Rogue Community College Board of Education

AP 7400 Employee Travel

References:

2 Code of Federal Regulations Part 200.474
ORS 244.040

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INTRODUCTION

Before traveling or making purchases on behalf of Rogue Community College (RCC or the College), College employees must know which expenses are reimbursable, which are not, and how to properly report and document those expenses. Therefore, the College asks that all employees take the time to carefully read the following travel procedure.

These procedures apply to reimbursements from all College funding sources. More restrictive travel policies and procedures mandated by specific grants or programs will take precedence over RCC procedure.

The College reserves the right to amend or revise the travel procedures at any time. Changes in the travel procedure will be readily distributed throughout the College and are to be considered effective on the date of issuance. If possible, sufficient notice will be given prior to the change in procedure.

RCC separates travel expenses into two main categories: Travel between destinations other than College locations and travel between College locations. Please read carefully as procedures differ between these categories.

Please see the AP 4300 Field Trips and Excursions for travel involving students. https://www.roguecc.edu/BOE/policies/AP4300.asp

OREGON ETHICS LAWS

Oregon State Statute 244.040 prohibits public employees from obtaining financial gain from their employment other than their salary. This includes any travel or meal expenses paid by entities other than the College are subject to the requirements of Oregon Ethics Law (ORS 244) and must be consistent with the limitation on gifts and exceptions.

Any financial benefit that a public employee accepts from a credit card company and personally uses as a result of the public employee using a personal credit card to make a purchase on behalf of the official’s public employer would violate ORS 244.040 unless such benefits were formally adopted by the governing body of the public body as part of the employee’s official compensation package. Such benefits include frequent flyer miles, rebates, discounts on future purchases, and all other such financial incentives.

The College does NOT consider the above-mentioned benefits as part of employee’s compensation packages. Therefore, employees should not accept personal benefits for College-related purchases when using a personal credit card.

AUTHORIZATION/APPROVAL

A dean, vice president and/or president must approve a verbal or written travel request before reservation/travel arrangements are made. Please follow the traveler’s department process for approval. Each dean or vice president may designate one or more officers to approve on his or her behalf. Approval certifies:

• Availability of funding.
• Least expensive means of travel requested.
• Compliance with funding agency regulations.
• Compliance with College reimbursement policy.
• Propriety of travel expenses.
• Completeness of documentation and accuracy of accounting.

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

In order for travel and transportation advances and reimbursements of travel expenses to be excluded from the traveler’s taxable income, the college’s travel policies must meet the IRS definition of an “accountable plan” with the following three requirements:

• Advances and reimbursements must be made for business expenses only and must be reasonable and necessary.

• Travelers must submit an electronic travel request in RAPS substantiating the amount, time and business purpose of expenses within ten working days after the expenses are incurred. Receipts must be forwarded to the Business Office. If a traveler does not have access to RAPS, please request help from the traveler’s department assistant, dean’s assistant, vice president’s assistant or a clerical staff member in the department.

• Employees must return any advance amount in excess of substantiated expenses within ten (10) working days after the completion of the trip.

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

IRS requirements are met by proper completion of the travel request. Clearly state the overall, specific business purpose of the trip in the request. Send receipts and supporting documentation to the Business Office. Appropriate receipts/documentation include:

GENERAL TRAVEL GUIDELINES

In order to optimize cost savings, travel arrangements should be made fourteen (14) or more days in advance of domestic travel and thirty (30) or more days in advance for international travel. All international travel must be pre-approved by the College President.

Travel to the event is expected on the day of the event, if it is reasonable.

Return travel is expected on the final day of the event, if it is reasonable to return that day, and not less expensive to return the following day (consider travel costs, meals and hotel costs in calculation). Reasonable means the traveler is able to return home without taking an overnight flight. The time of arrival is not otherwise relevant. In other words, regardless of personal preferences and/or needs, a 1AM arrival is considered reasonable.

TRAVELING BY AIR

In order to optimize cost savings, employees should make travel arrangements fourteen (14) or more days in advance of domestic travel and thirty (30) or more days in advance for international travel.

Airline tickets should be purchased at the saver or main fare rate. Flight upgrades (increased legroom, first-class, etc.) do not qualify for reimbursement and should not be charged on a college credit card. Flights in excessive of $750 must be preapproved by traveler’s Dean/Vice President prior to purchase. Tickets in excess of this amount, purchased prior to approval do not qualify for reimbursement. 

While some restrictions or penalties may apply, advance reservations typically secure the lowest fares. In many cases, hundreds of dollars are saved by purchasing tickets on special or promotional flights that may require advance booking, entail one or more stops, or depart and/or arrive at times slightly less convenient. The traveler is expected to select the cheapest airfare, regardless of personal preference. For instance, if there is a 5AM and a 9AM departure flight, despite the undesirability of such an early flight, the 5AM flight should be selected if it is less expensive.

Frequent flyer miles should not be claimed for College-related travel.

Forward airline receipts to the Business Office. The e-ticket must include the date purchased, the dates and points of departure and arrival, the travel “class”, and the total amount paid.

Cancelling/changing reservations – when the traveler changes or cancels an airfare reservation due to personal preference, the traveler will incur the additional fees associated with the change.

Example 1: a traveler purchases airfare for a conference that will take place in four (4) weeks. Two weeks prior to the event the traveler decides to change their airline reservation to attend a family event. The traveler is responsible for the cost to change the airline reservation.

Example 2: a traveler purchases airfare for a conference that will take place in four (4) weeks. The day before departure, the traveler becomes too sick to fly and cancels their reservation. The College is responsible for the cost of the canceled flight and any change fees associated with using the airline credit in the future.

RENTAL VEHICLES

Travelers are encouraged to rent vehicles when less expensive than a mileage reimbursement (consider time loss to pick up/drop off car, and number of days car needs to be rented in calculation).  Enterprise Rent a Car is the College’s preferred vendor for car rentals.

Do NOT purchase a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) and Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS) from the rental agency when renting a vehicle in the continental U.S. in the College’s name. The College’s general liability insurance covers loss and damage of rental cars.

Always rent vehicles at the lowest possible cost, not to exceed the intermediate size car rate. Reimbursement will be made for larger vehicles in exceptional cases (i.e. several travelers in one car, equipment being transported, etc.).

Rental cars paid with College funds may not be used to carry any person not related to the College business. If the family is traveling along, the traveler should rent the car themselves, and request reimbursement for the business-related portions of the trip. Some personal business, such as traveling to a restaurant while on a trip, is a legitimate use of a College-rented car.

Forward the receipt to the business office. The receipt must clearly indicate the date paid, the dates and points of departure and arrival, the car “class”, and the total amount paid

If an accident occurs, notify the automobile rental agency and immediately contact the Risk Management Office at (541) 956-7061.

USE OF PRIVATE VEHICLES

Travelers will be reimbursed at a rate set by the College or collective bargaining agreement for mileage, this is typically the IRS approved rate. Mileage reimbursement covers fuel, maintenance, insurance, transportation and operating costs. Tolls and reasonable parking charges may be reimbursed in addition to the mileage allowance for  travel to non-College locations only.

Note that fuel costs are included in the per-mile reimbursement rate. If the traveler requests reimbursement for mileage, the traveler will not be reimbursed separately for fuel costs.

The College does not assume liability for damage to personal automobiles used on College business and does not assume liability for deductibles or any other uninsured loss to the vehicle. Expenses for repairs, whether or not they result from the traveler’s act, are not reimbursable. Under no circumstances will RCC reimburse parking fines or moving violations.

Mileage Reimbursement to a Non-College Location - Standard: The College will reimburse employees at the rate set by the College or collective bargaining agreement for mileage.

If a personal vehicle is used primarily for the convenience of the traveler and the approved travel is to a location more than 200 miles beyond the point of origin, reimbursement will not exceed the lesser of the following: 1) the cost of per-mile reimbursement plus parking and tolls; or, 2) the round-trip airfare between the nearest commercial airport serving the origin and destination cities plus transfer costs to and from the airport; or, 3) the cost of a rental vehicle plus the cost of fuel, parking and tolls.

When calculating reimbursement, please use the location the traveler is actually starting and ending; not the College location the traveler is assigned. Please see the Mileage Reimbursement Chart below for reimbursement details. To calculate mileage use a mapping tool such as Map Quest, Google Maps or Yahoo Maps.

Exceptions Regarding Mileage Reimbursement to a Non-College Location – Employees Assigned to a Highschool: The highschool is considered a College location for employees who are assigned to work in the highschool.

Mileage Reimbursement for Travel Between College Locations – Standard: Employees, except as noted below shall be eligible for mileage reimbursement (not an advance) for travel that is necessary for the job and takes place between the employee’s assigned college location and the final destination before returning home. Mileage between an employee’s home and a college location is considered commuting expense and is not reimbursable.

Exceptions regarding Mileage Reimbursement for Travel Between College Locations  :
Adjunct Faculty: Adjunct faculty will not receive mileage reimbursement for travel between College locations to perform work for multiple assignments. This includes administering tests, class orientations, proctoring assignments, and practicum site visits. If an adjunct faculty member is expected to attend meetings or other special events away from his or her assigned worksite(s) and attendance has been pre-approved by the Department Chair or Dean, mileage will be reimbursed according to the standard mileage reimbursement as stated above.

Employees with Home Office’s: An employee that is working from home will not receive mileage reimbursement for travel between the employee’s home and a College location.

Examples:
Employee works from home on Mondays. Employee travels to a college location for a meeting on Monday. Mileage to and from the campus is not reimbursable.

Employee works from home on Wednesdays. Employee travels to TRC for a meeting and then to RVC for a meeting on Wednesday. Mileage from home to TRC is not reimbursable. Mileage from TRC to RVC to employee’s home (or back to TRC if less miles) is reimbursable.

Employee works from home on Tuesdays. Employee travels to a conference at the City of Medford on Tuesday. Mileage to and from home to the City of Medford is reimbursable.

OTHER TRANSPORTATION COSTS

Travelers will be reimbursed for shuttle service, taxi, lyft, or uber fares to and from airports and railroad stations plus reasonable tips when such service is not included in air and rail fares, and where public transportation is not practical. This policy includes transportation between hotels, railroad stations, airports, or meetings. The traveler shall use the least expensive method to travel between the airport/train station and hotel. This will typically be a shuttle van service, lyft, or uber instead of a taxi or limo.

Document the origin and destination of all shuttle service, uber, lyft, or taxi trips in the travel request, and forward receipts to the Business Office.

Airport/rail station parking fees at the "home" airport/rail station are reimbursable for the length of time associated with business travel.

COST OF MEALS WHILE TRAVELING  

The College will reimburse personal meal expenses incurred while traveling on behalf of the College by per diem basis, only. The College credit card should not be used for these expenses. The per diem is $$15 for breakfast, $20 for lunch and $35 for dinner.

For pro-rata reimbursement of meals when the employee is on travel status for less than a full 24-hour period:
If Travel Begins Before	If Travel Ends After	These meal allowances may be claimed
6:00 a.m.	11:00 a.m.	Breakfast
11:00 a.m.	3:00 p.m.	Lunch
3:00 p.m.	7:00 p.m.	Dinner

Most conferences and hotels do not provide options for guest with specific dietary needs, therefore the College will honor a per diem request even if the meal is included in the conference fee or provided hotel rate. Travelers have the option of declining a per diem when a meal is provided in the conference registration or hotel rate.

COST OF MEALS WHILE TRAVELING BETWEEN COLLEGE LOCATIONS

The cost of meals while traveling between College locations is not reimbursable.

LODGING

Hotel Accommodations:  Select standard room accommodations at non-luxury/moderately priced hotels or motels at the conference or government rate. Standard room accommodations in excess of $192 per night (including taxes and fees) require Dean/Vice President approval prior to purchase. Hotel accommodations exceeding $192 (including taxes and fees), purchased prior to approval do not qualify for reimbursement. 

When traveling for a conference it is appropriate to stay at the hotel hosting the conference, even if the rate exceeds $192 a night. When staying at a conference hotel, check the government rate, at times this will be less expensive than the conference rate. Travelers staying at the conference hotel must be preapproved by their Dean/Vice President prior to purchase. Conference hotel accommodations exceeding $192, purchased prior to approval do not qualify for reimbursement. Typically a traveler staying at the conference hotel will not be approved for a rental car. If a special circumstance arises where a rental car is needed while staying at a conference hotel (outside of driving from home to conference) please contact the Vice President of Operations and Finance via email for preapproval.

Lodging may be shared with non-business guests. Lodging costs of non-business guests are not reimbursable and may not be paid with a College credit card. Accommodations such as different room types, extra rooms, and other special amenities for personal guests should be arranged by the traveler and paid directly to the hotel via a personal credit card upon checkout. The College will reimburse the amount equal to the cost of a room for the traveler. In some cases the room costs for additional occupancy remain the same. The traveler should provide documentation of the rate to the Business Office.

Forward an itemized hotel receipt showing proof of payment (not just a credit card receipt) to the Business Office.

Lodging in vacation rental: Travelers may select a vacation rental, Bed and Breakfast, timeshare or RV site as long the cost is less than the hotel accommodations with all added fees (cleaning, resort fee, parking, etc.).

Lodging in Private Residence:  Travelers who stay in a private residence with relative or friends while traveling on business may not be reimbursed for lodging.

Room service and Honor Bar charges will NOT be reimbursed. Please see cost of meals while traveling for more details on per diem rates.

Cancelling/changing reservations – Hotel reservations should be canceled early to avoid cancellation fees. When an employee changes or cancels a hotel reservation due to personal preference, the employee will incur the additional fees associated with the change.

Personal and Business Travel Combined: When personal travel extends a business trip, use the following guidelines in determining what is reimbursable:

Personal travel preceding a business trip:

• Air Fare: Reimbursable at the lesser of the actual airfare, or the amount it would have cost if personal travel was not involved. Documentation time stamped and dated the same for both scenarios is required to receive reimbursement.

• Vehicle Rental: Reimbursable for the percentage of the trip that is business related calculated using the intermediate car size rate based upon the College’s contracted rate with Enterprise. Car should not be rented in the College’s name.

• Accomodations:  The night before the conference is reimbursable as long as the hotel stay was necessary without personal travel preceding the business and is equal to or less than the cost of the hotel if personal travel was not involved. Documentation is required for reimbursement.

• Meals:  Meals on the day(s) of travel are reimbursable at the normal calculations.

Personal travel following a business trip:

• Air Fare:  Reimbursable at the lesser of the actual airfare, or the amount it would have cost if personal travel was not involved. Documentation time stamped and dated the same for both scenarios is required to receive reimbursement.

• Vehicle Rental: Reimbursable for the percentage of the trip that is business related calculated using the intermediate car size rate based upon the College’s contracted rate with Enterprise. Car should not be rented in the College’s name.

• Accomodations: The night after the conference/hotel is reimbursable as long the conference ends after 12:00 p.m. and is more than 300 miles away from the district. If the conference ends prior to noon, the hotel is not reimbursable.

• Meals: Meals on the day(s) of travel are reimbursable at the normal calculations.

MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSES

Reimbursable expenses include:

• Standard baggage handling and storage expenses for one bag (does not include over size or over weight fees)
• Business expenses (copy services, postage, etc.)
• Business related phone call and faxes, including those necessary to obtain transportation and hotel reservations
• Conference fees (forward registration  to Business Office)
• Currency conversion fees
• Gratuities to porters, bellhops and other service personnel
• Ground transportation (taxi, bus, subway, uber, lyft, etc.)
• Parking and tolls
• Internet connectivity in hotel
• Electronic toll payment options for rental cars

Non-reimbursable expenses include:

• Out-of-pocket expenses submitted more than 30 days after they were incurred
• Airline club membership dues
• Air phone usage
• Auto repairs
• Baggage fees for oversized or overweight bags or more than one bag
• Baby-sitting
• Barbers and hairdressers
• Clothing or toiletry items
• Commuting between home and first campus assignment
• Credit card late fees
• Country club dues
• Expenses related to vacation or personal days taken before, during, or after a business trip
• Helicopter services
• Laundry or cleaning expenses
• Loss or theft of cash advance money
• Loss or theft of personal funds or property
• Lost baggage
• Luggage and briefcases
• Magazines, newspapers, personal reading materials
• Medical expenses while traveling
• Mini-bar refreshments
• Movies
• “No show” charges for hotel or car service, except in circumstance beyond travels control
• Parking tickets or traffic violations
• Personal entertainment
• Personal telephone calls
• Pet care
• Recreational expenses
• Sauna, Massages
• Shoe-shines
• Souvenirs or personal gifts
• Spouse’s or dependents’ transportation, lodging and meal expenses
• U.S. traveler’s check fees

TIMING OF TRAVEL REQUESTS AND RECEIPT SUBMISSION

The timely submission of credit card charges and out-of-pocket expense is required. This includes submitting the travel request in RAPS and delivering itemized receipts to Accounts Payable.

BUSINESS MEALS/MEETINGS

Faculty, staff, students and board members may be reimbursed for approved, necessary and reasonable local business meal expenditures. An attempt should be made to keep business meal expenses, excluding tips, within the College’s per diem rates of $15 for breakfast, $20 for lunch, or $35 for dinner, per person.

Business meals are those taken with guests, colleagues, or donors, during which focused business discussions take place. Business meals are also those taken with other employees when, to ensure confidentiality, business must be conducted off campus. When authorized by a department, business meals may also be taken with other employees for reward, recognition, or other appropriate business purpose. Business meals with vague, unfocused purposes (such as “to foster collaboration between departments”) are not reimbursed.

The focused purpose of a business meal (such as “to plan activities for orientation”), the type of meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner), and a list of attendees (or a number, if there are more than 10 names) must be clearly documented on the reimbursement request.

Forward itemized restaurant/store/caterer receipts for meals to the Business Office.

The College will reimburse expenses for department retreats for the purpose of improving employee morale and/or establishing goals and objectives.

Civic and professional club membership fees are reimbursable when the College need for the memberships can be demonstrated. The club’s membership criteria must be consistent with the College’s non-discrimination policy: the College prohibits reimbursement of expenses for meetings or entertainment in clubs where membership or admission is restricted on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, use of native language, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local laws.

Rescinds Procedure Number:  AP-056

Approved: September 13, 2022