The landscape of travel continues to be shaped by the evolving global health situation. Recently, there’s been a noticeable increase in individuals needing to alter their travel arrangements as numerous conferences and meetings, initially planned as in-person gatherings, are transitioning to online platforms. This shift is largely attributed to heightened concerns and potential risks associated with the Omicron variant and similar health developments.
For UConn faculty, staff, and students planning travel, it’s crucial to proactively consider these factors before finalizing any bookings. Taking a cautious approach can help prevent the predicament of having non-refundable flights or hotel reservations that subsequently need to be cancelled.
Before making any firm travel commitments, especially for university-related purposes, it is strongly advised to connect with the organizers of the conference or meeting in question. Inquiring directly about the event’s format – specifically, the likelihood of it remaining in-person or shifting to a virtual format – can provide valuable insight. Understanding the anticipated attendance for in-person events can also be a helpful indicator. A lower expected turnout due to ongoing health concerns might suggest a higher probability of the conference being converted to an online format.
Should you decide to proceed with booking your Uconn Travel, it is imperative that all university-related travel arrangements are made through approved channels. Utilizing Concur or UConn’s designated travel management company, Anthony Travel, and employing the University-sponsored Travel card is strongly recommended.
Booking UConn travel via Concur or Anthony Travel provides the University with the best possible leverage to manage unforeseen changes. In situations where cancellations become necessary, these platforms significantly enhance UConn’s ability to exchange non-refundable flight tickets or hotel reservations. This minimizes or even eliminates potential financial losses to the University due to unexpected cancellations.
Travel arrangements for UConn related activities booked outside of the Concur/Anthony Travel system may not be eligible for reimbursement if the trip is cancelled. University policy dictates that reimbursement is contingent upon travel actually occurring, meaning cancelled trips lack the necessary basis for fund disbursement. Furthermore, if a traveler uses their University Travel Card for bookings made outside of Anthony Travel and the travel is subsequently cancelled and not reimbursed, the individual traveler may be held personally liable for the costs and will be required to reimburse the University for the non-reimbursed travel expenses.
For comprehensive information regarding UConn travel guidelines and recommendations during this period, please refer to the Work Related travel FAQs. This resource provides detailed answers to frequently asked questions about navigating travel in the current environment and ensures UConn travelers are well-informed and prepared.
