New Travel Services Program
Travel Services Project Overview
As announced in October 2018, Ohio University has partnered with Christopherson Business Travel (CBT), to implement a comprehensive travel program with goals of implementing user-friendly processes, improving service to the traveler, and providing access to discounts that save the University money. This program will launch on April 1, 2019 and will include an updated travel policy and procedures, and options of paying for travel.
For details regarding the project team, governance and an archive of communications to date, visit the Strategic Projects & Travel Services page on the Finance and Administration website.
Training and Support
On April 1, University travel (including hotels, airfare and rental cars) should be booked through Concur or by calling a CBT agent directly. To assist with this change, the following Travel Quick Reference Guides and e-learn courses are available:
The following course will be available in the coming weeks:
- Booking Group Travel
Open Labs and Informational Sessions will be held during the first two weeks of April.
- Register for Informational Sessions
- Discuss the changes related to University business travel, introduce CBT and provide a live walk-through of the Concur travel booking process.
- Register for an Open Lab
- These are intended to help individual’s book actual travel, live in Concur.
- Walk-ins are welcome but these sessions will be on a first-come, first-serve basis due to room occupancy.
Cost Savings & Comparisons
CBT has a slightly reduced fee structure and the fees are associated with each trip, not each booking. Based on the data available in Concur and the new fee structure available with CBT, the University can expect to recognize some cost savings related to fees. The Travel Services Fee Structure outlines both the current and new fee structures.
The Travel Cost Scenarios document outlines common travel scenarios and associated costs when comparing the current travel management company, CBT and internet based tools.
Campus Involvement
Travel Services Work Group
This group was formed to assist the University in:
- Selecting a new travel provider
- Drafting a new travel policy
- Making recommendations related to University travel services
- Providing guidance and feedback on travel policy and practices
- Advising on training, communications and job aids that assist the traveler and those that book travel
Planning Unit Discussions: December & January 2019
Focus groups within each planning unit involving individuals that either travel on a regular basis or book travel for others. The goal was to gather input regarding travel policy and to understand individual and group needs related to travel
Specialty Travel Services Discussions: December 2018 - January 2019
Discussion with the new travel provider and with areas that handle large group travel and have related specialty travel needs: The Office of Global Opportunities, Student Affairs, Advancement, Athletics and Marching 110.
Faculty and Researcher Focus Groups: December 2019
Faculty Senate representatives participated in focus groups for faculty and researchers to provide input regarding travel needs and feedback on travel policy changes.
Current State Assessment: February 2018
Faculty and staff participated in a travel survey that helped to identify opportunities for improvement and led to the selection of the new provider, Christopherson Business Travel (CBT).
Questions?
A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page is available and will continue to be updated. If your question is not answered as a FAQ, please reach out to travel@ohio.edu.