Frequently Asked Questions
- Where do I obtain a travel form?
- What is a t-number?
- What expenses will the university pre-pay?
- How are items pre-paid by the university?
- Can I obtain a travel advance?
- What is the “Fly America” program?
- Do I need receipts for every expense?
- What is the current per diem rate?
- What is the current mileage reimbursement rate?
Where do I obtain a travel form?
Obtain forms from the RF Travel Office by calling 292-2126 or e-mailing travel@rf.ohio-state.edu
What is a t-number?
All travel must be pre-approved by your department and the RF Travel Office. Upon approval, you will receive a “t-number”, which is the approval number for your travel.
What expenses will the university pre-pay?
The university will pre-pay airfare, lodging, OSU Fleet Services reservations, and conference registration fees. Airline reservations must be made through Travel Solutions in order for them to be pre-paid.
How are items pre-paid by the university?
Please check this page to obtain information on pre-payment procedures
Can I obtain a travel advance?
Students are eligible for up to 100% of non-prepaid expenses. Faculty and staff are eligible for up to 80% of non-prepaid expenses.
What is the “Fly America” program?
The Fly America Act, enacted in 1974, mandates the use of U.S. flag air carriers for federally funded international travel. If you are scheduling international travel that is funded by a federal grant, you must ensure that all flights, where possible, are scheduled on U.S. flag air carriers or on foreign air carriers that code share with a U.S. flag air carrier. Get more information here.
Do I need receipts for every expense?
Some expenses do not require receipts. Parking and tolls that are less than $25 do not require receipts. Additionally, meal receipts are not required if you will be reimbursed based on the per diem for the location of your travel.
What is the current per diem rate?
Per diem rates can be found at the OSU Travel Office website.
What is the current mileage reimbursement rate?
OSU uses the General Services Administration guidelines to establish the current mileage reimbursement rate. Visit the GSA website for that information. Occasionally a sponsor (especially State of Ohio agencies) will require a lower rate. Be sure to check contract terms for any restrictions.