Ohio University travel program updates coming Oct. 1

Ohio University has partnered with Christopherson Business Travel (CBT) since 2019 to support the University’s business travel needs.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2026, Ohio University will begin a new contract with CBT that includes several updates to the way travel support is provided.

The most significant change will be the transition from a dedicated travel agent assigned exclusively to Ohio University to a designated team of CBT agents. A team of approximately five to six agents will be trained on Ohio University’s travel policies, procedures and account-specific requirements. This team will work together to support University travelers and provide greater coverage and continuity of service.

Individual travel

Travelers should continue to use Concur to book individual business travel whenever possible.

Booking through Concur remains the most cost-effective option for the University and allows travelers to easily make reservations while following University travel requirements.

When a traveler has a more complicated itinerary or needs assistance that cannot be handled through Concur, they can contact the Ohio University CBT team:

• Phone: 866-266-8806
• Email: ohio@cbtravel.com

The designated CBT team will be available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Outside of these hours, the phone number will roll over to CBT’s emergency after-hours agents for assistance with urgent travel needs.

Group travel

The greatest change will be to the process of arranging group travel. For Ohio University purposes, group travel is defined as 10 or more airline tickets or hotel rooms included in one booking.

Beginning Oct. 1, group travel requests will be submitted through a new Group Travel Intake Form. The form will allow the travel arranger to provide CBT with the details and requirements for the trip.

After the intake form is submitted:

1. A CBT agent will contact the travel arranger within one business day to confirm receipt of the request.
2. The agent will review the trip requirements and request any additional information needed.
3. The travel arranger will work directly with that agent throughout the booking process.
4. A backup CBT agent will be able to provide continuity if the primary agent is unavailable or out of the office.

This approach is designed to provide group travelers with a consistent point of contact while also ensuring that another trained agent is available when needed.

The Group Travel phone number, email address, and intake form will be available on the Ohio University Group Travel website beginning Oct. 1, 2026.

If you are responsible for booking group travel and have not yet been invited to a CBT training session, please contact financecustomercare@ohio.edu to be included in an upcoming training session.

What travelers need to know

There is no immediate change to the current process. Ohio University’s existing dedicated CBT agent will remain in place through the end of the current contract on Sept. 30, 2026.

Beginning Oct. 1, travelers and travel arrangers who are booking group travel should use the new CBT contact information and procedures described above. Additional information and resources will be available on the Ohio University Travel website as the transition date approaches.

If you have any questions about the upcoming change to the service model, please contact financecustomercare@ohio.edu.