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  <title><![CDATA[Important Updates to Georgia Tech Travel Policies ]]></title>
  <body><![CDATA[<div><div><p>Effective immediately,<strong> two updates</strong> to Georgia Tech’s travel policies have been implemented to strengthen compliance, improve accountability, and align Institute operations with state and internal audit requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>These measures will remain in effect while a comprehensive policy review is underway. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><strong>1. Mandatory Use of Travel Inc. for Airfare Bookings</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.policylibrary.gatech.edu/business-finance/air-transportation" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"><strong>(Air Transportation Policy 6.6)</strong></a>&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>All campus units are now required to book airfare through <strong>Travel Inc.</strong>, Georgia Tech’s contracted travel management company, regardless of the funding source.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>This change addresses audit findings and ensures compliance with the University System of Georgia (USG) Business Procedures Manual. Other benefits of this requirement include:&nbsp;</p></div><div><ul><li>Compliance with Georgia Tech, State Accounting Office (SAO) and USG travel policies.&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div><ul><li>Access to exclusive airfare discounts.&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div><ul><li>Improved audit readiness and risk management through traceable bookings.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div><p lang="EN-US"><strong>Booking Process and Requirements</strong>&nbsp;</p></div><div><p lang="EN-US">To book air travel, employees must request access to Concur, Georgia Tech’s travel booking platform, by submitting the <a href="https://procurement.gatech.edu/sites/default/documents/ConcurTravelAccessAndRecurringDirectBillForm05-25.xlsx" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Concur Travel Access and Recurring Direct Bill Form</strong></a><strong>, </strong>via <a href="http://gatech.service-now.com/financials?id=sc_cat_item&amp;sys_id=51832479db39b740fc9efe8d0f96191f&amp;sysparm_category=e0af3e80dbf3ef00fc9efe8d0f961993" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Expenses ServiceNow</a><strong>. </strong>These changes apply Institute-wide across both academic and administrative units. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p lang="EN-US">Departments are responsible for managing travel arrangements for <strong>non-employee travelers</strong>, including students, guests, and visitors, who do not have access to Concur. To facilitate these bookings, the coordinating unit must complete the <a href="https://procurement.gatech.edu/sites/default/documents/SingleTripDirectBillAirfareForm05-25.xlsx" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Single Trip Direct Bill Airfare Form</strong></a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><strong>Payment Methods Available</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>While the use of Travel Inc. is mandatory, direct billing is an optional payment method. Travelers may choose to use a personal credit card to earn reward points. Frequent flyer program information (e.g., Delta SkyMiles ID) should be added during booking to ensure that points are credited.&nbsp;</p></div></div><div><div><p><strong>2. Updated Travel Authorization Requirements</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.policylibrary.gatech.edu/business-finance/authorization-travel" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"><strong>(Authorization of Travel Policy 6.2)</strong></a>&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Policy updates have been made to address audit findings related to insufficient documentation and oversight. Travelers are responsible for the following:&nbsp;</p></div><div><ul><li>Clear justification and documentation for all travel.&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div><ul><li>Required cost comparisons and detailed descriptions when business and personal travel overlap.&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div><ul><li>Assurance that all travel complies with Georgia Tech, SAO, and USG policies.&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div><p><strong>These Updates Support</strong>&nbsp;</p></div><div><ul><li>Increased accountability in the use of Institute funds.&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div><ul><li>Enhanced financial stewardship.&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div><ul><li>Timely and accurate travel approvals.&nbsp;</li></ul></div><div><p>All individuals involved in initiating, preparing, or approving travel requests are responsible for adhering to these updated requirements.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Next Steps</strong> &nbsp;</p><p>Additional guidance, forms, and training materials will be provided by Business and Procurement Services&nbsp;to support your transition to these updated policies. Your cooperation is vital in ensuring Georgia Tech’s continued compliance and stewardship of resources. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p>&nbsp;For questions or support, please contact Travel and Expense Manager <a href="mailto:mailto:xrichards6@gatech.edu" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Xinia Richards</a> or submit an <a href="http://gatech.service-now.com/financials?id=sc_cat_item&amp;sys_id=51832479db39b740fc9efe8d0f96191f&amp;sysparm_category=e0af3e80dbf3ef00fc9efe8d0f961993" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Expenses ServiceNow</a> ticket.&nbsp;</p></div></div>]]></body>
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      <value>2025-05-15T00:00:00-04:00</value>
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      <value><![CDATA[Georgia Tech has introduced two updates to its travel policies to enhance compliance, increase accountability, and ensure alignment with both state regulations and internal audit standards.]]></value>
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      <value><![CDATA[<p>Georgia Tech has issued travel policy updates requiring all airfare to be booked through Travel Inc. Travel authorization procedures have also been strengthened to improve compliance, documentation, and oversight.</p>]]></value>
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      <email><![CDATA[india.maul@gatech.edu]]></email>
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      <value><![CDATA[<p><strong>India Maul</strong><br>Communications Program Manager<br>Institute Communications<br>Georgia Institute of Technology</p>]]></value>
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