University Travel

University Travel, within the division of Administration and Finance, processes travel expenses related to official university business in accordance with the CSU Travel and Business Expense Payments Policy (PolicyStat ID18816903).

All expense reimbursements and business travel arrangements must comply with CSU policies and procedures, prudent accounting practices, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

Individuals traveling on university business are responsible for reviewing and following all applicable policies and obtaining documented authorization before traveling.

Travel Update

CSU Expense Management Optimization Project (Concur) is now Live as of April 6, 2026

The CSU Expense Management Optimization Project is part of a systemwide initiative under the Multi-University Collaboration directive to transition all universities and auxiliaries using CFS to a single, unified Concur platform.

This effort supports the CSU Strategic Plan by enhancing operational effectiveness, improving shared services, and standardizing travel and expense processes across the system.

Visit CSU Resources for resources and training information. 

CSU Travel Policy Update: Effective July 1, 2026

The California State University standard mileage rate for business travel occurring on or after July 1, 2026 will increase from 72.5 cents per mile to 76.0 cents per mile.

CSU Travel Policy Update: Effective April 18, 2024

The CSU Travel and Business Expense Payments policy has been revised to increase the lodging expense limit from $275/night to $333/night in order to adjust for inflation and align with other state public higher education institutions. Justification and additional eTravel approvals will be required for lodging rates greater than $333/night, excluding taxes and other related charges. The new rate limit applies to travel on or after April 18, 2024.

CSU Travel Policy Updates: Effective January 1, 2024

All travel beginning on or after January 1, 2024 will follow the federal per diem rates for the reimbursements of meals and incidental expenses (M&IE). This is to ensure that campuses are in alignment with IRS standards and current reimbursement rates. CSU Travel Policy was updated to reflect these changes. 

A few important details:

• The reimbursement of daily M&IE for travel is a per diem allowance with rates based on location of travel
• No receipts will be required for M&IE.
• Travel per diem allowances and breakouts can be found on the following websites:
  • For Continental US travel, rates set annually by General Services Administration;
  • For Alaska, Hawaii, or the US Possessions travel, rates annually set by Department of Defense (Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee (PDTATAC))
  • For International travel, rates set monthly by the Department of State