Effective immediately, all travel must be limited to essential purposes only. The University recently issued a guidance that clarifies what constitutes “essential” travel, and that outlines general expectations for university-sponsored travel and cost-effective approaches. Because UConn Health’s procedures for approving and booking travel differ from those used at Storrs and the regional campuses, we have customized the University’s guidance to provide clear and accurate direction to UConn Health employees on this topic. Please familiarize yourselves with the UConn Health Guidance on Essential Travel, which supplements our existing Travel and Entertainment Policy.

As the Guidance outlines, examples of travel that qualify as “essential” include trips required to fulfill grant, contract or accreditation requirements; serving as an invited, keynote or panel speaker; or supporting critical UConn Health operations where there is no viable remote or local alternative. When travel is necessary, departments must identify and confirm appropriate funding sources such as Foundation, grant, or educational accounts before submitting requests. All travel must be pre-approved by the requesting traveler’s supervisor, as well as by the authorized business unit’s senior level approver.

Whenever feasible, virtual participation must be prioritized over in-person travel, particularly for conferences, trainings, and meetings. We ask that departments carefully evaluate the necessity and value of each travel request, ensure cost-effective choices are made, and maintain awareness of optics and public perception.