Lodging

A University or System Office traveler is normally not entitled to lodging when travel distance is less than seventy-five miles one way. Exceptions to this policy will be at the discretion of the appropriate senior manager (Vice President/Chief or above) after reviewing and approving the justification provided by the traveler. (Use Policy Exception Request Form).

Lodging costs may be reimbursed at the single room rate up to the actual amount incurred by the traveler. The traveler should make every effort to obtain the lowest-cost lodging possible. In the case of a conference, each University or System Office may choose to permit the employee to stay at the conference hotel instead of seeking the lowest rate available.

All claims for lodging, with or without meals, must be supported by:

• An original itemized receipt showing a zero balance or
• An itemized receipt showing a zero balance faxed or e-mailed directly to the Travel Office by the hotel

All receipts must be itemized showing the dates, room rate and applicable taxes, a zero balance and the traveler's name(s). If a zero balance is not shown, the credit card statement with the traveler's name, along with the original lodging receipt will be acceptable proof of payment. A confirmation is not proof of payment and a credit card statement alone does not satisfy the receipt requirement.

Under no circumstances will lodging be paid for a guest or spouse unless they are also traveling on approved University or System Office business.

Lodging is a reimbursement and is, therefore, not considered reportable wages. (This pertains also to transportation, registration fees, parking charges, mileage, tolls and telephone charges.)

If an employee stays with friends or relatives while on official state business, no reimbursement for lodging is allowed, whether or not any payment for lodging is made to the friend or relative.