SJSU Travel Claim Worksheet and New Meals & Incidental Rates

The CSU Travel and Business Expense Payments policy follows the U.S. General Services Administration [GSA] per diem standards for Meal & Incidental Expense [M&IE], with new rates now in effect. Please share this message with any staff or faculty you feel should be notified.

Why is there a change to the M&IE rates?

The federal government’s fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30, while California’s fiscal year is from July 1 to June 30.

Effective October 1, 2024, the CSU increased its standard M&IE rates to meet the U.S. GSA per diem rates from $59 to $68. Additionally, M&IE tiers for non-standard areas now range from $68 to $92, up from the previous range of $59-$79.

How does the change impact the travel reimbursement?

The SJSU Travel Claim Worksheet for reimbursement now has the updated GSA rates. The worksheet must be uploaded in FTS for employee travel reimbursement or attached for non-employee travel reimbursement. Travelers should complete the relevant form based on one of the following situations:

Travel completed before October 1, 2024
  • The 2024 GSA rates apply.
  • Fill out and submit the ‘Travel Date Before Oct. 1‘ claim worksheet with the travel reimbursement claim.
Travel on or after
October 1, 2024
  • The 2025 GSA rates apply
  • Fill out and submit the ‘Travel Date On or After Oct. 1’ claim worksheet with the travel reimbursement claim.
Travel that began before Oct. 1st and did or will end after Oct. 1st
  • Both 2024 and 2025 GSA rates apply.
  • Fill out and submit both claim worksheets with the travel reimbursement claim.
  • Employees: Please enter the total from both worksheets in the Total Daily Expenses field in
    FTS Travel Reimbursement.

What does the revised SJSU Travel Claim Worksheet look like?

Users will find two worksheets (Figure 1) within the SJSU Travel Claim Worksheet file: (1) Travel Dates BEFORE Oct. 1 and (2) Travel Dates ON or AFTER Oct. 1. Click on the tab for the appropriate worksheet to complete based on the traveler’s trip dates.

Figure 1: Screenshot of the Travel Claim Worksheet for Employee showing both worksheets. Click on the image to enlarge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resources

Employee Travel

Non-Employee Travel

New DocuSign Templates for Non-Employee Travel Authorization

We are excited to announce the release of two new DocuSign templates:

These forms feature conditional approval routing, making the initiation process more efficient. The first form is designed for use by all divisions [excluding Academic Affairs.] The second form is designed specifically for Academic Affairs. Please select the appropriate form based on the division of the sponsoring department.

Additionally, we have updated the
Non-Employee Travel Reimbursement Form, adding an “Amount Approved” field [screenshot below]. Since we periodically update our forms, please ensure you are using the latest version to avoid any processing delays. Do not use saved copies.

Non-Employee Travel Requests are intended for individuals who have traveled on behalf of SJSU for business purposes and are seeking reimbursement.

If you have any issues or questions, please contact the Travel Specialist, An Le.

 

Change to Lodging Rate

The maximum lodging rate has been increased from $275 to $333 per night, excluding taxes, for in-state and out-of-state travel, including Alaska, Hawaii, and US possessions. This rate is effective for business travel occurring on or after April 18, 2024. Rates in excess of $333 must be pre-approved by a campus vice president or designees in accordance with the campus approval process, and must include the business purpose for the necessity to stay within certain facilities.

Pleaser refer to Travel for more information.