Skip to content
  • Bucks for Students
    Enroll + Register
    • Academics
    • Admissions Information
    • Register for Courses
    • Placement Testing
    • Academic Advising
    • Majors + Certificates
    • College Catalog
    • Bucks Online
    • Honors at Bucks
    • Academic Departments
    • Student Forms

    Apply Now

    Planning + Payment
    • Financial Aid
    • Scholarships
    • Work Study Employment
    • Payment Options
    • Your Account
    • Tuition + Fees
    Transfer + Graduate
    • Transfer Information
    • Planning Your Transfer
    • Transfer by Institution
    • Transfer by Major
    • Graduate
    • Plan a Career
    • Labor Market
    • Digital Badges

    Life at Bucks
    • Student Affairs Office
    • First Year Experience
    • Student Life
    • Athletics
    • Events
    • Fitness + Wellness
    • Art + Entertainment
    • Alumni
    • Bucks+

    Basic Needs

    • Accessibility Resources
    • Campus Services
    • Directory
    • Canvas
    • Bucks Email
    • Change Password
    • Pay Tuition
    • Student Planning
    • MyBucks
     
  • Bucks for Community

    Classes + Activities

    Icon of a pencil and brush
    Personal Enrichment
    • Art + Design
    • Culinary Classes
    • Business Development
    • Gaming
    • Health + Wellness
    • History + Special Interest
    • Foreign Language
    • Kids Korner
    • Music
    • Test Prep
    • Browse All Courses
    Icon of a sun
    Kids on Campus Programs
    • Camps for Ages 5-6
    • Camps for Ages 7-9
    • Camps for Ages 10-12
    • Teen Experiences for Ages 13-17
    • Esports and Gaming Camp
    • Camp Information
    • Camp Scholarships
    • Preschool Summer Program
    • Register for Camp

    Events

    Event Programs
    • Art + Entertainment
    • Book Discussions
    • Concerts
    • Foundation Events
    • Poetry + Prose
    • Movie Monday
    • Trips + Travel 
    • Event Tickets

    Buy Tickets

    Event Venues

    • Artmobile

    • Sculpture Walk

    • Zlock Performing Arts Center

    • The Gallery at Lower Bucks

    • Hicks Art Center Gallery

     
  • Bucks for Career
    Briefcase
    Business + Career
    • Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
    • Customized ESL
    • Educators (ACT 48)
    • Browse by Industry
    • Online Learning
    • Professional Development
    • Registered Behavior Technician
    • Microsoft Office Technology & Customer Service
    • Bookkeeping with Quickbooks Certification
    • More
    Fire extinguisher
    Fire + Public Safety
    • Public Safety Training + Certificate Course Schedule
    • Fire Training Weekends
    • Industrial Safety Training (OSHA)
    • Virtual Public Safety Training
    • Other Training + Resources
    • Training Facilities
    • More
    Heart with line
    Healthcare
    • CPR + First Aid Training
    • Dental Assistant
    • Nurse Aide
    • Nursing Review & Reentry
    • Pharmacy Technician
    • Physical Therapy Aide
    • Practical Nursing
    • More
    Tools crossed
    Industrial + Manufacturing
    • Building & Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship
    • Metalwork Pre-Apprenticeship Training
    • Industrial Maintenance Pre-Apprenticeship
    • Locomotive Engineer + Conductor
    • Welding Training
    • Workforce Development
    • More
    Man fixing server
    Information Technology
    • Certification Testing
    • Cyber Security
    • Database Development
    • Desktop Support (CompTIA)
    • Computer-Aided Design
    • Microsoft Office Software
    • Server Administration
    • Full Stack Web Developer
    • More
     
  • Library
  • Calendar + News
  • Diversity
  • Contact
Bucks County Community College

Policies + Procedures

sunny day outside of gateway center on newtown campus
  Policies + Procedures  —  Administration  —  Travel & Entertainment Expense Reimbursement

6.9 Travel & Entertainment Expense Reimbursement

I. Purpose

II. Scope

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for obtaining approval for, and providing reimbursement to, college employees who travel or entertain on official college business.

III. General

Expenses reimbursed under this policy must occur for the sole purpose of furthering the mission and strategic goals of the college; therefore a business purpose must exist. Official travel on college business requires prior approval. Authorized travel will be reimbursed within the limits established in the procedures that follow.

Reimbursement requests for expenses of all types must be supported by scanned or original itemized receipts and submitted with the Travel Expense Voucher.

The college reserves the right to withhold reimbursement for any expenses that: are not submitted timely, are not appropriate, lack prior approval, or lack receipts without a valid reason for such omission.

When travel is funded by a grant or contract, the use of travel funds will be governed by the more restrictive of the college or grant/contract policy.

IV. Procedures

Approvals

All official travel on college business requires prior approval of the traveler’s supervisor.

  • Overnight travel for college business requires the completion of a Request to attend Conference or Meeting Form and the prior approval of the traveler’s Dean, Vice President or designee. A copy of the conference or meeting schedule that itemizes fees and provides an itinerary must be attached to the form.
  • All expenses must be approved by the traveler’s supervisor. An individual may not approve his or her own travel expenses. It is the responsibility of the individual approving the Travel Expense Voucher to ensure that the report is accurate, appropriate and in compliance with policy.
  • The Vice President of Administrative Affairs & CFO shall approve the reimbursement requests of the President.
  • Travel expense vouchers will be given final review by the Budget Office. This review will include, but is not limited to, accuracy of calculations, appropriateness and substantiation of expenses, and budgetary considerations.

Reimbursement for Expenses

College employees will be reimbursed only for expenses deemed ordinary and necessary expenses of traveling away from home on official college business. All requests for travel reimbursements must be supported by the required receipts and documented on the college Travel Expense Voucher and submitted within thirty (30) days of the completion of the trip.

Documentary evidence, such as receipts, canceled checks, or bills must be provided to support travel and entertainment expenses. Documentary evidence ordinarily will be considered adequate if it shows the amount, date, place and character of the expense. Online receipts are allowed.

Transportation

Travel by an employee shall be by the most expeditious and least expensive means of transportation as is practicable and shall be commensurate with the nature and purpose of the duties involved.

Allowable travel expenses will be based on the following:

  • Only the most direct route by normal modes of transportation will be reimbursed. Travel by a route other than the usually traveled route must be approved in advance.
  • When for personal convenience an employee travels by an indirect route or interrupts travel by a direct route, the extra expenses will be borne by the employee with reimbursement based only on such charges as would have been incurred by the usually traveled route. Reimbursement for transportation costs shall be made only for the portion of the trip properly chargeable to the college with all additional personal expenses being paid by the employee.
  • Reimbursement will be made for the most economical means and rates possible. Air carrier selection cannot be biased by the traveler’s frequent flyer affiliation. The lowest cost tourist class air travel shall take precedence. The college will not reimburse travelers for tickets
    purchased with frequent flyer miles.
  • Original receipts for train, car rental and taxicab must accompany all requests.
  • Only the original airline ticket or itinerary which shows evidence of payment is considered acceptable proof of payment.
  • For auto travel, expenses for parking, bridge and road tolls will be reimbursed if substantiated by original receipts EZ pass statement.
  • Valet parking fees will not be reimbursed if self-parking is available at a lower cost.

Auto mileage reimbursement guidelines:

  • The use of an employee’s automobile will be reimbursed at the current IRS mileage rate which is posted on the college portal. The mileage rate covers all expenses related to the employee’s vehicle.
  • When traveling to an alternate work location, the distance reimbursed will be the difference between the employee’s normal commute mileage and that to the alternate location.
  • Reimbursement for multiple persons traveling in the same vehicle shall be limited to the reimbursement paid to the driver.

Automobile rental by an employee traveling on behalf of the college is permitted only when no other mode of transportation is available.

  • Reimbursement of rental fees and gasoline charges for the rental will be reimbursed only with an original receipt, accompanied by the original rental agreement.
  • No insurance charges will be reimbursed, as the college policy provides rental coverage for college employees on official business.

Lodging

Lodging reimbursement may not exceed the rate for a standard room. If an employee is attending a convention or conference, the use of the conference hotel is allowed.

  • An original itemized hotel bill and receipt must accompany the request and is limited to the cost of the room, internet access and applicable taxes. Online receipts are allowed.
  • A hotel receipt is enough to support expenses for business travel if it has all of the following information: hotel name and location, dates of stay, charges detailed by category such lodging, meals, internet access and telephone calls.
  • Rental of in-room movies and other entertainment expenses are considered personal expenses and will not be reimbursed by the college.

Meals

For overnight travel, meals are reimbursed up to $65 per day when substantiated by an itemized receipt. For single day travel, meals will be reimbursed at a maximum of $15 for breakfast, $20 for lunch and $30 for dinner when substantiated by receipts.

  • Alcohol is not permitted for reimbursement.
  • A restaurant receipt is enough to prove an expense for a business meal if it has all of the
    following information: restaurant name and location, date of service and itemized expense detail, names and number of people served if the employee is requesting reimbursement for more than self.
  • Meal reimbursements for persons other than the traveler must be approved by the supervisor. Their name and amount must be included in the request.
  • If a meal is provided by a conference as part of the conference fee and a traveler elects to purchase a meal independent of the conference, such meals will be considered a personal expense and will not be reimbursed.
  • Meals and incidentals will be reimbursed at the government per diem rate for those employees traveling for Department of Defense contracted work.

Reimbursement for Prepaid Expenses

If employees pay registration fees, lodging or transportation costs in advance, they can request reimbursement for the expenditure prior to the date of the trip if they complete a Request for Payment Form and supply original receipts.

Travel Advances

Travel advances are payments made to an employee on college business before the trip takes place. Advances are made only for trips in which a traveler’s out-of-pocket expenses are estimated to be $300 or more.

  • Travelers must complete a Request for Payment Form and also submit an approved Request to Attend Conference or Meeting Form at least 14 days prior to travel. All advance requests must include a brief breakdown of the anticipated expenses and an explanation as to why other payment options, such as college or personal credit card, cannot be used.
  • Monies extended as a travel advance must be settled within 2 weeks of the return date of the trip, accompanied by original receipts. The college reserves the right to withhold future advance privileges from any individual who fails to abide by this policy.

V. Approval

Approvals

All official travel on college business requires prior approval of the traveler’s supervisor.

  • Overnight travel for college business requires the completion of a Request to attend Conference or Meeting Form and the prior approval of the traveler’s Dean, Vice President or designee. A copy of the conference or meeting schedule that itemizes fees and provides an itinerary must be attached to the form.
  • All expenses must be approved by the traveler’s supervisor. An individual may not approve his or her own travel expenses. It is the responsibility of the individual approving the Travel Expense Voucher to ensure that the report is accurate, appropriate and in compliance with policy.
  • The Vice President of Administrative Affairs & CFO shall approve the reimbursement requests of the President.
  • Travel expense vouchers will be given final review by the Budget Office. This review will include, but is not limited to, accuracy of calculations, appropriateness and substantiation of expenses, and budgetary considerations.

Reimbursement for Expenses

College employees will be reimbursed only for expenses deemed ordinary and necessary expenses of traveling away from home on official college business. All requests for travel reimbursements must be supported by the required receipts and documented on the college Travel Expense Voucher and submitted within thirty (30) days of the completion of the trip.

Documentary evidence, such as receipts, canceled checks, or bills must be provided to support travel and entertainment expenses. Documentary evidence ordinarily will be considered adequate if it shows the amount, date, place and character of the expense. Online receipts are allowed.

Transportation

Travel by an employee shall be by the most expeditious and least expensive means of transportation as is practicable and shall be commensurate with the nature and purpose of the duties involved.

Allowable travel expenses will be based on the following:

  • Only the most direct route by normal modes of transportation will be reimbursed. Travel by a route other than the usually traveled route must be approved in advance.
  • When for personal convenience an employee travels by an indirect route or interrupts travel by a direct route, the extra expenses will be borne by the employee with reimbursement based only on such charges as would have been incurred by the usually traveled route. Reimbursement for transportation costs shall be made only for the portion of the trip properly chargeable to the college with all additional personal expenses being paid by the employee.
  • Reimbursement will be made for the most economical means and rates possible. Air carrier selection cannot be biased by the traveler’s frequent flyer affiliation. The lowest cost tourist class air travel shall take precedence. The college will not reimburse travelers for tickets
    purchased with frequent flyer miles.
  • Original receipts for train, car rental and taxicab must accompany all requests.
  • Only the original airline ticket or itinerary which shows evidence of payment is considered acceptable proof of payment.
  • For auto travel, expenses for parking, bridge and road tolls will be reimbursed if substantiated by original receipts EZ pass statement.
  • Valet parking fees will not be reimbursed if self-parking is available at a lower cost.

Auto mileage reimbursement guidelines:

  • The use of an employee’s automobile will be reimbursed at the current IRS mileage rate which is posted on the college portal. The mileage rate covers all expenses related to the employee’s vehicle.
  • When traveling to an alternate work location, the distance reimbursed will be the difference between the employee’s normal commute mileage and that to the alternate location.
  • Reimbursement for multiple persons traveling in the same vehicle shall be limited to the reimbursement paid to the driver.

Automobile rental by an employee traveling on behalf of the college is permitted only when no other mode of transportation is available.

  • Reimbursement of rental fees and gasoline charges for the rental will be reimbursed only with an original receipt, accompanied by the original rental agreement.
  • No insurance charges will be reimbursed, as the college policy provides rental coverage for college employees on official business.

Lodging

Lodging reimbursement may not exceed the rate for a standard room. If an employee is attending a convention or conference, the use of the conference hotel is allowed.

  • An original itemized hotel bill and receipt must accompany the request and is limited to the cost of the room, internet access and applicable taxes. Online receipts are allowed.
  • A hotel receipt is enough to support expenses for business travel if it has all of the following information: hotel name and location, dates of stay, charges detailed by category such lodging, meals, internet access and telephone calls.
  • Rental of in-room movies and other entertainment expenses are considered personal expenses and will not be reimbursed by the college.

Meals

For overnight travel, meals are reimbursed up to $65 per day when substantiated by an itemized receipt. For single day travel, meals will be reimbursed at a maximum of $15 for breakfast, $20 for lunch and $30 for dinner when substantiated by receipts.

  • Alcohol is not permitted for reimbursement.
  • A restaurant receipt is enough to prove an expense for a business meal if it has all of the
    following information: restaurant name and location, date of service and itemized expense detail, names and number of people served if the employee is requesting reimbursement for more than self.
  • Meal reimbursements for persons other than the traveler must be approved by the supervisor. Their name and amount must be included in the request.
  • If a meal is provided by a conference as part of the conference fee and a traveler elects to purchase a meal independent of the conference, such meals will be considered a personal expense and will not be reimbursed.
  • Meals and incidentals will be reimbursed at the government per diem rate for those employees traveling for Department of Defense contracted work.

Reimbursement for Prepaid Expenses

If employees pay registration fees, lodging or transportation costs in advance, they can request reimbursement for the expenditure prior to the date of the trip if they complete a Request for Payment Form and supply original receipts.

Travel Advances

Travel advances are payments made to an employee on college business before the trip takes place. Advances are made only for trips in which a traveler’s out-of-pocket expenses are estimated to be $300 or more.

  • Travelers must complete a Request for Payment Form and also submit an approved Request to Attend Conference or Meeting Form at least 14 days prior to travel. All advance requests must include a brief breakdown of the anticipated expenses and an explanation as to why other payment options, such as college or personal credit card, cannot be used.
  • Monies extended as a travel advance must be settled within 2 weeks of the return date of the trip, accompanied by original receipts. The college reserves the right to withhold future advance privileges from any individual who fails to abide by this policy.

VI. Responsibility

Vice President, Administrative Affairs & CFO

  • Key Control
  • Emergency College Closing
  • Legal Holidays
  • Purchasing
  • Clean Air Zone
  • Mail Services
  • Capital Asset Management
  • Use of College Credit Card
  • Travel & Entertainment Expense Reimbursement
  • Cell Phone Reimbursement

Open Records Officer

Office of the President
215-968-8220 openrecords@bucks.edu Newtown

Fax: 215-698-8129

Contact the PA Office of Open Records
openrecords.pa.gov
717-346-9903

Open Records Officer

Office of the President
215-968-8220 openrecords@bucks.edu Newtown

Fax: 215-698-8129

Contact the PA Office of Open Records
openrecords.pa.gov
717-346-9903

circle logo
Newtown | 215-968-8000
275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940
Bristol | 267-685-4800
1304 Veterans Highway Bristol, PA 19007
Perkasie | 215-258-7700
One Hillendale Rd, Perkasie, PA 18944
Bucks Online | 215-968-8052
Learn from anywhere



  • Follow Us on Instagram
  • Like Us on Facebook
  • Follow Us on Tiktok
  • Watch Us on YouTube

© Bucks County Community College.
All rights reserved.

Find Campus Services

  • Accessibility - TAO
  • Admissions
  • Advising
  • ESL Programs
  • Basic Needs
  • Bookstore (External Website)
  • Career + Job Resources
  • Catalog
  • Counseling
  • Dining
  • Financial Aid
  • Fitness and Wellness
  • IT Help Desk
  • KEYS Program
  • Library
  • Media Lab
  • Success Advocates
  • Perkins
  • Early Learning Center
  • Prior Learning Assessment
  • Security + Safety
  • Testing 
  • Transfer + Planning
  • Tutoring
  • Veteran Resources

Faculty + Staff Resources

  • MyBucks
  • Office 365
  • Canvas
  • Faculty Center
  • Faculty Online Resources
  • Professional Development

Get Involved

  • Arts + Entertainment
  • Athletics
  • Bucks+
  • Calendar + News
  • Event Tickets
  • Lectures + Conferences
  • Student Life

Read Notices + Policies

  • Academic Policies
  • Student Policies
  • Human Resources Policies
  • Information Technology
  • Administration
  • Advancement
  • Consumer Information
  • Disclaimers
  • Holiday Statement
  • Notice of Non-Discrimination
  • Clean Air Zone
  • Web Accessibility

Foundation + Alumni

  • Give
  • Alumni
  • Board of Directors
  • Foundation
  • Scholarships
  • Special Events

Explore Campus

  • Bucks Online
  • Newtown Campus
  • Lower Bucks Campus
  • Upper Bucks Campus
  • Parking
  • Facilities Rental
  • Weddings in Tyler Gardens
  • Purchasing
  • Sustainability
  • Emergency Closing Information

Find Jobs

  • Student + Work-Study Employment
  • Faculty + Staff Employment

Discover Bucks

  • Accreditations
  • Board of Trustees
  • Community + Government Relations
  • Diversity, Equity + Inclusion
  • History
  • Mission + Vision
  • Office of the President
  • Provide Feedback

Contact Us

  • Ways to Contact Us
  • Faculty + Staff Directory
  • Social Media
  • Report an Issue
  • Emergency Text Alerts
  • System Status
  • Campus Health & Safety Plan