New York State Travel Policies and Procedures required for all SUNY Colleges can be found in the NYS OGS Manual.
Travel Vouchers
Travel Vouchers can only be submitted for the total amount approved for reimbursement. For example: If the traveler has been approved for a $500 travel expense and the actual out-of-pocket expenses is $600, the travel voucher can only request reimbursement for the approved $500.
Travel Vouchers must provide a State or IFR account number to be charged. If there is more than one account number being used on the travel voucher, please specify how much money is to be reimbursed from each account number. All accounts to be charged must have appropriate authorized signatures.
Travel Vouchers must always include:
- The dates and times of departure and return.
- Destination Street Address
- Account numbers and signatures
- All supporting travel documentation including, but not limited to the following: agenda, itinerary, handouts, etc. All receipts must show proof of payment.
- Over per diem letter of justification for lodging if necessary.
Per Diem Meals & Lodging
When claiming per diem meals, the traveler must include proof of lodging. If there was no overnight stay the traveler will receive a daily meal rate. Lodging and meal per diem rates can be found at the U.S. General Services Administration webpage. A breakfast and dinner breakdown of meal per diem rates can be found on our Per Diem Rate webpage.
Pre-Paid Airfare Reimbursements
In consideration of the cost of airfare and the need to book in advance to receive lower rates, reimbursement for airfare only can be made prior to the event, with departmental approval. If approved, please complete and submit the Prepaid Airfare Reimbursement Form along with the proof of payment, justification of travel, and a Travel Voucher to Procurement & Payment Services. Prepaid Airfare requests must be received by Procurement and Payment 4 weeks prior to travel date. If not, the voucher will be returned.
Passenger Vehicle Rentals for University-Related Business
ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR
Reservations for car rentals at Enterprise can be made online. Renters are reminded to visually inspect the entire vehicle with a representative upon pick-up and note any areas of concern or existing damage prior to the rental — especially outside roofs and windshields. Upon return of the vehicle, please have a representative inspect for damage before leaving the location.
Enterprise will direct bill the University when the account number and billing number are used.
Note: Contact Megan Radder to obtain the secure billing number required for all in-state reservations.
In-state rentals are tax exempt only when the rental is a direct bill to the University account. Employees are advised to remind the agent at the counter to remove sales tax from the rental at the time of pick up.
Additionally, while sales tax can be exempt, Airport Access Fees are not tax exempt and will show as an 11%+ on the final bill.
HERTZ
New York State has a nationwide contract with Hertz, therefore all rentals made outside of New York State must be made through Hertz. Reservations for car rentals at Hertz can be made online. Renters are reminded to visually inspect the entire vehicle with a representative upon pick-up and note any areas of concern or existing damage prior to the rental — especially outside roofs and windshields. Upon return of the vehicle, please have a representative inspect for damage before leaving the location.
Hertz will direct bill the University when the Applicant Program Number is used.
ACCIDENTS OR INCIDENTS OF DAMAGE
In the event of an accident or incident during the rental period, it is recommended that you contact the police for a written police report. It is also recommended that insurance information be exchanged with the other party — just as you would with your own vehicle. Even if the accident is not your fault, you must get the information of the other vehicle involved and the insurance provider. Travelers will be asked to complete an incident report by the rental company, even if it is unclear how the damage occurred. This will allow the rental company to open an investigation into the incident.
Travelers are required to notify Procurement and Payment Services, Megan Radder, as soon as possible. Travelers will also be asked to file a claim within 20 days of the incident with the Office of General Services (OGS) Bureau of Risk and Insurance Management at (518) 474-4725.
Contact
Please contact Megan Radder regarding all travel related questions.