Effective January 1, 2006, the following changes will be incorporated into the University’s travel policy.  These changes are made to comply with directives from the State of Tennessee and Internal Revenue guidelines.  The changes are as follows: 

1. Lodging Rates:

   • The Federal reimbursement per diems (CONUS) will be effective for reimbursement of lodging for travel outside the State of Tennessee.  The CONUS per diems can be found on the U.S. General Services Administration web site.  Government rates should be requested when booking the hotel reservation. The University of Tennessee Identification Card will serve as evidence to the hotel that an employee is eligible for the CONUS rates.

   • The University will continue to use current lodging rates provided for travel within the State of Tennessee.

   • Employees attending official meetings (conferences, seminars, etc.) will continue to be reimbursed up to the maximum for the official meeting lodging rate and applicable taxes.

2. Meal Allowances :

   • The federal reimbursement per diems (CONUS) will be effective for reimbursement of meals for travel outside the State of Tennessee. 

   • The University will continue to use current meal allowances for travel that expands more than one day within the State of Tennessee.

   • Reimbursement of meals for the day of departure and day of return will be based upon the number of hours in travel status for both in-state and out-of-state travel.

   • Reimbursement of meals for one-day travel will be based upon the number of hours in travel status for both in-state and out-of-state travel.

     • No reimbursement is applicable for one-day travel that is less than twelve hours.

     • For one-day travel lasting twelve to eighteen, the reimbursement will be 75% of the applicable meal allowance.  For one-day trips lasting more than eighteen hours, the reimbursement rate will be 100% of the daily rate.

3. Mileage Reimbursement Allowance Personally Owned Automobiles:   The State has not advised the University if the temporary increase to $.46 per mile will be extended beyond December 31, 2005.  An announcement will be made prior to January 1, 2006, regarding the applicable rate.

4. Reimbursement Schedule:  The Travel Reimbursement Rate Schedule that will be effective January 1, 2006 can be found on the Treasurer’s web site.

5. Travel Fiscal Policy:  The University’s travel policy will be updated to reflect these changes and will be available prior to January 1, 2006.