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CALS Business Operations

CBO Uprooted Myths

Providing Clarity for Business Processes

It’s not uncommon for inaccurate or incomplete information about business processes to circulate. CALS staff, faculty, and students are invited to submit such “myths” to the CBO for review. The CBO will clarify or confirm their accuracy by responding directly to the individual who submitted them and sharing select examples during the CALS Finance Forums and on our website to help address common misconceptions.

Submit a Business “Myth”

Submitted and Answered “Myths”

Uprooted/busted: Per the Travel Manual, hotel comps are not required for lodging exceeding $300/night when the hotel is the conference/event location or the conference/event has a negotiated rate with the hotel. Simply upload the lodging option documentation into your TA/TR.

Uprooted/busted: When renting through the required state term contract, supplemental insurance is included. Driving on dirt or gravel roads? You’re covered!

Uprooted/busted: Per the Travel Manual, a traveler may be reimbursed for breakfast even if the lodging establishment or conference offers a free continental breakfast. Continental breakfasts include grab-and-go pre-made food options (i.e., baked goods, fruit, cereal, yogurt, etc.).

Uprooted/busted: UG, or Uniform Guidance, applies to all federal funding (competitive, capacity, etc.), though we also need to refer to agency-specific terms and conditions.

Confirmed:

  • UG requires costs to be consistently paid from all sources 
  • However, Student Fees were primarily charged to ledger 5 projects
  • To pay fees across all sources would cost ~$12M per semester 
  • Therefore, the university has retained the stance that they are not permissible