

If a traveler chooses to arrive early or to stay longer for non-business reasons, the University will not pay for expenses incurred during additional personal days or any other personal travel expense. The only exception and in special cases, travelers will be able to combine their business and personal travel at a cost lower than if a single trip were only for business. In these special cases, the University will reimburse the traveler for the lower-cost business and personal trip provided that the traveler has clearly documented the cost savings to the University.  The traveler must provide supporting documentation and economic justification from the time of booking, including cost comparisons from the University’s contracted and preferred agency on the date of booking.

Travelers will be reimbursed for travel days as follows:

  • Outbound flight segments less than eight (8) hours in duration – one day
  • Outbound flight segments exceeding eight (8) hours in duration – two days
  • Following a conference, meeting, etc. – one day

1f. FELLOWSHIP TRAVEL

Travel by University Fellows, to be reimbursed or otherwise paid by the University, must adhere to the guidelines contained throughout this policy.  Such travel may be taxable to the Fellow under IRS guidance.

1g. SPONSORED PROGRAM TRAVEL

Travel is a direct cost to a sponsored project when such travel will provide direct benefit to the award and is:

  • Allowable : The cost must be allowable under both the provisions of the Office of Management and Uniform Guidance and under the terms of a specific award.
  • Allocable : The cost must be allocable; that is, the expense can be associated to a project with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Reasonable : The cost must be reasonable; that is, the cost reflects what a “prudent person” would pay in a like circumstance.

If federally funded, sponsored awards are subject to certain federal laws and the guidelines set forth in the Uniform Guidance, 2 CFR Part 200—uniform administrative requirements, cost principles, and audit requirements for federal awards.  All sponsored project awards may be subject to specific agency restrictions, as well as the remainder of this policy.  The terms and conditions of the individual agreement should be reviewed prior to incurring and/or submitting any travel for approval or for reimbursement.  The terms of this travel policy apply to all sponsored programs unless the sponsor’s requirements are more restrictive; if they are, then the sponsor rules must be followed.  The Principal Investigator is responsible for the financial stewardship of their award and for adhering to sponsor and University requirements for travel, and the spending of sponsored funds in general.

The following list highlights some common sponsored travel restrictions.  Some awards may :

  • Prohibit foreign travel
  • Require pre-authorization by Sponsor for each trip
  • Restrict the number of trips that can be taken
  • Restrict the number of travelers on an authorized trip
  • Set a maximum dollar value per trip
  • Allow attendance to a conference to present research, but not for the purpose of “staying current in the field”
  • Limit travel to a specific destination or purpose
  • Specify maximum meal, mileage or other cost rates.

Sponsored travel must be justified, well-documented, in compliance with the sponsor requirements, and incurred within the period of the award.  Travelers on sponsored funds must provide sufficient explanation so that anyone reviewing the transaction can verify that it is allowable, allocable, and reasonable to the project charged.  Charges that are split between two or more projects must demonstrate how the trip specifically benefited each project respectively.

Entertainment costs are not allowable to a sponsored project without explicit prior approval from the sponsor and Sponsored Program Services.

Federal airfare

The federal Fly America Act mandates that travel sponsored by the federal government must be on U.S. airlines or a foreign air carrier that code shares with a U.S. flag carrier on the flight taken, subject to certain limited exceptions.  This includes flights within the U.S.  If there is no U.S. carrier to your destination, you must travel on a U.S. carrier as far as possible.  By law, additional cost for U.S. carrier flights is not sufficient justification to fly on foreign carriers.  Please note that the same rules apply to a foreign visitor’s flights.

One exception to this requirement is transportation provided under a bilateral or multilateral air transport agreement called “Open Skies Agreements.”  There are currently four Open Skies Agreements that permit traveling on a European Union, Norwegian, Icelandic, Australian, Swiss, or Japanese carrier under specific circumstances.

Though the federal Open Skies policies allow the use of foreign airlines, the easiest and safest way to comply with Federal air travel regulations is to continue to book flights only on U.S. airlines.  The use of a U.S. air carrier is required on Department of Defense (DoD) awards even when there is an Open Skies Agreement in place.

Fly American and Open Skies are covered further in the Air Travel section of this policy.

PART 2: AIR TRAVEL

2a. TRANSPORATION TO AND FROM AN AIRPORT

Travelers should use the most reasonable and cost-effective mode of travel to airports.  Except in cases where a traveler provides a written explanation of special circumstances, travelers must use a personal vehicle to travel to and from the airport of departure.  For travel to and from the destination airport, the appropriate means of travel to the airport may include a personal vehicle, a rented vehicle, a ride-sharing service (e.g., Uber or Lyft), a taxi, or a shuttle service.  Private livery services (defined herein to mean all private vehicles for hire, except for taxi services) are not to be used by employees, students, consultants, or gratis appointments unless the traveler provides a written explanation of a special need for a private vehicle.  Acceptable special needs for a private vehicle shall be evaluated by Travel Services and may include, but not be limited to cost saving, accommodation for a health or medical concern, the unavailability of other options, or the need to transport an important University guest.  Exceptions or additional review may be granted or conducted by the appropriate Department Head, Director, or Dean subject to final review and approval by Accounts Payable.

Travelers may be reimbursed for personal vehicle mileage in accordance with this policy.  However, travelers will receive reimbursement for the difference in mileage between their trip to the airport from their home or official duty station (where the employee is permanently assigned) and their normal commute to work.  In other words, if a traveler lives closer to Bradley International Airport than to his or her official duty station, and if the traveler travels directly from his or her home to the airport, the University will not reimburse the traveler for the trip to the airport.

Travelers will not be reimbursed for airport hotel costs prior to the day of departure or after return.

2b. AIRPORT PARKING

Travelers should park at the lowest-cost parking lot.   Applicable procedures are available at: https://travel.uconn.edu .

2c. COMMERCIAL AIR TRAVEL

Employees should generally purchase the lowest commercial airfare available, but may also make reasonable allowances for practicality and preferences such as safety, scheduling and any need for special accommodations.  Travelers are strongly urged, but not required, to use the University’s contracted and preferred agency to book airline travel.  Additionally, individuals who require accommodations for reasons of health or disability may seek reasonable exceptions to this policy.  Individuals who seek such accommodations may seek the assistance of the University’s Office of Diversity and Equity.

Travelers may not insist on non-stop flights.  In determining the lowest and most practical commercial fare, the traveler should consider not only non-stop flights, but also flights with one connection (both departing and/or returning).

Travelers should purchase non-refundable tickets unless a refundable ticket is documented to be within $50 of the non-refundable ticket for the same flight.

First class air travel rates will not be paid for or reimbursed by the University.  The University will allow business class travel only on international flights with at least one flight segment exceeding eight (8) hours in duration.  All business class ticketing must be booked through the University’s contracted and preferred agency.  Business class airfare may not be charged to a federal sponsored award, and the cost in excess of the coach fare must be charged to an account other than the federal grant/contract, except when traveling coach would: (1) require circuitous routing; (2) require travel during unreasonable hours; (3) excessively prolong travel; (4) result in additional costs that would offset the transportation savings; or (5) offer accommodations not adequate for the traveler’s medical needs.  The traveler is responsible for documenting the foregoing exceptions.

Note that the “Fly America Act,”49 U.S.C. 40118, requires all University travelers to use United States air carriers for all air travel and cargo transportation services supported by Federal funds.  One exception to this requirement is transportation provided under a bilateral or multilateral “Open Skies” air transport agreement, to which the United States government and the government of a foreign country are parties, and which the Department of Transportation has determined meets the requirements of the Fly America Act.  More information is available at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/103191.

Travelers should make every effort to reserve airfare as soon as practicable, in order to achieve the most cost-effective fares.  Contact the University’s contracted and preferred agency or University Business Services if you have any questions on how to secure the most cost-effective airfares.  Accounts Payable reserves the right to question unreasonable airline travel costs.

2d. BAGGAGE FEES

If there is a charge for checked baggage, the cost for the first two bags checked will be reimbursed.  Additional baggage fees will only be reimbursed if the traveler provides an appropriate written business justification for the excess baggage.

2e. UNUSED TICKETS

The University will not reimburse a traveler for an unused ticket purchased by the traveler.

2f. Charter Air Travel for Official Travel Parties

Under limited circumstances, University staff and students may use a charter airplane when it supports University business, if approved by the President or Athletic Director or his or her authorized designee.

PART 3: GROUND TRAVEL

3a. GROUND VERSUS AIR TRAVEL

A traveler may use ground transportation (vehicle or rail) for personal reasons, even if air travel is a more time- effective mode of transportation.  Under these circumstances, the cost for the ground transportation, meals and lodging, parking, mileage, tolls, taxis, and ferries may be reimbursed as long as these costs do not exceed the cost of airfare, based on the lowest reasonable commercial fare available from a standard commercial air carrier, plus transportation costs to and from the airport.

3b. RAIL TRAVEL

The University will pay for or reimburse rail travel in accordance with this policy, even if air travel is a more time- effective mode of transportation.  Business class accommodations are available for rail journeys longer than four hours.  Travelers will not receive reimbursement for first class travel rates.

3c. STATE-OWNED AND STATE-FUNDED VEHICLES

If an employee or department has a state-owned or state-funded (i.e., an automobile allowance/stipend) vehicle, the employee or department should use the vehicle for business travel whenever possible.  Charges for tolls and parking are reimbursable.

For state-owned vehicles only: further information is available from the UConn Motor Pool: https://fo.uconn.edu/departments/motor-pool/ .  Also, the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services provides a “Policy for Motor Vehicles Used for State Business”: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DAS/Fleet-Operations/DAS-GL-115.pdf?la=en .

For state-funded vehicles (i.e., an automobile allowance/stipend) only: when an employee uses his or her state-funded vehicle for University business, the University will reimburse the employee for their mileage, in accordance with the mileage reimbursement principles contained in this policy, at the IRS’s standard moving/medical rate, which is periodically updated and located on the Travel Services website.

3d. PERSONALLY OWNED VEHICLES

When a department authorizes an employee to use his or her personal vehicle for University business, the University will reimburse the employee at an established mileage rate, which is periodically updated and located on the Travel Services website.  Travelers will be reimbursed for trip related tolls and parking.

Travelers will not receive reimbursement for travel from their homes to their official duty stations, such as commuting expenses, unless provided under the applicable collective bargaining agreement.  In those limited cases where commuting expenses are reimbursed, the tax laws require that the reimbursement be treated as taxable income to the employee, and the University will withhold the appropriate taxes.

For the purposes of this policy, the term “official duty station” has the same meaning as his or her “tax home,” as that term is used in IRS authorities related to travel expenses.  Generally, an individual’s official duty station is his or her regular office or post of duty.  If an individual has more than one office or post of duty at the University, then the official duty station of that individual is generally the location at which the individual spends the most time.

When an employee’s official duty station is not a physical location at the University, or if the employee’s official duty station has changed from its original location, the employee may be eligible for travel reimbursements based on his or her official duty station if he or she first provides documentation, such as an employment letter or signed memorandum from his or her Department.  The documentation must be received by Accounts Payable before the reimbursement may be processed.

Travelers will not receive travel reimbursement for participation in events that are not related to their University work or activities.

Consistent with requirements of Connecticut State Agencies, it is the responsibility of the traveler to maintain automobile insurance in the minimum amounts of $50,000/$100,000 (third party liability) and $25,000 (property damage liability), if using his or her personal vehicle for business purposes.

Unless permitted by collective bargaining agreements or exception to policy, travelers will not receive reimbursement for travel on the Storrs Campus, between the Storrs and Depot Campuses, between the Storrs campus and local buildings in which University employees are housed (e.g., 28 Professional Park), or between the Storrs campus and Storrs Center.

3e. RENTAL VEHICLES

Travelers may rent vehicles from the preferred vendors (currently, Enterprise and National) for domestic travel when needed for the business trip, at the discretion of each traveler’s reporting line and/or funding source.

The size and class of the rented vehicle should be reasonable and appropriate for the number of intended passengers.  Travelers should only rent vehicles in the following classes: economy, compact, intermediate, standard, full size, mini-van, cargo van, and pick-up truck.  Travelers may not rent vehicles in the following classes without justification and approval from the appropriate Department Head, Director, or Dean and subject to review and approval from Accounts Payable: premium, luxury, small sport utility, or large sport utility.

University-contracted rental rates for preferred vendors for domestic travel already include the following insurances: collision, third party liability, and property damage liability insurances.  This coverage is required, and is available at an additional charge for international renters and young renters.  The University will not pay for or reimburse the traveler for additional insurance.  However, additional charges for GPS and roadside assistance may be reimbursed at the discretion of the Department Head, Director, or Dean subject to final review and approval by Accounts Payable.  Travelers are encouraged to obtain the authorization of their respective departments prior to incurring such additional charges.

Travelers are responsible for returning the vehicle with a full tank of fuel to avoid surcharges.  Travelers may not be reimbursed for the fuel service option, whereby a renter agrees to pay for a full tank of gas at a set price instead of returning the vehicle with a full tank of gas.

The University will not pay for penalties, fines, fees, or extra cost options not discussed above.

When a rental vehicle is needed for international travel, the University’s preferred agencies (currently, Enterprise and National) should be utilized to obtain the best rates.  For international travel, it is recommended that travelers maintain the minimum coverages for insurance through the rental company.

All efforts to secure the preferred vendor pricing for University guests are to be made by the host department.  When a guest uses a non-preferred vendor at a higher cost, a justification must be documented.  In these cases, Accounts Payable may require approval from the appropriate Department Head, Director, or Dean.

PART 4: LODGING

When overnight accommodations are required to conduct University business, reimbursement for lodging will be the actual cost of lodging at the lowest reasonable cost available, as determined by the trip’s circumstances.

4a. OUT-OF-STATE LODGING

Overnight accommodations of less than 30 consecutive nights .

Any lodging expense that exceeds the federal per diem lodging rate by more than fifty percent (excluding taxes) requires the approval of the Department Head, Director, or Dean, subject to final review and approval by Accounts Payable.  Federal per diem lodging rate can be found at www.gsa.gov/perdiem .

Exception for certain conference lodging expenses: rates for lodging provided through a conference may exceed the federal per diem rate by more than fifty percent (excluding taxes), without Department Head, Director, or Dean approval.  Travelers are encouraged to reserve conference lodging as early as practicable, and before any lodging discount offered to conference participants expires.

Overnight accommodations of 30 consecutive nights or more .

In order to secure the most cost-effective long term accommodations, when University business requires lodging for 30 consecutive nights or more, the traveler is strongly encouraged to work with the Procurement Services Department to arrange these long term accommodations.  Procurement Services will make efforts to secure long term accommodations with meal preparation facilities, which will allow the traveler the option to purchase groceries and prepare meals, generating meal cost savings.

4b. IN-STATE LODGING

Subject to prior approval from the appropriate Department Head, Director, or Dean, travelers on University business may reserve in-state lodging when the distance they are required to travel is more than 75 miles, one-way, from both their official duty station and their personal residence.  For example, if the traveler’s destination is less than 75 miles from his or her personal residence, the traveler may not reserve in-state lodging even if the mileage from the traveler’s official duty station is more than 75 miles away.

Travelers may reserve in-state lodging when attending a conference within the State of Connecticut, regardless of distance from official duty station.

4c. USE OF LOCAL HOTELS

The University recognizes that, from time to time, it may be important and in the best interests of the University to provide on campus or local lodging to certain individuals.  UConn encourages the use of contracted preferred hotels in the local area.

University Business Guests, Candidates, Recruits, and Affiliates

Lodging at local hotels can be provided to University business guests, such as candidates, recruits and affiliates.

University Employees

In rare circumstances, a University employee may require local lodging (within 75 miles of both official duty station and personal residence) in order to carry out his or her duties as a University employee. In these cases, the employee must receive prior approval for the stay from the Office of the President, the Provost, the Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer, or Athletic Director, based on the reporting relationship of the employee.  Please note such lodging will generally be taxable to the University employee.

4d. GROUP LODGING

“Group lodging” is defined, for the purposes of this policy, as the booking of 10 rooms or more for a specified University travel need.

Group lodging having a total cost of $10,000 or more must be arranged through University Business Services.  Business units arranging group travel in excess of $10,000 are also required to solicit competing bids from a minimum of three providers in the proximity of the travel destination.  For all other group lodging arrangements, business units are still urged, but not required, to contact the Procurement Services Department for assistance.

PART 5: MEALS

5a. MEALS FOR UNCLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES (WHILE TRAVELING)

Travelers belonging to one or more of the groups below may claim reimbursement for the actual cost of their meals incurred while traveling on University business (substantiated with original receipts) or they may claim reimbursement up to the meal per diem rates published by the GSA / U.S. Department of State.  Travelers may be required by their respective departments or business units to use a particular method.  For non-sponsored travel, if meal per diem is requested, the President, Provost, Executive Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer, or Athletic Director (or their designee) has the authority to reduce the meal per diem rate requested.  Travelers requesting reimbursement for meals using the per diem method should not use their University Travel Card to purchase meals.

  • Managerial and Confidential NP Plan
  • Managerial and Confidential
  • UConn Non-Represented (Dining Services)
  • Special Payroll Employees

The maximum reimbursement for actual meal costs, including tax and tips, may not exceed the daily meal per diem, based on the meal per diem rates published by the GSA / U.S. Department of State (please note that GSA and U.S. Department of State published per diem rates include both meal and incidental components.).  The meal per diem applicable to the first and last day of travel will be 75% of the full day per diem.

Additionally, if a meal was provided, the meal per diem is reduced by the per diem applicable to the meal provided (see Section 5d below).

Travelers must use one method of reimbursement for the entire trip.

The provisions of this section also apply generally to athletic team travel.  However, due to the special nutritional needs of the University’s athletes and the demands of their training and schedules, additional meals or per diems for student athletes, if made in accordance with NCAA rules and limits, are allowable under this policy without the need for an exception or higher level approval.

5b. MEALS FOR CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEES (WHILE TRAVELING)

By statute, employees, through their legally designated representatives, have the right to bargain with the State concerning travel expenses.  Accordingly, some collective bargaining contracts may contain provisions that vary from the reimbursement policies contained herein.  For such cases, collective bargaining contracts take precedence.  For more information about what travel rules apply under what circumstances, travelers should contact Human Resources.  Travel reimbursement rates for employees in P-2, NP-5, NP-3 and NP-2 bargaining units are found within each current bargaining unit contract at: https://hr.uconn.edu/labor-contracts-unions/ .

Travelers in the above-referenced categories may claim reimbursement up to the amount defined in the appropriate bargaining unit contract, less any meals provided and/or any amount funded directly by the collective bargaining unit.

All expenses are only eligible for reimbursement based upon funding.  Departments are still allowed to request that travelers hand in receipts in order to limit expenses.

5c. MEAL EXPENSES FOR SINGLE-DAY TRAVEL (NO OVERNIGHT)

Unless otherwise provided under Collective Bargaining Agreements, travelers who are required to travel for University business without an overnight stay may be eligible for meal reimbursement if the traveler is away from his or her home and official duty station for more than ten hours and the reimbursement requests are occasional and non-routine.  Consistent with IRS guidance, such reimbursements will be treated as taxable income to the employee and will be included in the employee’s W-2 wages.

In these instances, the actual meal expense or per diem cannot exceed 75% of the GSA per diem rate in effect for the destination of travel.

5d. CONFERENCE AND OTHER MEALS PROVIDED

All travel related to conferences (also called seminars, workshops, retreats, conventions, etc.) must have itineraries/brochures attached to the expense report relating to the conference.  At the time of pre-approval, travelers must provide a description of the conference details, including dates and subject matter of conference.  If available, a conference brochure should be attached.  Conferences frequently provide meals to attendees as part of the registration fee.  The traveler is generally not entitled to a meal per diem allowance or actuals for meals that are provided as part of the registration fee.  The same is true for any meetings or group travel event in which a meal is provided or where the traveler has been included on a list of attendees for a business expense, or where meals are provided complimentary as part of the transportation or hotel accommodation.  See section 5a above.

5e. BUSINESS MEALS

From time to time, it is necessary to the interests of the University to host or provide meals to University guests such as job candidates, visiting scholars or donors.  Likewise, a meal may be an essential or important part of an event, such as a conference or workshop, which is conducted by the University.  All meals, other than those provided to an individual travelling on University business, must qualify as a “business meal” under the requirements of this section, in order to be provided or reimbursed by the University.

As a public agency, the University has an obligation to students, taxpayers and benefactors to use all of its funds as prudently as possible.  Therefore, all employees and individuals with authority to request, control or approve University funds, including but not limited to travelers, shall use their best judgment in applying those funds towards business meals only when justified with a business purpose and a clearly identifiable benefit to the University.  The act of requesting, using or approving a business meal constitutes an individual’s official determination that, to the best of such individual’s knowledge, the expense was actually incurred, is justified by a business purpose, and serves the best interests of the University.

The University’s policy of paying or reimbursing for business meals is subject to the following general rules:

  • University employees are generally responsible for paying for their own meals when they are not traveling.
  • University funds may not be used for meals at social functions, such as parties or summer outings, attended entirely or primarily by University employees and/or their personal guests.
  • The number of University-affiliated persons (employees and spouses, where appropriate) attending business events (including meals) with University guests should be limited to those essential to the University’s business
  • University funds may not be used to purchase alcoholic beverages.
  • In most cases, business meals may not be charged to sponsored awards (the responsible OVPR, SPS Grant Manager may provide more information or grant exceptions where appropriate). See section 1g.

See also the University’s policy re: “Use of University Funds for Gifts, Social Functions, Sponsorships & Donations.”

Meals between faculty/staff and students, while allowable when there is a business purpose, should be infrequent.  In addition, Departments may purchase group business meals when a group meal is essential to the effectiveness and efficiency of the meeting.  This is especially the case when multiple Departments are called together for a substantial meeting, or when stopping the meeting to allow employees to leave for a normal meal would be disruptive and inconvenient for the University.

For the avoidance of doubt, this policy shall extend fully to business meals that are paid for by interdepartmental transactions, such as meals purchased through Dining Services.

While the University does not require written pre-approval for business meals, University staff are strongly encouraged to obtain written departmental approval before incurring any business meal expenses.  Individuals who incur business meal expenses without the approval of their departments bear the risk that their expenses will not be reimbursed.

For all business meals, including group meals, organizers should limit attendance to essential guests only.  Without proper justification, the University will not reimburse expenses for spouses, partners or non-essential guests.  Further, the number of University-affiliated persons (employees and spouses, where appropriate) attending business events (including meals) with University guests should be limited to those essential to the University’s business.  Under no circumstances may the cost of the meal for each guest (including taxes and tip) exceed three times the appropriate GSA or U.S. Department of State Per Diem meal amount for the location.

For purposes of this policy, business meals shall not include refreshments, such as snacks or nonalcoholic beverages, which are made available to guests outside of the context of a meal.  Such refreshments may be provided in appropriate business contexts, provided that the cost of providing refreshments, when combined with any meals served, is less than the applicable GSA or U.S. Department of State meal rate (inclusive of incidental costs, such as set up, delivery, and service charges).  For example, refreshments provided before a morning meeting at the Storrs campus cannot exceed the allowed breakfast per diem expense.  Refreshment transactions must also be justified by a business purpose and require the attendee list, and per person breakdown before the costs may be paid or reimbursed.

Note that the provisions in this section shall not be construed as to supersede the provisions of any collective bargaining agreement.

5f. GRATUITIES

Reimbursement for actual meal gratuities will be limited to 20% of the meal cost.

Incidental expenses

Travelers using the actual expense method will be reimbursed for incidental expenses (gratuities for baggage handling, maid service, etc.) not to exceed the published GSA or U.S. Department of State Incidental Expense per diem amount.

Other Gratuities

Gratuities for other travel services, including but not limited to taxis and rideshare, are reimbursable at a rate not to exceed 20% of the cost of the service.

PART 6: OTHER EXPENSES

6a. REGISTRATION FEES

Travelers may use University funds to pre-pay conference registration fees.  Alternatively, travelers may be reimbursed for registration fees.  Travelers are encouraged to reserve conferences as early as practicable and in time to secure any early booking discounts.

Sometimes meals, hotel accommodations, or additional fees for other goods and services may be included in a registration fee.  Travelers will not be reimbursed separately for these—that is, travelers will not be reimbursed twice for the same thing.  See Sections 5d and 5e for further details on meals provided with conference registration and business meals.

6b. TELEPHONE, INTERNET, COMPUTER, AND FACSIMILE CHARGES WHILE TRAVELING

Charges for telephone calls made for University business while traveling are reimbursable, unless the employee has a University issued cell phone or cell phone stipend that includes a voice tier option.

Travelers may receive reimbursement for charges for internet access, use of a fax machine, use of a computer, and other similar business services while traveling on University business.  Translation charges are also eligible for reimbursement, provided however, that the traveler must additionally provide a documentation establishing the charges as having actually been paid (e.g., a credit card statement).

6c. FOREIGN CURRENCY RATES

Travelers will be reimbursed for expenses paid in foreign currencies, and for currency exchange fees, based on the exchange rate for the date marked on their receipts.

6d. PRESCRIPTIONS AND MEDICAL EXPENSES FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

When preparing to travel internationally on University business, travelers are eligible to be reimbursed for any out- of-pocket medical expenses related to the trip such as prescriptions, vaccinations, medical co-pays or additional insurance costs.

Policy History

06/30/2021 Minor revisions – Approved by Board of Trustees

4/29/2020 Approved by Board of Trustees

12/1/2017 Approved by Board of Trustees

7/1/2015 Approved by Board of Trustees

11/1/2012 Approved by Board of Trustees

3/24/2008 Approved by Board of Trustees

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School of Fine Arts

  • Office of the Dean
  • Faculty and Staff Resources
  • SFA Financial Services Office

Travel Information

  • Financial Services Home
  • FSO Contact Information
  • Performance & Evaulation

We recognize the need for faculty and staff to travel for conferences, events and other legitimate purposes to enhance programming, research, and/or outreach endeavors.

At the same time, as a state agency, we must safeguard our travel privileges and funds. We must practice fiscal, ethical and public responsibility. Therefore, we have established per diem guidelines when using SFA funding. This policy sets forth rules and procedures that balance the school’s legitimate travel needs with sound stewardship of public resources.

Please find information and associated forms related to University Travel below.

University Travel is Up and Running Again!

• Preapproval: The University requires employees to submit their Travel Requests for pre-approval in Concur for travel that involves any travel segment (Airfare, Hotel or Car Rental) for employees, students and guests.

• Travel agent: University travel is booked through our travel agent, Anthony Travel, using the University-sponsored Travel card (T-card)

• Driving: If choosing road or rental car over air travel, please email [email protected] to discuss strategies for best supporting your trip.

On August 20th , the Provost’s Office sent along important reminders related to University travel that are of particular importance as we face continued disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic. Failure to follow appropriate policies and procedures related to University travel may result in unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses for individuals. Here is the link to the guidance – University of Connecticut Office of the Provost | Booking University Travel – Guidance and Reminders 

Travel Guides and Information

UConn Travel Website SFA Travel Policy / Out of Pocket Reimbursements SFA Travel Budget Worksheet UConn Travel and Entertainment Policies and Procedures Traveling? Here’s What You Need to Know

University of Connecticut - Quest Portal logo

University of Connecticut - Quest Portal

Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) Research Travel Awards provide up to $500 to undergraduate students engaged in research or creative projects who must travel away from campus to execute their project (e.g., to consult materials in an archive). Funds may be applied towards transportation costs, lodging, and/or meal costs, where permitted by University policy. The most updated travel guidance is available at travel.uconn.edu . International, university-sponsored travel by students to destinations with a Level 3 or 4 travel advisory requires an approved waiver from Global Affairs. Information on international travel and access to the travel waiver application is available here . OUR will not fund a student to travel internationally unless the student has secured all necessary travel registrations, waivers, and approvals.

OUR Research Travel Awards are available to full-time undergraduate students, in good academic standing, pursing a bachelor's degree in all majors at all UConn campuses . Part-time students may apply for these awards if they have completed at least 60 academic credits (including at least 12 credits at UConn). Travel associated with this award must be completed before the student graduates from their bachelor's degree program. 

For full eligibility requirements, visit https://ugradresearch.uconn.edu/travel-awards/ .

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and awards are made until funds are exhausted. Awards will not normally be made in support of summer projects, but applications related to summer work will be considered if funding remains after the application deadline. F unding for this program, which is intended to support students across the university, is limited. Multiple students applying for support for the same project or related projects may receive smaller awards. Students who have previously received support from OUR for their projects may receive smaller awards or lower priority for funding.

Submissions to this program are made via a third-party software application, SurveyMonkey Apply.  The terms of use and privacy statements for this software apply to your use of it and to the information you provide in your application.  Before proceeding with your submission, please review their terms and privacy statements linked below.

OUR Research Travel Awards

Aug 24 2023 10:00 am (edt), apr 1 2024 11:59 pm (edt).

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University Business Services

Travel Services

Concur data now available in kfdm.

Users will have access to a new data source in Kuali Financial Data Mart (KFDM) containing information from the Concur Travel and Expense Management System as well as two standard reports.   This will provide greater visibility and detail into an area’s travel, PCard and non-travel expenditures.  Please visit Concur KFDM for more information.

Launch of the Concur New User Interface

We are excited to announce that Concur Expense will be launching an updated User Interface (UI) soon that will make processing Requests and Expense Reports (including CBS (ProCard), Travel, and Non-travel Expense Reports) quicker and easier.  This new UI will Go Live to the entire UConn community on August 24 th .

The new UI will include a cleaner and streamlined change of layout, which will offer a more intuitive and easier to navigate page.  We encourage everyone to visit the user welcome page in Concur for more details about these exciting upcoming improvements.

As well, please visit the “New” Job Aids under Training and Resources (labeled NEW UX ) available at travel.uconn.edu including the latest instructional job aid titled Old vs. New UX .

As always, our Travel and Card Service Center is here to help if you need additional assistance.

Thank you and Safe Travels!

Increased Travel Cancellations Due to Covid 19

We have recently seen an uptick in the number of people cancelling travel plans because conferences and meetings originally scheduled to be in-person events are being converted to online formats due to the increased concerns and risks related to the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Travelers should consider these risks prior to making travel arrangements to prevent booking a non-refundable flight or hotel room that you may need to cancel.

We strongly recommend reaching out to the conference or meeting organizers prior to booking travel arrangements to inquire about the possibility of the conference being changed to a virtual event.

Finding out how many people are registered to attend the conference in person may also provide an indication of the likelihood that the conference may be converted to an online format if in-person attendance is expected to be low due to Covid-19 concerns.

If you decide to proceed with booking your trip, we strongly recommend that all University travel is booked through Concur or our travel management company, Anthony Travel, using the University-sponsored Travel card.

Booking travel through Concur or with Anthony Travel provides UConn with the greatest opportunity to exchange a non-refundable flight or hotel room and reduce or eliminate any financial loss to the University due to unexpected cancellation.

Cancelled travel arrangements booked outside of Concur/Anthony Travel may not be submitted for reimbursement since if the trip did not occur there is no basis for the University to reimburse funds. If the traveler used their University Travel Card to purchase tickets outside of Anthony Travel, they could be personally liable and will be required to reimburse the University for cancelled non-reimbursed travel.

For additional details on traveling during this time refer to our Work Related travel FAQs .

Actuals vs Per Diem

We have seen an increase in the number of travelers attempting to claim Per Diem reimbursement in combination with Individual Actual Meals on the same expense report. Travelers must choose to use either the Per Diem or Actuals method for meal expenses on a single trip.

What are the Actuals and Per Diem methods?

  • Each meal expense is added to a Concur expense report under the expense type of Individual actual Meals.
  • Receipts are required for expenses over $25.00 out of pocket or over $50.00 if purchased using the UConn travel card.
  • The allowable amount is calculated on a daily basis and is not aggregated over the entire period of the trip.
  • Per Diem  –   Daily allowances paid to employees to cover meal costs incurred while on a UConn business trip. The Daily allowance or Meal Per diem is added to the Concur expense report via creation of a Travel Allowance Itinerary. Travelers using this method would NOT be eligible to use their travel card for individual meal purchases on the same trip.

Continue reading →

Concur Open Lab Sessions Now Available

In an effort to provide continued support to our faculty and staff we have added 30 minute open lab sessions via Microsoft Teams, geared towards providing one on one hands on support with Concur.

Whether you have just started using Concur or have been in the system since implementation, if you need assistance with Request, Online Travel Bookings or Expense, please sign up for of our Open Labs.

Click the link below to register for one of our open lab sessions available every other Wednesday from 9am -12pm (additional sessions will be added as we get closer to the dates of the sessions). If you believe you will need more than 30 minutes please sign up for two consecutive sessions. After signing up your will receive an email invitation for the Teams meeting.

Concur Open Labs Continue reading →

Traveling? Here’s What You Need to Know

Are you traveling and feel unsure about where to start or what to do? Take a look at our quick reference guide that covers general information that is useful to know before, during and after travel.

Additional Training Sessions – Concur Navigation and Profile Setup

Concur Navigation and Profile setup (1 Hr)

This instructor led session is recommended for UConn Faculty, Staff and Students to provide an overview of the Concur website and required/recommended Profile setup information for users.

Click one or more of the links below to register for the upcoming training sessions:

Concur Navigation and Profile Setup – Tuesday, January 25, 2022 1:30 pm

Concur Navigation and Profile Setup – Monday, April 4, 2022 1:30 pm

Bradley Parking Pass Temporarily Suspended

The Bradley Parking Pass program has been temporarily suspended by the State of Connecticut due to Covid19 related parking lot closures. While this suspension is in place you may use pay for parking at the lowest cost parking lot available and seek reimbursement upon return from the trip along with your other travel expenses.

Travel Update: Increased Travel Cancellations Due to Covid19

We have recently seen an uptick in the number of people cancelling travel plans because conferences and meetings originally scheduled to be in-person events are being converted to online formats due to the increased concerns and risks related to the delta variant of Covid-19.

We strongly recommend reaching out to the conference or meeting organizers prior to booking travel arrangements to inquire about the possibility of the conference being changed to a virtual event. Continue reading →

Travel to Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is now categorized as domestic travel in Concur in accordance with US customs and immigration practices. Going forward select trip type ‘Out-of-State’ in Concur for travel to Puerto Rico.

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Travel Funds

Travel award guidelines for booking travel & receiving reimbursement.

ENCOURAGED READING PRIOR TO BOOKING TRAVEL: 

  • Travel Reopening for detailed information on travel FAQs
  • Federal Sponsored Travel FAQ
  • UConn Travel Policy
  • Open Skies Agreement
  • RELAUNCH OF TRAVEL PPT

TRAVEL FUNDS:

  • Click   here   to complete a travel award application form.
  • your full name as it appears on your id/passport
  • your date of birth
  • phone number
  • preferred travel days/times
  • preferred departure cities if flying
  • preferred airline and frequent flier # (if any)
  • For conference registration, the log in credentials so that the registration can be purchased with a Pro Card
  • You will need to apply for your own travel card and book your own travel with Anthony Travel by emailing [email protected] and then reconcile it in Concur.  
  • I will give you the KFS account number to use for reconciling. 
  • If you have any questions about the process, please contact  [email protected]  and they can assist you. 
  • The traveler must Submit a travel request in Concur for approval for the total of their estimated expenses including the airfare.
  • The Request must be fully approved prior to the start date of the trip.
  • The traveler can request a Travel card to cover their hotel and other allowable incidental expenses, or they can choose to use a personal card.
  • Verify with the hotel upon check-in that they have the correct card on file to be charged (GA’s travel card or personal card).
  • The traveler will need to submit an expense report for the UConn Business expenses charged to their Travel card/personal card and any out-of-pocket expenses they are being reimbursed for.
  • Here are some useful links to help along the way:

The following training documents contains detailed instructions on Requests, Booking and Expensing travel in Concur.   https://travel.uconn.edu/training-and-resources/

EXPENSE AND REIMBURSEMENT

 Reconciling and reimbursement of expenses:

Any expense incurred out of pocket by the student such as Uber, taxi, foods etc. will need to be reimbursed through a Concur expense report where they will list their out-of-pocket expenses such as meals or ground transportation.  Make sure that you have receipts and justification for each expense.  

BDL Parking:  BDL has suspended the parking pass service, so you can claim parking from any of the regular long-term lots when you return

Toxicology Travel Fund

Gifts to the Toxicology Travel Fund provide support for students to travel to the Annual Society of Toxicology meeting and other toxicology-related scientific meetings.

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Karl a. and joan c. nieforth pharmacy student scholarship, chase memorial scholarship.

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EarlyBird

Travel out of CT for fireworks? A pair of bills…

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Breaking News

Ct man sentenced to 35 years for role in killing of rideshare driver dumped in park near playground, news government, subscriber only, travel out of ct for fireworks a pair of bills could expand what’s legal to purchase.

fireworks sparkler

The legislature’s Public Safety and Security Committee advanced two bills on Thursday that would expand what fireworks are legal for sale and use in Connecticut, though at least one possibly faces an uphill battle making it through the full legislature.

Senate Bill 140  would legalize what the federal  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives  defines as a consumer firework: a small firework device designed to produce visible effects by combustion.

Committee members also approved  House Bill 5177 , a measure that would broaden the definition of “nonaerial and nonexplosive” fireworks to include flitter sparklers, ground spinners and novelty items such as party poppers, toy smoke devices and throw snappers. Under current law, sparklers and fountains are the only legal fireworks in Connecticut.

Both bills would need to pass through the House and Senate before reaching Gov. Ned Lamont’s desk for his signature and becoming law.

The novelty legislation seemed to interest lawmakers during a public hearing last week, but it was essentially seen as a minor change to what fireworks are already allowed in Connecticut.

The official vote tally was not available as of Thursday evening, but Vail was notified that it advanced on a bipartisan vote of 15-9.

“It’s more of a liberty thing. I know there’s a lot of people in my district that use fireworks. They’re going out of state and getting them, bringing them back to the state,” he said in an interview. “Granted, there’s a level of danger. I certainly recognize that and understand people’s concerns about legalizing it, but we’re doing it here already.”

“I do believe that expanding the type of fireworks to the level that’s in this legislation will cause more potential risk for individuals who use the items but also for others in the community, and also will increase the risk of fire,” said Rep. Gary Turco, D-Newington. “By not having a limitation of when they’re going to be used, we know it won’t just be July 4, because we know right now, people are illegally using them at all times of the year.”

The Senate bill also sets the age limit for sale and use of consumer fireworks to 21 and older. The age limit wasn’t enough to garner the support of law enforcement and fire officials, however.

“From a public safety perspective, the inherent dangers of using fireworks are great, and their use should not be left to the general public,” said Ronnell Higgins, commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection,   in written testimony . “Fireworks use should be left to the professionals who are trained, licensed and regulated to use them safely so as to not endanger the lives and property of the citizens of Connecticut.”

Since 2016, there have been approximately 150 structure fires with two related fatalities and an average of 39 reported injuries attributed to the use of consumer fireworks in the state,  according to written testimony  from fire officials.

Vail acknowledged that the proposal could face difficulty making it through the rest of the legislature, but he sees its passing out of committee as “a step in the right direction.”

More in Connecticut News

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Connecticut News | Feds say a CT man had $52,000 cash in his house. And a loaded Glock 45 9mm.

Police officers who made it to the top 20 list in most cases did so through overtime hours, as is usually the case in municipalities.

Connecticut News | Town manager in CT town was top earner in 2023; 16 of top 20 spots filled by cops, all at $130K+

A New Haven man was sentenced to 35 years in prison on Thursday for his role in the killing of a rideshare driver whose body was dumped in a park in Woodbridge in 2021.

Connecticut News | CT man sentenced to 35 years for role in killing of rideshare driver dumped in park near playground

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School of Medicine

Research publication fund.

The UConn School of Medicine Dean’s Office will provide financial support to help defray the costs of research publication fees for UConn School of Medicine faculty. The Research Publication Fund (RPF) with a total of $50,000 will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis, until the funds for this program have been depleted. The UConn School of Medicine Dean will contribute 40% of the publication costs up to $4,000 for each accepted publication, while the corresponding author and department chair will contribute 30% each.

Eligibility and Conditions of Award:

  • Eligibility for this program is limited to UConn School of Medicine employed faculty. The faculty member requesting the funds must be the lead corresponding author (the person most responsible for the work), and a current permanent, full-time UConn School of Medicine faculty member.
  • The research publication must have an impact factor of 10 or greater (IF of 10 or greater from any of the last three years is acceptable).
  • Applications for funds should be submitted only after the paper has been formally accepted for publication.
  • Review articles, case reports, books, book chapters, abstracts, monographs, case studies, etc. do not qualify, only research articles.

Requests for publication funds need to be emailed to Stephanie Holden at [email protected] and should include the following information: PI name, department, title of paper, journal, journal impact factor, and the formal acceptance letter.

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February 20, 2024 | Combined Reports - UConn Communications

2024 UConn Appropriations Committee Testimony

UConn leadership shares funding request with legislative panel

The oak leaf seal of the University of Connecticut.

(Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

Co-Chairs, Ranking Members, and Members of the Committee, thank you for giving us the opportunity to update you on our budget request and the transformative accomplishments that you have made possible at the University of Connecticut. I’m Radenka Maric, President of the University of Connecticut, and with me today is Dr. Bruce Liang, interim CEO of UConn Health and Dean of the Medical School, Anne D’Alleva, Provost, Jeff Geoghegan, Chief Financial Officer for UConn and UConn Health, and Nathan Fuerst, Vice President, Student Life and Enrollment.

I would like to thank each of you for your leadership, dedication, and support. I would also like to thank the governor, Secretary Beckham, and others in the administration who continue to work closely with UConn.

UConn is a top public university because of the state’s continued support and investment. Thanks to your support UConn provides an exceptional return on that investment:

  • UConn is currently ranked #9 among public universities by the Wall Street Journal due to our affordability, average time to degree – which is the best in the nation – and the value a UConn education adds to graduates’ salaries.
  • We have received more than 57,000 applications and counting for next fall – a record.
  • According to the most recent UConn Economic Impact Study using the REMI methodology, UConn contributes $7.8 billion to the state’s economy. Every dollar invested in UConn by the state generates $1.40 in total economic output through additional job creation, business revenue growth, increases in household incomes, and other multiplier effects; $0.91 of every state dollar invested in UConn translates directly into net new value for Connecticut’s economy, expanding statewide GDP through increased productivity, innovation, and human capital development; UConn’s activities are responsible for generating $625 million in state and local taxes in Connecticut; and UConn supports more than 46,600 Connecticut jobs.
  • For ’22 – ’23 graduates, 75% of employed in-state graduates are working in Connecticut which represents an 6% increase from 2020; top employers for these UConn grads include Pratt & Whitney, Travelers, CVS Health/Aetna, Cigna, General Dynamics EB, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Raytheon.
  • UConn Health had a record 1.5 million outpatient visits last year, and our hospital’s Emergency Department saw over 51,000 patients; there has been a 42% increase in net patient revenue since FY21; self-generated revenue including clinical care, grants and contracts, and tuition and fees now account for 87% of UConn Health’s budget, with the state funding the remaining 13%.
  • UConn faculty secured $321.5 million in research awards in FY23.
  • $146 million has been raised by companies in UConn’s Technology Incubation Program (TIP) and UConn supports and collaborates with hundreds of Connecticut companies large and small to promote economic development and innovation.

These are only a few examples.

Attached to my testimony is information on the university that you may find useful.

With respect to the university’s appropriations, if enacted as written, the proposed budget makes no changes to the fiscal year 2025 appropriation approved by the General Assembly during the last legislative session for UConn. It makes one reduction to UConn Health. Overall shortfalls remain at $70 million for UConn and $29 million for UConn Health in the next fiscal year.

The proposed budget includes an FY25 recommended appropriation for UConn and UConn Health that is $93 million less than our FY24 appropriation, and $64.2 million less than our request for FY25. The projected deficits at UConn and UConn Health are largely due to rising salary and fringe costs.

During this session of the General Assembly, we are seeking an additional $47.3 million for Storrs and $16.9 million for UConn Health. The University has internal revenue gains and spending reductions already in place for FY25 but needs this additional support from the state to balance the budget.

Over the last six years, UConn has implemented $129.4 million in cost savings and spending reductions; UConn Health has implemented $143.3 million while simultaneously increasing clinical revenues by $335 million during this timeframe.

You may be asked how UConn’s “core” revenue – meaning the combination of state support, tuition and fees, grants and contracts, and investment income, stacks up against other public universities. (“Core” revenue does not include auxiliary sources such as housing/dining, parking, etc.) A chart below illustrates this: UConn’s average core revenue growth over the last five years is stronger than all but one of the comparator institutions listed, at 6%. Further, UConn’s five-year average total core revenue exceeds five of the seven institutions listed. With respect to the state support portion of that revenue, UConn is exactly in the middle of the institutions listed over the five-year average, with three receiving higher levels of state support than UConn, and three receiving lower.

travel funds uconn

With respect to the percentage of UConn’s total revenue (meaning all revenue, not “core” revenue only) that is funded by the state, this number was artificially high for a number of years due to the impact of legacy fringe costs. Due to the new fringe methodology in FY24, the percentage of UConn’s budget funded by the state will drop from 27% to 19%. The percentage of UConn Health’s budget funded by the state will drop from 26% to 13%. Overall, the state will fund 16% of the budgets for UConn and UConn Health in this fiscal year.

With respect to tuition and fees, the percentage of the university’s “core” revenues generated by tuition and fees appeared artificially low at 20% prior to FY24. However, because of the new fringe methodology, this number will rise to 38% of core revenue during this fiscal year. That said, while tuition/fee increases generate important and necessary revenue for the university, UConn’s priority is always to do all we can to keep any tuition or fee increases as low as possible, both to help maintain access and affordability for our students – especially low- and middle-income students – and to avoid becoming so costly we are no longer a competitive value.

With regard to the wage reopener for all state employees that is currently being negotiated, any salary increases will require additional permanent state support. To be clear: the university supports our workforce being paid fairly and competitively; our request is that the state fund the full cost of any pay increases it negotiates, as it does for nearly every other state agency rather than passing most of these costs on to the university, and, by extension, our students.  We will be asking the state to cover those increases for all our employees on a permanent basis. For context, the value of a 1% increase in salary for all our employees is $12.3 million.

It is important to note that state financial support to UConn and UConn Health is 16% of our total budget. Every dollar in state support is spent on employee salaries. At UConn, 31% of our workforce is supported by state appropriated funding, while the remaining 69% are funded by the university. At UConn Health, these numbers are 19% and 81%. This data illustrates that UConn is doing more than our fair share of absorbing the costs of running a major flagship university that benefits our entire state.

There is no doubt UConn is a great university. But it’s even more than that, with campuses, alumni, and employees across Connecticut, it is built to inspire the global community that is UConn Nation. UConn’s talented students exceed expectations. Our expert faculty researchers, staff and alumni drive Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (CIE) for a better tomorrow. We fuel the state’s economy and are committed to benefiting the greater good. This is UConn.

We seek your support to ensure our continued upward trajectory on behalf of our students and our entire state.

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Guns and Goodies: How LaPierre Spent the N.R.A.’s Money

Evidence showed that the National Rifle Association’s leader lived well on donated money as he fought regulations on firearms.

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A gray-haired man with glasses wearing a winter coat.

By Liset Cruz

The case brought by New York’s attorney general , Letitia James, against the National Rifle Association aimed to show how it used donations from gun owners across the country to pay for luxuries and exotic travel for its executives.

Its leader, Wayne LaPierre, was the face of obdurate resistance to regulations on firearms. He argued for untrammeled Second Amendment rights and the self-reliance afforded by firepower. Behind the scenes, however, Mr. LaPierre had a taste for the good life, spending the group’s money on luxuries like Bahamian vacations.

But such trips were far from the most lavish or outlandish expenditures. Here are some of the most notable instances of misspending for which he was found liable Friday, according to evidence and testimony.

CLOTHES : Between 2004 and 2017, Mr. LaPierre spent nearly $275,000 on suits from a luxury Beverly Hills boutique, Zegna. Mr. LaPierre said he bought them on the recommendation of an N.R.A. contractor who “hated my clothing.” Mr. LaPierre had argued that the suits were just “costumes I wore on TV,” albeit extremely expensive ones.

ITALIAN FOOD : Mr. LaPierre testified that he didn’t drink and didn’t smoke, but he certainly knew how to pay a tab: Over 15 days in June 2016, the N.R.A. spent $5,398.18 at Landini Brothers Restaurant, commonly referred to as Landini’s by the defendants, an Italian restaurant in Alexandria, Va. Despite that, Mr. LaPierre seemingly didn’t have a great time. “I hated that cigar bar,” he said.

TRAVEL : Mr. LaPierre spent nearly $250,000 on flights around the world, including Italy, Budapest, the Bahamas and the Biggest Little City in World: Reno, Nev. His N.R.A.-paid vacations also sounded lush. He spent $107,620 for a vacation to the Bahamas in 2016, where he stayed on a superyacht that had a personal chef and personal watercraft.

GIFTS : Mr. LaPierre was generous, billing the organization for a number of pricey gifts, including a $1,260 handbag and $860 in candlesticks from Bergdorf Goodman. There was also fitness gear, including about $400 in Fitbits for friends and family.

INSECT CONTROL : After noticing that his security staff was getting eaten alive, Mr. LaPierre spent $810 on a mosquito control package for his home in 2017. “Security people would be out there all night,” he said.

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COMMENTS

  1. Travel Funds

    Welcome to the Faculty Travel Funding Request Form! Faculty travel funding is available for members of the AAUP bargaining unit at Storrs, Law School, and regional campuses only. UConn Health faculty are not eligible. Please see eligibility section of the guidelines. Receiving an AAUP/OVPR Travel Award does not infer that such travel has been ...

  2. Home

    Contact Travel Online Resources [email protected] 3 Discovery Drive Unit 6076, Storrs, CT 06269-6076 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (All Staff work remotely on Friday ...

  3. Travel Grants for Graduate Students

    This program has been established to support travel costs for graduate students (PhD, MD/PhD, or DMD/PhD students) who present research results in-person at scientific meetings and symposia. The program will support costs of that travel up to a limit of $700 per fiscal year. Note, HCRAC travel funds cannot be combined with any other UConn ...

  4. Applying for the TRANSCEND travel & research funds

    Single Sign-On (SSO) Login | Concur is setup with SSO login access, allowing you to use your NETID and respective password to access the online tool. Access Concur by clicking this link, or directly from the Travel Services page.: Concur Training Material | UConn specific Concur training material, such as: process/instructional documentation, FAQ's (compiled from our various training ...

  5. Travel Policy

    Purpose. The University of Connecticut (University), here defined as all campuses and programs except for UConn Health, recognizes and supports the need for faculty, staff, and students (undergraduate and graduate) to travel for conferences, events, and other purposes that further the reputation of the University and enhance the productivity of the University community.

  6. PDF UConn Work-Related Travel FAQs

    a. All travel must be pre-approved in Concur prior to departure, so we encourage the submission of a Concur request well ahead of planned travel. b. We strongly encour age all faculty, post docs, researchers, students and staff to utilize the University's travel agency, Anthony Travel, when ready to book any travel (travel.uconn.edu).

  7. Travel

    860-486-3722 / Fax: 860-486-0641. E-mail: [email protected]. Address: 241 Glenbrook Road. Wood Hall, U-4103. Storrs, CT 06269. History Department Travel Procedures For Faculty: AAUP/ OVPR Travel Funding The system for requesting travel funds from AAUP/OVPR remains as before, and sep ...

  8. OUR Research Travel Awards

    The most updated travel guidance is available at travel.uconn.edu. International, university-sponsored travel by students to destinations with a Level 3 or 4 travel advisory requires an approved waiver from Global Affairs. Information on international travel and access to the travel waiver application is available here. OUR will not fund a ...

  9. Travel Services

    Travelers and Administrators should contact [email protected] or visit travel.uconn.edu for additional information on what may be reimbursed and how. ... is responsible for the financial stewardship of their award and for adhering to sponsor and University requirements for travel, and the spending of sponsored funds in general.

  10. Travel Information

    Travel Information. We recognize the need for faculty and staff to travel for conferences, events and other legitimate purposes to enhance programming, research, and/or outreach endeavors. At the same time, as a state agency, we must safeguard our travel privileges and funds. We must practice fiscal, ethical and public responsibility.

  11. OUR Research Travel Awards

    Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) Research Travel Awards provide up to $500 to undergraduate students engaged in research or creative projects who must travel away from campus to execute their project (e.g., to consult materials in an archive). Funds may be applied towards transportation costs, lodging, and/or meal costs, where permitted ...

  12. Travel for HDFS

    UConn Travel Services provides information for all university travel, reimbursement of travel-related expenses, and out-of-pocket expenses. To learn more about planning your trip, submitting expenses, and reimbursement, go the Training and Resources webpage. There you will find step-by-step guides and training videos for the following:

  13. PDF Travel Card User Manual

    Card Cancellation by Cardholder. Travel Cardholders who want to cancel their Travel Cards should email Nancy Patrylak, Procurement Solutions Center Manager, at [email protected] or call at (860) 486-2622. The Travel Card should be shredded (by employee) upon cancellation.

  14. Concur

    Actuals - The maximum reimbursement for actual meal costs, including tax and tips. Each meal expense is added to a Concur expense report under the expense type of Individual actual Meals. Receipts are required for expenses over $25.00 out of pocket or over $50.00 if purchased using the UConn travel card. The allowable amount is calculated on ...

  15. Travel Awards

    TRAVEL FUNDS: 1) Apply for a travel award here. 2)Email [email protected] with details of your travel arrangements. REQUIRED READING PRIOR TO BOOKING TRAVEL: Federal Sponsored Travel FAQ .pdf. UConn Travel Policy. Open Skies Agreement. Travel Ban to North Carolina and Mississippi.

  16. Travel Funds

    Once it has been approved, and you are a current fellow (in your paid year of fellowship) and you are NOT able to apply for an employee travel card, then the Program Coordinator will be booking your travel. To this end, please email [email protected] with details of your travel arrangements including: your full name as it appears on ...

  17. HDFS Grad Student Travel Funding Application

    Department of Human Development and Family Sciences 348 Mansfield Road, U-1058 Storrs, CT 06269-1058. Phone: 860.486.4049 Fax: 860.486.3452

  18. Toxicology Travel Fund

    The UConn Foundation Toxicology Travel Fund . Supporting the University of Conneticut.

  19. Flight Credits

    A flight credit is a credit from either a canceled flight or a downgrade in fare that can be used to buy a future flight. Flight credits don't expire. Business Select®, Anytime, and Wanna Get Away Plus® fares are eligible for a Transferable Flight Credit™. Transferable Flight Credit allows you to transfer your flight credit to someone else.

  20. HDFS Undergraduate Funding Opportunities

    Professional Development. Each academic year, the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences will support HDFS undergraduate majors' professional development by offering funding for a limited number of awards of up to $500 each. The number of awards given may vary from semester to semester, depending on available departmental funds.

  21. Bills would expand what fireworks are legal in CT

    The legislature's Public Safety and Security Committee advanced two bills on Thursday that would expand what fireworks are legal for sale and use in Connecticut, though at least one possibly ...

  22. Research Publication Fund

    The UConn School of Medicine Dean's Office will provide financial support to help defray the costs of research publication fees for UConn School of Medicine faculty. The Research Publication Fund (RPF) with a total of $50,000 will be granted on a first-come, first-serve basis, until the funds for this program have been depleted. The UConn ...

  23. 2024 UConn Appropriations Committee Testimony

    Overall, the state will fund 16% of the budgets for UConn and UConn Health in this fiscal year. With respect to tuition and fees, the percentage of the university's "core" revenues generated by tuition and fees appeared artificially low at 20% prior to FY24. However, because of the new fringe methodology, this number will rise to 38% of ...

  24. Waterbury city employee arrested for stealing credit ...

    A former employee at the Waterbury Corporation Counsel was arrested for the second time yesterday for allegedly stealing money from coworkers and residents. Police say that 65-year-old Phyllis ...

  25. Guns and Goodies: How LaPierre Spent the N.R.A.'s Money

    TRAVEL: Mr. LaPierre spent nearly $250,000 on flights around the world, including Italy, Budapest, the Bahamas and the Biggest Little City in World: Reno, Nev. His N.R.A.-paid vacations also ...