EDITOR’S NOTE — This story originally reported that the new systemwide travel policy was scheduled to go into effect on Sept. 10. Central Administration has changed the implementation date to Sept. 24.

Following a six-month feedback and revision period, the University of Nebraska has finalized a systemwide travel policy that standardizes the travel process for faculty and staff across all four campuses.

The policy creates a uniform process — from travel approval through reimbursement — for faculty and staff traveling on university business and employees processing related expenses. It also ensures compliance with federal and state statutes and relevant requirements for international travel. The policy covers pre-travel requirements; protocols for transportation, lodging and meals; guidelines for international travel and travel with students; expense reimbursement; and other key areas.

The policy goes into effect at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln on Sept. 24. The university also transitions to Concur, a new software system designed to streamline pre-trip requests and travel expense reporting, on Sept. 24.

A systemwide travel policy was among the recommendations of NU’s budget response teams, which were created in 2017 to identify cost savings and best business practices. The travel team issued the first draft of a travel policy in January, starting a vetting period that led to a number of important revisions recommended by faculty and staff to better serve the needs of university travelers.

The new policy makes clear that Airbnb is an appropriate lodging option and that Uber and Lyft may be used for transportation.

The policy was also reviewed by the campus chief academic and business officers, chancellors and NU leadership prior to final approval.

For more information, faculty and staff can contact Melody Stark, travel manager for the NU system, at melody.stark@nebraska.edu or 402-554-3456.