07/01/2022
By Steve O'Riordan

The new Business & Travel Expense (BTE) Standards will go live on July 1, 2022, for the entire UMass System.
Campus A&F leadership (Controllers and other senior personnel) worked collaboratively for about 18 months to create a harmonized BTE Policy (Dec. 2021) and Standards (June 2022) which will streamline expense processes, compliance, and reporting requirements.

What Does This Mean for Me?
Starting July 1, 2022, any new travel and business expense request must align with the requirements of the new BTE standards. You may review the major changes on the UMass President's Office website.
For UMass Lowell campus specific highlights as well as updated approval and documentation forms, please visit the Administrative Standards for Lowell website.

What Are the Major Components of the New UMass BTE Standards?
1. Updated dollar limits for allowable business and travel expenses
2. Updated allowed/not allowed expenses for reimbursement
3. New approval rules & reimbursement processes (including prior approval requirements)
4. Updated expense documentation requirements
5. Tax compliance & receipt validity requirements
6. Definition of key terms relating to BTE

Where Can I Attend a Training on the BTE Changes?
Please visit the Training & Information Sessions page to register and attend any of the upcoming sessions.

We encourage you to continue to reach out to UPST at upst@umassp.edu regarding the new Business & Travel Expense Policy its impact on processes.

Additional campus specific questions please reach out to controllers@uml.edu.