Washington State University
BUSINESS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

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Student Travel

University faculty and staff who require and/or oversee official travel by students are responsible for observing the following procedure.

These procedures apply to official student travel which is undertaken for purposes of:

• Any WSU class listed in the WSU Bulletin or Time Schedule or any Center for Distance and Professional Education class.


• Off-campus activities of recognized University student groups or University organizations, e.g., ASWSU, Forestry Club, or Outdoor Activity Program.


• University administrative or departmental activities.

University and state of Washington regulations apply to student travel. See other sections in this chapter (95) for more information about travel.

University student travel may be supported by a departmental account, a special course fee account (see 30.95), or the student's personal funds.

The Safety Division recommends that at least one individual who possesses current first aid training certification accompany students traveling in groups, e.g., field trips. See SPPM S20.32 for information about first aid training.

The responsible faculty or staff member or advisor must prepare a written statement of what is to occur.

• Include the travel objective. Specify the relationship of the travel to the group activity.


• Specify the financial arrangements. Include anticipated expenses to be paid by the participant. Indicate the extent of any WSU support for the travel including the budgets available for that support.


• Indicate departure/arrival time(s) and date(s).


• Specify destinations and planned travel routes.


• Include mode of transportation.


• Indicate any hazardous situations and/or locations likely to be encountered, along with recommendations regarding medical insurance or liability responsibility.

See SPPM Chapter S35 for more information about University motor vehicle risk management and liability policies.

The faculty/staff member distributes the written statement to students prior to travel. This information may be included in a course syllabus or other document.

The responsible faculty or staff member specifies the travel arrangements. Travel for purposes of class field trips or University group activities must be organized by the responsible faculty/staff member. Travel may be by motor vehicle or common carrier. See also 95.04, 95.07, and 95.11.

Complete and route a Travel Authority prior to the travel when:

• A WSU account will pay for common carrier transportation,


• The student will receive reimbursement from a WSU account for incurred travel expenses,


• Requesting an exception to permit direct billing of lodging, and/or


• The travel involves other circumstances requiring written prior approval as described in 95.05.

The responsible department chair, unit head, principal investigator, or project director signs the Travel Authority.

See 95.05 for complete Travel Authority instructions.

See 95.05.

Travel Services strongly encourages departments to use Central Travel Accounts (CTAs) to purchase air and rail tickets. See 95.04 for information about CTAs. See 95.07 for general information about transportation.

See SPPM S35.10 for requirements for passengers and drivers.

Motor Pool or departmental vehicles may be used. See 95.35 for Motor Pool procedures.

See 95.11 for private vehicle procedures.

The responsible faculty/staff member considers driving skills and reputation when selecting student drivers.

The responsible faculty/staff member, acting as the University's representative, requests that each student verify that:

• The student driver possesses a valid driver's license from his or her state of residence.


• Any private vehicle used is insured for minimum liability coverage as required by the state of Washington ($25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, $10,000 property damage).


• Any private vehicle used should meet state of Washington standard safety requirements. (WAC 204)


• The normal passenger capacity of the private vehicle will not be exceeded.


• The driver and all passengers must use seat belts.

When feasible, the faculty/staff member organizes the vehicles in a caravan and ensures that all participating drivers follow good driving practices.

After the travel, the student submits a Travel Expense Voucher through his or her department to obtain reimbursement for incurred travel expenses. See the sample in the PDF version of BPPM 95.20.