Approved: November 2, 2026
Monitor: Vice President for Business Affairs
By statute, the University must comply with travel regulations promulgated by the State of Illinois Travel Control Board and with other applicable state requirements. In sum, the Higher Education Travel Control Board, 80 Ill. Adm Code 2900, mandates that all travel shall be by the most economical mode of transportation available; State vehicles shall be used when most economical. If carpooling is available, it must be used.
The exception(s) to this rule is for anyone with a documented accommodation as approved by the Human Resources Department and for anyone working under an externally funded grant or contract.
When a privately-owned vehicle is used, the driver is required to file a statement that they/he/she is duly licensed and carries at least the minimum insurance coverage required by the Illinois Vehicle Code. The Application for Travel contains this certification.
Only allowed incurred and approved expenses relative to the transaction of official University business will be reimbursed subject to applicable statutes, regulations, and availability of funds. Travel tickets will be deemed allowable for reimbursement only if they are for approved official University business. Reimbursable travel expenses are limited to a total of seven days surrounding the official reason for the travel, not including the event itself.
All University-related travel by a University employee must be approved by the appropriate supervisor, Vice President and President prior to travel by completing an Application for Travel. Exceptions to this requirement are granted for the President's in-state and out-of-state travel, Vice Presidents' in-state travel, Athletic Department personnel, the SBDC Director's in-state travel, Government Relations staff in-state travel, admissions staff recruiting and continuing education instructors, who by nature of their employment are required to make frequent trips, often with little advance notice. These travelers are required to file an annual Application for Travel and certify that they/he/she is duly licensed and carries at least the minimum insurance coverage required by the Illinois Vehicle Code.
It is the responsibility of the traveler to initiate the travel approval process at the earliest possible time to allow receiving the necessary approvals prior to travel.
Any request for exception to completing individual travel applications shall document how the department will comply with these requirements, and shall be routed through the appropriate Dean or Vice President for approval by the President.
As deemed necessary, the Vice President for Business Affairs shall issue additional regulations concerning travel which shall be approved by the President.