Travel Guidelines - Employee & Non-Employee

A traveler should secure an airline ticket by price checking multiple airlines for the times and dates of travel to get the best price available and will need to charge the cost of the airline ticket to their personal credit card. Travelers should ensure that the pricing they are getting is for a similar ticket including same departure and return times, same travel routes, refund capability, etc. Documentation should be printed at time of booking to submit with reimbursement voucher.

A travel advance may be requested up to four (4) weeks prior to the anticipated date of the airline ticket purchase to reimburse the traveler for the airfare costs charged to their personal credit card.  The traveler should send a completed and approved Travel Authorization form to the Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office to secure the advance.

Note: The state will not pay for any extra services, such as seat upgrades, priority boarding, more than one piece of checked luggage on domestic flights, and two on international flights. Flights should be booked from the most cost effective airport, not based on personal preference.

The above procedures apply to: State operations, DIFR (Dormitory Income Fund Reimbursable), IFR (Income Fund Reimbursable) accounts, and joint committee awards (JDA, IDA, DRESCHER, etc.).

• Exclusions: Research Foundation, ASC, and College Foundation

For any questions please contact the Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office at ext. 2306.

Campus authorization to travel is required for official State business, whether or not cost reimbursement will occur. This provides proper documentation to show that the trip was authorized, and it protects the employee in the event of incident.

The traveler must complete a Travel Authorization Form stating destination, travel dates, purpose of travel, account code to be charged, and other necessary information. This is necessary even if no reimbursement will be requested.

• The form must be completed by the traveler, signed by the appropriate supervisor & Dean/VP, and forwarded to Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office prior to travel unless there is an item for special consideration, as noted below.

Items for Special Consideration

In cases of non-overnight, local travel (under 35 miles) incidental to on-campus activities, often of an unscheduled nature, it may be impractical to process a formal Travel Authorization Request. In this circumstance, it is suggested that notification to one's immediate supervisor occur to document the official nature of the travel in protection of the individual.

Examples:

• to libraries for research/classroom materials 
• to local retail/wholesale establishments 
• fieldwork collecting for classes and research 
• presentation of a lecture if part of direct University responsibilities. 

Travel occurring while on leave (sabbatical, etc.) or during non-obligation periods (ex. during intersessions/spring breaks/summers) would normally be considered personal and therefore exempt from this procedure unless a direct University responsibility. Similarly, jury duty or other compensated activities normally are considered personal and exempt from this procedure.

Please allow at least two weeks processing time for the travel authorization before your scheduled departure date. Travel advances, aside from airfare, will be processed no more than two weeks prior to travel.

Hierarchy of Vehicle Usage Flowchart

Per OSC Travel Manual, "If available, State vehicles should always be considered when the use of an automobile is required."

Hierarchy of Vehicle Usage Flowchart

OGS Trip Calculator How-to Video

Enterprise Rental Checklist

Traveler should use the OGS Trip Calculator to determine whether a personal or rental vehicle is the most economical means of ground transportation to use (reimbursement will not exceed the OGS Trip Calculator).

New York State law imposes a 10-day limitation on the use of rented automobiles used within New York State. There is no duration limitation for out-of-state travel. Car rentals should only be made for SUNY Cortland employees.

What you need to know when renting a vehicle using the NYS contract:

1. Always rent under the State of New York Contract by utilizing the SUNY Cortland account.
2. Non-employees may ride in the State rented vehicle only if on official State business with the State employee renting the vehicle. It is important to formally establish the official business nature of the travel, prior to departure, by completing a fully-approved Travel Authorization Form. Non-employee classification would fall into the below status categories:
   • leave status
   • student status
   • Research Foundation employment status
   • volunteer status (if not provided a "C" number from HR)
   • campus visitor status
3. Insurance
   • The rental company must provide New York statutory liability limits of insurance in the amount of $25,000/$50,000/$10,000, plus statutory uninsured motorists a no-fault coverage.
   • Neither you nor your employer are authorized to purchase any additional insurance when renting a vehicle in New York State.
   • In the event of a serious accident where the basic limits are exhausted, the State employee would be defended and indemnified under Section 17 of the Public Offenders Law subject to the conditions contained therein.
   • If the rental vehicle is damaged, the State is responsible for a maximum of $100 to private passenger vehicles (including mini vans) and full value for commercial vehicles such as large vans and trucks. In the event you pay the $100, OGS will reimburse you through the Bureau of Insurance, with appropriate documentation.
4. If more than one employee will be driving the vehicle, additional drivers must be listed on the rental contract. The State should not pay additional charges for these drivers. Unauthorized persons should not be allowed to drive the vehicle.
5. Rentals should be Compact/Economy size. 
   1. If Standard/Intermediate/Full-size are used, written justification must be provided with invoice/PO.
   2. If you feel that you need a larger vehicle than those mentioned above (due to multiple passengers, etc.), please contact the Travel Administrator at x2306 for prior approval and include justification. 
      1. Failure to obtain prior approval will result in the traveler paying the difference of the larger vehicle out of their own pocket.
6. Charges & Violations
   • The operator of a State rented vehicle is personally responsible for payment of any traffic violations, E-ZPass violations, and/or damage caused to the vehicle by careless and/or reckless driving while in possession of a State rented vehicle.
7. E-ZPass tolls can be paid with a p-card to the rental company.
8. Any gasoline purchases/refills and other direct costs associated with the rental vehicle will be reimbursed with receipt or direct billed to the university. Reimbursement for personal car mileage when using a rental vehicle will not be allowed.
   • Employees who utilize rental vehicles for personal use must reimburse the State for the cost of any charges incurred as a result of such personal usage.
   • If Traveler elects to have Enterprise refuel the vehicle upon return, it will come at a premium cost to their department's budget.

***If there is a last-minute cancellation by the rental car agency, please contact the Travel Administrator at x2306 for assistance.

Please call the Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office at ext. 2306 to get the account number for direct billing prior to making reservations.

Registration fees for conferences are to be paid directly by the department P-Card holder. If a credit card is not accepted, a purchase order should be submitted as soon as possible for processing.

First, the traveler executes a Travel Authorization Form to be approved and filed with the Purchasing and Accounts Payable prior to travel. This authorization should have the account to be charged and any limit set for a refund allowance.

To Secure Registration via campus P-Card holder:

1. Determine which department P-card holder will process the registration.
2. Offer P-Card holder complete information concerning account to be charged, event, dates, and type of registration needed (ex. number/which days, hotel/motel included/not included option, in-person/virtual).
3. P-Card holder processes registration and emails the registrant any pertinent information and tickets.
4. P-Card holder retains documentation to be included with reconciliation of P-Card packet at month end.

To Secure Registration via Purchase Order:

1. The traveler has a Red Dragon Depot (RDD) purchase order input by a department RDD user, listing the conference holder, name of conference, name(s) of person(s) attending, date(s) of conference, and registration fee. The purchase order is then forwarded electronically for appropriate approvals within RDD.
2. When the purchase order is received by the Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office, it is created and forwarded to the conference holder to secure registrants' participation in the conference. 

* Note: Actual payment for a registration fee via purchase order cannot be processed until after the conference is held. Conference attendees should check at the point of making arrangements to attend if a purchase order will secure registration.  

Employees on business trips lasting one day or less, but more than 35 miles from their official station and place of residence, may be eligible for meal reimbursement.

Based on departure and return times, travelers are entitled to reimbursement for breakfast if they have to leave at or before 7:00 AM, and/or for dinner if they return at or after 7:00 PM.

The current day trip meal reimbursement rates are as follows (no meal receipts required):

Breakfast - $5.00
Dinner - $12.00
(Lunch is never reimbursed)

Note: Day trip meal reimbursements are reportable as income to the IRS and are subject to withholding taxes.

Individuals traveling abroad on official business must adhere to all of the previously mentioned guidelines with regard to travel authorization (which needs Provost/VP approval), advances, and receipt requirements. Per diem rates for foreign travel follow the rates established by the Federal government in the Maximum Travel Per Diem Allowances for Foreign Areas published monthly.

The foreign travel rates provide for lodging costs up to a maximum amount and an allowance for meals. If a traveler is not entitled to the full per-diem, the meal allowance is divided into 80 percent (80%) for dinner and 20 percent (20%) for breakfast.

Travelers to foreign countries should document the exchange rate for the applicable foreign currency during the dates of travel, because conversion to American dollars is required for reimbursement. These exchange rates are later verified by the Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office when the travel voucher is processed.

**For assistance translating documents, we suggest taking a picture of the receipt and use the Google Lens app to translate. Then print and keep the translated document with the original to provide with your travel voucher.

Look for Lens in the search bar of the Google app.

Upload your picture.

Click Translate and print.

Foreign per-diem look-up

Currency converter

Passport Requirements

Hotel reservations are normally made by the traveler or the department/office Administrative Assistant. Hotels/motels within New York State should be advised that the business travel is sales tax exempt and that a Tax Exemption Certificate will be provided. "State Rates" should be requested.

It is highly recommended the traveler register with the hotel and book online.  By doing so, "State/Government Rates" are often more attainable than it would be calling the hotel directly and asking for "State Rates", thereby reducing the need for an Over-the-Max Request form in some instances.

The traveler must obtain an itemized receipt in order to gain reimbursement.

These guidelines are supplemental to SUNY Procedures and are to be filed with the New York State Office of the State Comptroller (OSC).

The following procedures are fully approved by the State University of New York College at Cortland Intercollegiate Athletics Board (CIAB):

1. To provide for consistency of expense reimbursement under team travel, the required times for departure from and return to Official Station to justify a full per-diem reimbursement shall be waived (i.e., 7:00 AM, 7:00 PM). 
2. The maximum allowable Method I and Method II per-diem rates are established at the prevailing New York State Method I and Method II rates. However, per-diem reimbursements may be lower by CIAB determination and availability of resources. 
3. Coaches' travel expense reimbursement will adhere to prevailing New York State and bargaining unit rates and guidelines. 
4. Team coaches may utilize any combination of the following methods of travel costs as specified: 
1. Cash Advance: The team coach may obtain a New York State cash advance up to $2,500 per team trip to cover meals, lodging, tolls, parking fees, vehicle fuel (when the vehicle credit card is not accepted). Receipts are required for tolls, parking, fuel, and Method II lodging. 
2. It is expected that New York State Travel Vouchers will be used to process payment for lodging, and are not to exceed $2,500 whenever advance arrangements can be made. A vendor invoice must be obtained and submitted with a completed Standard Voucher for payment. 
3. Athletics' NET cards may be used for lodging, meals, and emergency vehicle repairs. Customer receipt copies must be retained by the coach for submission to the Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office for payment.

To protect the traveler and the institution, it is important to establish the official business nature of the travel prior to departure, whether or not costs are reimbursed. Unless formally stated elsewhere (specific reference in performance program, etc.) a fully approved Travel Authorization Request is necessary to satisfy this requirement.

Active New York State employee status normally demonstrates official business activity. However, official business may occur while in leave status, student status, Research Foundation employment status, or volunteer status. In these circumstances it is especially important to formally establish the official business purpose and authorization for travel.

The Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office administers travel and may be contacted regarding any of these guidelines at ext. 2306.

In accordance with New York State Accounting System Procedures, Volume XI, Section 3.0600, Page 2, SUNY Cortland is to designate the official station for all employees for the purposes of official travel and reimbursement, in the best interest of the State.

Except when otherwise designated, all SUNY Cortland employees will have as their designated official station SUNY Cortland Main Campus, Cortland, New York 13045.

Some University employees whose primary and ongoing official work site is other than the main campus may have an official station designation as that work site. In some cases, a person's legal residence may be designated as official station so long as that residence is at least 35 miles from the main campus or branch campus site of SUNY Cortland, and no regular attendance at a main or branch campus is required as a condition of employment.

Official Station, as defined by SUNY Cortland:

• If you work at the SUNY Cortland campus or have a workstation designated at the Cortland campus, then your official station is SUNY Cortland.
• If you do not work at the SUNY Cortland campus at all and do not have a workstation designated at the Cortland campus, then your official station would not be the Cortland campus.

To have an assigned official station other than the main campus, the supervisor of the employee should designate in writing, gain the respective Vice Presidential approval, file with Human Resources, and advise the employee.

Employees should make note on their Travel Voucher if their official station is anything other than SUNY Cortland.

When in travel status, the designated official station shall be used in all time and reimbursement calculations, except that when travel commences from an employee's residence, the departure point shall be the residence or official station, whichever is closer to the destination. In this way, only actual costs will be reimbursed consistent with policy and tax law intent.

No transportation costs will be allowed between any employee's home and his or her official station.

NOTE: To be eligible for reimbursement of meal and lodging expenses, the traveler must be in continuous travel at least three hours with a destination greater than 35 miles from the employee's residence and official station.

When an employee is in overnight travel status, reimbursement for lodging and meal expenses can be made using one of two methods:

Method I (Un-Receipted Method)

This method provides for a flat rate allowance for meals, lodging and incidental expenses regardless of where lodging is obtained, including lodging with relatives or friends.  No receipts are required. To be entitled to the full per diem, you must be in overnight travel status and eligible for both breakfast and dinner.

Travelers using this un-receipted method are also eligible for an additional $5.00 for breakfast on the day of departure if they leave at or before 7:00 AM. They are also eligible for an additional $12.00 for dinner on the day of return if they return at or after 7:00 PM.

Method II (Receipted Method)

This allows for reimbursement of actual lodging costs up to a specific amount, plus an allowance for meals. The federal domestic per diem amounts are based on the area of your work assignment and are revised annually (every October 1st). The breakdown of the meal per diem rates listed on the GSA website can be found at the SUNY Blue Travel Center Meals and Lodging website. 

• Receipts are required for lodging. 
• No receipts are required for meals.

For each day the traveler is in overnight travel status, the traveler is eligible for reimbursement for lodging, up to a maximum lodging per diem, and a per diem allowance for meals. The meal per diem is for dinner the first night and breakfast the following day.

Travelers using this method are also eligible for an additional per diem for breakfast if they leave at or before 7:00 AM on the initial day, and/or an additional dinner per diem if they return at or after 7:00 PM on the last day of travel. In these cases, breakfast and/or dinner will be reimbursed up to the maximum amount of the meal per diem allowance specified for the particular area of lodging.

The reimbursement amounts are based on rates established by the Federal government. These rates are established by county, so the county must be indicated on the Travel Voucher, as well as the city.

No taxes should be paid within New York State. For travel within New York State, a Tax Exemption Certificate (ST-129) should be used. For out-of-state travel, local and state taxes will be reimbursed in addition to the per diem amount.

On occasion, travelers may be unable to find a hotel at a rate that does not exceed the maximum federal lodging per diem rate for the location of travel. If that occurs, travelers must obtain prior approval (see Over-the-Max Lodging Requests).  Whenever possible, agency sponsored conferences should be arranged at facilities honoring the federal per diem rates for meals and lodging. When meals and lodging are provided as a part of an agency sponsored conference or event, additional reimbursement is not permitted.

Rates are identified by county and the traveler must indicate the county as well as the city on the Travel Voucher (AC132).

Per Diem Calculator

Over-the-Max Request Form

The Office of the State Comptroller's Bulletin G-180 extends to Agency Chief Fiscal officers the authority to approve exceptions to standard travel rates when deemed necessary. On this campus, review for pre-approval of over-the-maximum requests are performed by the Associate Director of Purchasing and Accounts Payable after approval by the traveler's supervisor. The department/office must receive approval from the Associate Director of Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office PRIOR to booking the hotel room. All such requests (including justifications) must be made in writing BEFORE the trip and a signature-approved copy of the request must be forwarded with the travel voucher for reimbursement after travel completion

The Research Foundation for SUNY extends to RF Operations Managers the authority to approve exceptions to standard travel rates when deemed appropriate and necessary. On this campus, review for pre-approval of over-the-maximum requests are performed by the Vice President for Finance and Management. All such requests (including justification) must be made in writing BEFORE the trip and a signature-approved copy of the request must be forwarded with the travel voucher for reimbursement after travel completion.

Per OSC Travel Manual, "If available, State vehicles should always be considered when the use of an automobile is required."

Hierarchy of Vehicle Usage Flowchart

OGS Trip Calculator How-to Video

3 Options for SUNY Cortland Employee Travelers:

1. If the department has designated fleet vehicles assigned to it, a fleet vehicle should be used as the mode of transportation.
   • If a fleet vehicle is unavailable, then option 2 or 3 may be used.
2. Use a rental vehicle using the New York State contract. The traveler will be reimbursed for the cost of the rental and fuel used.
   • Non-employees may ride in a NYS rented vehicle only if on official state business with the state employee renting the vehicle. It is important to formally establish the official business nature of the travel prior to departure by completing a fully approved Travel Authorization Form. A non-employee classification would fall into one the below categories:
     • leave status
     • student status
     • Research Foundation employment status
     • volunteer status
     • campus visitor status
   • Insurance
     • The rental company must provide New York statutory liability limits of insurance in the amount of $25,000/$50,000/$10,000, plus statutory uninsured motorists a no-fault coverage.
     • Neither you nor your employer are authorized to purchase any additional insurance when renting a vehicle in New York State.
     • In the event of a serious accident where the basic limits are exhausted, the State employee would be defended and indemnified under Section 17 of the Public Offenders Law subject to the conditions contained therein.
     • If the rental vehicle is damaged, the State is responsible for a maximum of $100 to private passenger vehicles (including mini vans) and full value for commercial vehicles such as large vans and trucks. In the event you pay the $100, OGS will reimburse you through the Bureau of Insurance, with appropriate documentation.
   • Rentals should be compact or standard/mid-size with justification included with reimbursement paperwork. If you feel that you need a larger vehicle (due to multiple passengers, etc.), please contact the Travel Administrator at x2306 for prior approval and include justification. Failure to obtain prior approval will result in the traveler paying the difference of the larger vehicle out of their own pocket.
   • Charges & Violations
     The operator of a State rented vehicle is personally responsible for payment of any traffic violations, E-ZPass violations, and/or damage caused to the vehicle by careless and/or reckless driving while in possession of a State rented vehicle.
   • E-ZPass tolls can be paid with a p-card to the rental company.
   • Any gasoline purchases/refills and other direct costs associated with the rental vehicle will be reimbursed with receipt or direct billed to the university. Reimbursement for personal car mileage when using a rental vehicle will not be allowed.
     • Employees who utilize rental vehicles for personal use must reimburse the State for the cost of any charges incurred as a result of such personal usage.
3. Use a personal vehicle.
   • If this option is selected, an OGS trip calculator form must be completed using the compact vehicle option to determine the lesser of travel reimbursement amount.
   • Please note the insurance on the personal vehicle will be responsible for any claims should there be an accident.

Reimbursement for personal car mileage is made in accordance with the rates established by the employee's respective bargaining agreement, with some units basing reimbursement on the standard allowance established by the Internal Revenue Service. These rates change periodically and will be verified by the Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office when vouchered.

• Rates are updated annually on January 1st on the U.S. General Services Administration website.

To document personal car mileage for reimbursement, travelers must complete a Statement of Automobile Travel (Form AC160) detailing the mileage claimed and attach to the Travel Reimbursement Voucher.

Note the following excerpt from the published OGS Bureau of Insurance Guidelines regarding Conditions of Use of Personal Vehicles:

Conditions of use of personal vehicles for personnel authorized to use their personal vehicle on official State business, the following conditions and/or State coverage policies apply:

1. There is no State coverage for:
   • Uninsured/Underinsured motorists
   • Personal Injury Protection
   • Medical Payments
   • These coverage policies must be provided through your own personal policy
2. Workers' Compensation coverage is provided the same as if you were using a State-owned vehicle on State business.
3. Comprehensive & Collision losses to the personal vehicle are not covered by the State.
4. Liability to other persons, including your passengers must be covered by your own personal auto policy.  If losses exceed your policy limit, the state will cover the excess liability under public officers law, section 17, article 2.

If you use your personal vehicle on a regular basis for State business you should contact your insurance agent or company to ensure that you are properly covered.

In accordance with the OSC Travel Manual, “Charges for gasoline, oil, accessories, repairs, depreciation, anti-freeze, towing, insurance, and other expenditures will not be allowed. These are considered operational costs and are covered in the mileage allowance.”

To be reimbursed for certain travel-related expenses, original receipts must be provided as follows:

Please reference Research Foundation Travel.

When traveling within New York State on official business, lodging charges may be exempted from State and Local Sales taxes by presenting a Tax Exemption Certificate (Form ST 129 PDF) to the lodging vendor at the time of check-in. These certificates should be acquired prior to travel since reimbursement for sales tax is not allowed by OSC when lodging is secured within NYS.

Federal lodging per diem rates are now for room rates only and do not include taxes. When traveling outside of New York State on official business, reimbursement of actual costs paid for lodging taxes may be reimbursed to the traveler as a miscellaneous expense, subject to funding availability.

Travel Advances are available, but must be requested prior to travel to cover per diem costs of meals and lodging, as well as, registration fees in cases where a purchase order is not accepted (see Conference Registration Fees).

If a travel advance is requested, a Travel Authorization Request must be on file with the Accounts Payable Office and the appropriate check boxes must be marked on the Travel Authorization and should be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to travel.

A travel advance should be limited to what can be reasonably estimated to be the traveler’s expected business travel expenses.

Please note: Advance requests should not be less than $75 or exceed funding limitations imposed by the traveler’s department. Travel advances exceeding $400 are acceptable, but Accounts Payable does require a 10-day notice to allow for processing through the NYS Treasury.

Advances will be issued by the Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office approximately three days before the date of travel unless otherwise communicated. Advance repayment is accomplished through the voucher reimbursement process, however, the Advance recipient (i.e. the traveler) is fully liable for repayment of any and all advance amounts which are not reimbursable via travel voucher.

Per diem rates are established by the Federal government.  Rates are identified by county and the traveler must indicate the county as well as the city on the Travel Voucher (AC132).  A full per diem is considered to be dinner the first day, and lodging and breakfast the following day.

Meal Allowances

Note: Incidental expenses such as tips to bellmen, porters, hotel maids, etc., continue to be included in the above allowances.

Out-of-State and foreign per diem rates are available by contacting the Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office at ext. 2306 or can be found here:

Search rates within the continental U.S.

Search rates for International destinations

Per Diem Calculator

Per New York State, within 30 days of returning from their trip, the traveler must submit a travel voucher packet, containing the voucher and any supporting documentation.

Per OSC, "A traveler should only be reimbursed for expenses related to a business event. When a traveler decides to extend his or her stay either before or after the business event, those expenses should not be reimbursed."

1. The traveler completes a Travel Voucher (AC132), attaching all receipts for lodging, tolls and miscellaneous expenses, registration fees, airline tickets, etc. along with a copy of the program brochure, and agenda, if applicable, for any conference attended.
2. If personal car mileage (PCM) reimbursement is claimed, the traveler completes and attaches the Statement of Automobile Travel (Form AC 160) to the Travel Voucher along with the OGS Trip Calculator.
3. The traveler must indicate if a travel advance had been issued for the vouchered trip and record that on the Travel Voucher.
4. The traveler signs, indicates official station and the correct home address, and forwards the Travel Voucher and attachments for supervisory approval and signature.
5. The supervisor indicates the approved reimbursement amount and account number to be charged on the Travel Voucher, signs and, if needed, forwards to the appropriate Dean or VP for signature and account coding if funding is being provided by those areas. The Travel Voucher and backup information can then be scanned and emailed to the Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office at travel@cortland.edu (be sure to include both front and back of pages).
6. The Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office receives the Travel Voucher and matches with the Travel Authorization Request on file.
7. If required signatures are not affixed, the Travel Voucher cannot be processed and is returned to the traveler or supervisor.
8. The Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office audits the Travel Voucher in accordance with guidelines set forth in OSC Bulletin No. G-180.

The Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office Audit Steps:

1. Dates and times of departure and return are compared to dates on travel authorization. 
2. Based on county, per diem rates are verified per G-180 to determine maximum lodging and meal rates allowed. 
3. All receipts are then reviewed for proper dates and amounts and compared to charges indicated on Travel Voucher. 
4. Per diem rates on the Voucher are compared to the G-180 allowance. 
5. If personal car mileage reimbursement is requested, the Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office verifies that a Statement of Automobile Travel Form and OGS Trip Calculator have both been properly completed. 
6. The Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office determines whether a travel advance has been issued for the vouchered trip.
   • If so, the amount of the travel advance is deducted from the reimbursement amount on the Travel Voucher. If the travel advance amount is greater than the voucher amount, a repayment for the difference is requested from the traveler. 
7. As a final step, the Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office verifies accuracy of all addition and multiplication. 
8. If there is a dollar limit imposed on travel reimbursement, the Purchasing and Accounts Payable Office limits reimbursement to the amount indicated, records appropriate liability dates, and processes reimbursement. 

Travel reimbursements to non-employees are processed via a New York State Standard Voucher (PDF).  The Standard Voucher should contain the complete name and home address of the person being reimbursed and the description block should specify the exact purpose for the payment including dates of the activity.

The payee's signature must be entered in the Payee Certification block on the voucher. Effective February 1, 1994, all travel reimbursements to non-employees must be via the Receipted Method guidelines, which require itemized receipts for lodging and meals. All original receipts should be attached to the Standard Voucher and forwarded for appropriate approval signatures and processed by Accounts Payable.

Reimbursement of student travel expenses may also be made via a Standard Voucher utilizing the same guidelines listed above if the student is attending an officially authorized event or other official University business. Original receipts and appropriate signatures and a justification describing the travel as official and necessary must accompany the voucher for reimbursement.  A travel authorization must be submitted for the student(s) as well prior to traveling.

1. Application for use of a state vehicle by a student driver must be processed through the Transportation Office.
2. State-owned vehicles may be used for transporting students only for the purpose of field trips required for an instructional or research program or to intercollegiate competitions in such fields as athletics, speech, music and drama, and other social, recreational, cultural and educational programs authorized by the chief administrative officer or his/her designee, provided such events are accompanied by a member of the campus staff. 
   • Request a 12-passenger van
3. Students will be assigned to drive State cars only when it is not feasible to use another driver. Separate authorization for the use of a student driver must be made for each trip. 
4. All designated drivers must have a valid New York State driver's license.
5. Approval for use is given by the Transportation Office and the chief administrative officer/designee. 

Hierarchy of Vehicle Usage Flowchart

As outlined in the NYS Travel Manual, a traveler should make every effort to use the most efficient and cost effective method of transportation available and is in the best interest of the State. If the department has designated fleet vehicles assigned to it, a fleet vehicle should be used as the mode a transportation. If a fleet vehicle is unavailable, please use the OGS Trip Calculator to determine whether a personal or rental vehicle is the most economical means of ground transportation to use.

State University of New York and SUNY Cortland set forth the following requirements for use of State-owned vehicles:

Eligibility

1. Must be used only for official University business. 
2. The driver must be a New York State employee (see 7, 8 below) except when special provisions are agreed to for student drivers (see below). 
3. The driver must hold a valid N.Y.S. driver's license and accept responsibility for adherence to all vehicle and traffic laws. 
4. All passengers must be on official University business. 
5. Personal or unrelated travel may not be combined with official business travel. 
6. Duration of travel normally should not exceed three days and the cost of extended parking (airport, etc.) should not be excessive. 
7. State-owned vehicles may not be used by affiliated organizations unless all of the above requirements are met, including the requirement that the driver be a NYS employee. Cost reimbursement, however, may be from a non-state source. 
8. If formally appointed as a volunteer, a person is considered to have met the NYS employee requirement. 
9. The University is reimbursed at the prevailing per mile rate as a Recharge to University departments by journal to IFR accounts or by invoicing to affiliated organizations.