University Travel

Travel Update

CSU Expense Management Optimization Project (Concur): Go-Live Date: 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.

What’s Changing?

Beginning April 6, 2026, Concur will support:

• Travel and expense reimbursements
• Procurement Card (ProCard) reconciliation
• Credit card requests and updates
• Expense allocation across multiple business units, including auxiliaries
• Online travel booking through Christopherson Business Travel (Travel Management Company- TMC)
   

Key Features and Benefits

• Modern, intuitive user interface
• Streamlined workflows and faster reimbursements
• Single-report submission for state and eligible auxiliary expenses
• Enhanced audit protection and compliance controls
• Systemwide reporting and spending insights
   

Training & Resources

In advance of go-live, the campus community will receive:

• Campus-specific readiness and transition updates
• Role-based training opportunities
• Quick reference materials
   

For general project information, visit the Concur Resources page site.

CSU Travel Policy Update: Effective January 1, 2026

The California State University standard mileage rate for business travel occurring on or after January 1, 2026 will increase from 70 cents per mile to 72.5 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