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Changes to Travel and Entertainment Policy |
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UConn’s Travel and Entertainment Policy and Procedures were substantively revised.
Effective February 1, 2026, the Travel Policy was updated to clarify expectations for employees and approvers when planning travel, paying for expenses, requesting reimbursement, and approving costs. These updates help ensure a shared understanding of requirements and responsible use of public resources. |
| VIEW THE TRAVEL AND ENTERTAINMENT POLICY |
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This policy applies to University Workforce Members, students and guests, including but not limited to recruits and job candidates. |
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Changes to Travel Approvals |
Travel requests are no longer required for trips that only contain car rentals. Higher level approval is required for trips over $7,500 or longer than 21 days. Approvals can no longer be delegated. |
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Changes to Travel Meals |
Individual meals charged on a Travel Card will now be reimbursed as the Per Diem amount. The University provides meal per diems for long term travel for a maximum of 30 days at 50% of the federal GSA rate (see international GSA rates here and domestic GSA rates here). Departments can no longer adjust or reduce Per Diem. |
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Changes to Booking |
For full reimbursement, airfare and car rentals must be booked through UConn's Travel Management Company or Concur. Business class airfare is no longer permitted. Economy upgrades are permitted if the flight is longer than 8 hours (excluding layovers). Trips that include personal travel no longer require a cost comparison if the flights are to/from the business location. Rideshare services are now allowed to and from the departure airport (previously only the destination airport). Commute no longer needs to be deducted for personal car mileage when leaving from or returning to home on weekends. - Lodging cannot exceed 150% of the federal GSA rate (see rates linked above).
- Lodging is now limited to a studio or one-bedroom accommodation per traveler.
- Long-term travel (30 days or more) lodging will be reimbursed at no more than 50% of the federal GSA rate (see rates linked above).
- Livery services for University workforce members are now permitted with UConn contracted vendors to Boston, New York, and New Jersey. Guests may also use livery services to and from Bradley International Airport.
- Guest car rentals no longer require justification if not using UConn's preferred vendors.
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Additional Changes |
If University-Issued Travel Card charges are not submitted within 60 days of the trip end date or transaction date, the card will be suspended. If charges remain unresolved after 90 days, the traveler may be referred to Human Resources for possible disciplinary action, and/or payroll deductions may be initiated. - Exceptions to the policy can now be requested and must be done within the pre-approval request in Concur.
- Local lodging (accommodations less than 75 miles from the closer of home or work) is no longer permitted unless necessary for a conference.
- Reimbursement rules for Travel Days before and after flight segments exceeding eight hours have changed. See the policy and procedures for more information.
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A new Athletics Travel and Entertainment Policy is also effective February 1, 2026.
The Athletics Travel and Entertainment Policy was developed in response to the unique nature and operational requirements of collegiate athletics, as well as federal and NCAA regulations. The Athletics Department will adhere to the University Travel and Entertainment Policy except in specific circumstances outlined in the Athletics Travel and Entertainment Policy. |
| VIEW THE ATHLETICS TRAVEL AND ENTERTAINMENT POLICY |
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