OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT VICE CHANCELLOR -
BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL SERVICES
DISBURSEMENTS DIVISION
September 12, 1997
KEY ADMINISTRATORS/KEY SUPPORT STAFF
SUBJECT: Increase in Meal and Incidental Expense (M&IE) and Foreign Per Diem Increase in Mileage Reimbursement Rate
INCREASE IN MEAL AND INCIDENTAL EXPENSE (M&IE) TRAVEL WITHIN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES
Historically, the UC's meal and incidental expense (M&IE) reimbursement ceiling for travel within the continental United States has been linked to the State of California's M&IE. The current maximum reimbursement for M&IE is $37. UC's M&IE will now be associated with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). In the future, M&IE will be adjusted annually by the Office of the President upon the publication of the CPI. (Please note, that reasonable lodging expenses supported by receipts are reimbursable and that there has been no change in this policy. The M&IE and lodging component covers the traveler's daily subsistence expenses.)
Effective October 1, 1997 Official UCSD travel either occurring on October 1 or later may be reimbursed at the new daily rate of $46.
MAXIMUM REIMBURSEMENT OF ACTUAL EXPENSES - FOREIGN TRAVEL
In the past, actual expenses for foreign per diem could be claimed either up to 150% of the applicable Federal per diem rate established for a location of foreign travel or the applicable Federal rate plus $50, whichever was higher.
Effective October 1, the maximum reimbursement of actual expenses will increase to 300% of the applicable Federal rate. Additionally, the $50 threshold will be eliminated. When claiming actual expenses, travelers will still be required to document special or unusual circumstances associated with traveling in a particular foreign area.
This notice is to advise you immediately on these approved revisions to policy. PPM 365-3, Reimbursement of Subsistence Expenses, is being updated in its entirety, will include these changes, and is scheduled to be released in October.
MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT RATE
The standard mileage reimbursement rate is used to reimburse travelers for the use of their privately-owned automobiles on official university business. The rate is currently 24 cents per mile.
Effective October 1, 1997 UCSD's mileage reimbursement rate for the use of privately-owned automobiles is increased to 31.5 cents per mile. UC's ratenow coincides with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) mileage rate for 1997. In the future, UC's rate will be adjusted periodically to reflect increases in the IRS standard mileage rate.
This notice is to advise you immediately on the approved revision to policy. PPM 365-2, Means of Transportation, is being updated in its entirety, will include this change, and is scheduled to be released in October.
We understand you might have questions on how to implement these changes, so please contact the Travel Office either at telephone extension 43734 or by e:mail Travel@UCSD.edu. if you require assistance. For the latest updates in travel news visit the Travel Page at:
http://www-bfs.ucsd.edu/dis/travel/index.htm
Faye E. McCullough
Manager
Disbursements Division