UCSD
CAMPUS NOTICE
University of California, San Diego
 

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