In BFS News: New Look for Express System, Upcoming Meetings and Training
September 6, 2013
Express System Debuts User Enhancements
Effective Sept. 3, the Express online system used by UC Merced staff to process reimbursement requests for travel and entertainment-related business expenses, implemented a number of enhancements:
- New look to the command buttons and tabs
- New display alert shows users when a filter setting is “on” in the inbox.
- New feature to recall an expense report submitted within the workflow back to “create” activity.
- New feature to copy line items from one expense report to another expense report for the same user.
- New function to view, upload and delete receipts from within an expense report or line item.
- New “receipt store" allows travelers to send images of receipts directly to their Express accounts while traveling. These receipts are “stored” in their accounts and can be attached to an expense report after the trip.
Further details are highlighted on the UCLA Travel website and additional resources are posted at travel.ucmerced.edu. Questions for UC Merced Travel staff may be directed to travel@ucmerced.edu or by calling ext. 8747.
Campus Meetings, Training and One-on-One Assistance
- Learn about important developments at the AO/MSO Meetings, open to anyone who wants to hear more about campus updates and requirements. The meeting is from 10:45 a.m. to noon the third Tuesday of every month in KL 232. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 17.
- Get familiar with the revamped Connexxus travel reservations system and the appropriate procedures for making car, airline, or hotel reservations when on University business. Training is from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Sept. 24 in KL 201. Sign up online.
- Learn how to request reimbursement for travel and entertainment expenses incurred on the job, using the Express online system. Register now for this class, which takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 24 in KL 201.
- You are invited to attend the next Campus Purchasing meeting either in-person or via conference call from 1:30-3 p.m. Oct. 2 in KL 232. Held on the first Wednesday of every month, Campus Purchasing meetings offer purchasing procedure updates, advice and the opportunity to give feedback to the university’s buyers.
- Tax Tuesdays: UC Merced Tax Services is available on campus by appointment from 8:30-10:30 a.m. the third Tuesday of each month in KL 201. If you need assistance with campus tax-related questions and matters, make arrangements via tax@ucmerced.edu or by contacting Tax Services Manager Kiran Samran at ext. 4075. For more helpful information, you can also visit tax.ucmerced.edu.
- Payroll Fridays: Every Friday, a Payroll expert is stationed in KL 201 until 5 p.m. to meet and discuss concerns without having to make a formal appointment. If you have payroll-related questions anytime during the week, you may also contact the Payroll department at ext. 2729 or payroll@ucmerced.edu.
- Check training.ucmerced.edu for other upcoming opportunities to gain guidance on systems and protocols you use on the job.
UCPath Updates and Info 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 project team can be reached by email at ucpath@ucmerced.edu. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response.
