Changes to Travel Training, T&E Card Application Process and other BFS News

Online Prerequisites Now Required for Travel Training and T&E Card Applications

Travel Services is thrilled to announce the launch of two new online training programs for Travel and Entertainment Policy and the campus travel and entertainment card designed to help staff and faculty members enhance their knowledge of campus policy and compliance, while keeping employees’ busy schedules and unique learning needs in mind.

Travel and Entertainment Policy training will take you through the various topics related to expenses that occur when traveling for the university. The completion of this online class is required before joining Connexxus and Express training classes on campus. Familiarity with travel policy will improve your understanding of using UC Merced’s online booking and reimbursement systems.

Travel and Entertainment Card training will lay out guidelines for allowable expenses using the corporate travel card. This course must be completed in order to apply for a Travel and Entertainment card. Once finished, Travel Services will be notified and you will receive a link to the application.

Both trainings can be found on the UC Learning Center.

Campus Training

UC Merced Travel Services, with representation from the UC Office of the President, will host several Connexxus informational sessions May 7 in KL 201. Register for your preferred time to learn about unique benefits the Connexxus travel program offers UC Merced employees including:

• Automatic rebooking of ticket if price drops $50 within the first 24 hours of purchase;
• New car rental agreement with Dollar Thrifty;
• Updated online and mobile booking tools;
• Allowances for ticket transfers and name changes, keeping funds within your unit; and
• Management of unused, nonrefundable tickets, reducing loss of credits

Check training.ucmerced.edu for other upcoming opportunities to receive instruction on systems and protocols you use on the job.

Campus Meetings and One-on-One Assistance

• The first Wednesday of every month, Procurement Services offers purchasing procedure updates and advice, and provides the opportunity to give feedback to the University’s Buyers and Commodity Managers. Join the next meeting from 1:30–3 p.m. May 7 in KL 232 or via ReadyTalk. Email procurement@ucmerced.edu for more information or to submit agenda requests.

• Tax Tuesdays: UC Merced Tax Services is available on campus by appointment between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month in KL 201. If you need assistance with campus tax related questions or issues, make arrangements via tax@ucmerced.edu or by contacting Tax Services manager Kiran Samran at ext. 4075. For helpful information, visit tax.ucmerced.edu.
• Payroll Fridays: Until 5 p.m. every Friday, a Payroll expert is stationed in KL 201 to meet and discuss your concerns without making a formal appointment. If you have Payroll-related questions at any time during the week, contact Payroll at ext. 2729 or payroll@ucmerced.edu.

UCPath Updates and Information Available Anytime

Stay informed on progression of the UCPath project by visiting the Campus’s UCPath website, which hosts a collection of background materials and updates surrounding the new system for payroll, academic personnel, timekeeping, and human resources information. For further inquiries related to UC Merced’s UCPath implementation, the UC Merced project team is reachable via ucpath@ucmerced.edu. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response.