FTS Travel Module Enhancements

Modifications were made to FTS Travel Authorization-

Added New Traveler’s University Affiliation Type:  “Student Employee”

The majority of SJSU students do not have access to use the FTS Travel module. Access to the system is allowed for active employees and POI-Others only, verified by FTS using HCM data.  However, students employed by the university as Student or Graduate Assistants are “active employees” and therefore do have access to FTS and the Travel module.  For those few students who find they can, and choose to use FTS Travel (instead of the paper Travel Authorization and Travel Reimbursement forms), they can now identify their university affiliation as “Student Employee”.

Please note: We strongly advise having a Requester create the Travel Authorization for the student traveler to ensure the appropriate DeptID and funding chartfield are used. This allows both the Traveler and the Requester the ability to complete or update the Travel Authorization and Travel Reimbursement. The Traveler is always required to complete the “Submit for Approval” step themselves.

Created New Section: “Funding Source”

In the Travel Authorization, travelers will sometimes select the Travel Type, “Business Related” and then are unable to select the “Travel Paid by Non-University Funds” option as well when appropriate.  Not identifying the funding source correctly can cause confusion when insurance is required to be purchased by the appropriate entity, and also, a Travel Reimbursement is created that will never be used for State funding.

By creating a “Funding Source” section in the Travel Authorization, this will allow travelers to select a Travel Type and indicate the appropriate funding source.  The “Travel Paid By University Funds” is the default funding source; the “Travel Paid By Non-University Funds” must be selected when appropriate.

Please forward this message to any staff or faculty you feel should be notified.  If there are any questions, contact Finance Support at financeconnect@sjsu.edu or 4-1558.

Restricted Travel Update: Fund Source

Effective immediately, auxiliary funds are an eligible fund source for travel to the list of states in Assembly Bill 1887.

SJSU funds (Operating Funds, SSETF, CERF, etc.) are considered “state funds” and remain ineligible for supporting travel to restricted states. When using auxiliary funds, remember to select “Travel Paid By Non-University Funds” when indicating the Travel Type on the FTS Travel Authorization.

The following states are currently subject to California’s ban on state-funded and state-sponsored travel:

  1. Alabama
  2. Kansas
  3. Kentucky
  4. Mississippi
  5. North Carolina
  6. South Dakota
  7. Tennessee
  8. Texas

Please forward this message to any staff or faculty you feel should be notified.

Do contact Finance Support at financeconnect@sjsu.edu or 4-1558 with any questions.

References

 

 

Restricted Travel Update: Additional States

The California State Attorney General announced the addition of four states to Assembly Bill 1887, the law restricting the funding or sponsoring of state business travel to states with discriminatory laws.  San Jose State University (SJSU) will use the announcement date of June 22, 2017 to put into effect the travel restrictions to the additional states.  The new states are:

  • Alabama
  • Kentucky
  • South Dakota
  • Texas

The original four states are:

  • Kansas
  • Mississippi
  • North Carolina
  • Tennessee

Background

As of January 1, 2017, the CSU Travel Policy and Procedures has been revised to comply with Assembly Bill 1887, which added Section 11139.8 to the Government Code relating to discrimination and was approved by the governor in September, 2016.  As a result of this  law, it has been determined that SJSU and its auxiliaries, will be restricted from requiring employees to travel to certain states, and are prohibited from approving funding or sponsoring travel to those states with laws enacted to void or repeal discrimination protections, or, to authorize or require discrimination.

Exceptions to the prohibitions that may be granted, and of note to SJSU and its auxiliaries, include the following (see SJSU Travel Guide for the complete list):

  • To meet contractual obligations incurred before January 1, 2017.
  • To participate in meetings or training required by a grant or required to maintain grant funding.
  • For the protection of public health, welfare, or safety, as determined by the CSU or other state agencies.

The list of affected states is maintained on the California State Attorney General website, State of California Department of Justice.  Travelers and approvers are required to check the website when planning out-of-state travel.

If you have any questions, please contact:

  • Gail Finney, Director, Finance Support at 408-924-1683 or by email gail.finney@sjsu.edu
  • FinanceConnect at 408-924-1558 or by email financeconnect@sjsu.edu

References