Remote employees traveling from their alternate work location to the FSU campus may be eligible for travel reimbursement only if the answer to all the following statements is “yes”:
- Is there a benefit to the university?
- Is the travel required by the university?
- Is the travel mission-critical?
- Is there a valid business purpose for the travel?
- Could the meeting or event not be completed remotely?
If all conditions are met, the Remote Employee Travel Approval & Justification (RETAJ) form must be completed and attached to the travel expense report to receive reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Faculty FAQ: Remote Employee Travel and Alternate Work Location Arrangement (AWLA) Policy
1. Am I eligible for travel reimbursement if I work remotely?
Yes, you may be reimbursed for travel from your alternate work location to the official campus, provided the travel is mission critical and follows university travel policies.
2. What should I include in the Remote Employee Travel Approval & Justification (RETAJ) form?
Please provide a clear explanation of your trip’s purpose by detailing the in-person tasks or events involved, and why these activities couldn't be performed remotely.
3. Can I be reimbursed for commuting to campus if I’m on partial telework?
No. Employees approved for partial telework are not eligible for reimbursement for their regular commute.
4. Does this form apply if I’m traveling to a conference or off-campus event?
No. The Remote Employee Travel Approval & Justification (RETAJ) form is only required for travel to an FSU campus. It does not apply to travel to conference sites or other non-campus locations.
5. Who decides if a trip is mission-critical? Can Travel Services deny it?
The department or unit approves if a trip is mission critical. Travel Services does not make that decision and will not deny reimbursement if the justification form is approved.
Staff FAQ: Remote Employee Travel and Alternate Work Location Arrangement (AWLA) Policy
1. Can I be reimbursed for travel to campus if I’m working remotely?
Yes, if you're in a Remote Work position and the university requires travel. The Remote Employee Travel Approval & Justification (RETAJ) form must be completed and approved for reimbursement.
2. What if I’m on an extended telework agreement?
You may not be eligible for reimbursement unless the university requires the travel. Justification must be provided.
3. Do I need a telework agreement while traveling for work?
Not during official university travel. If you continue working remotely beyond the travel period, a telework agreement may be necessary.
4. What documentation is required for reimbursement?
You must complete the Remote Employee Travel Approval & Justification (RETAJ) form, provide a detailed justification, and obtain signatures from your supervisor and DDDCH. Then, attach the form to your Concur expense report.
5. Does this form apply if I’m traveling to a conference or off-campus event?
No. The Remote Employee Travel Approval & Justification (RETAJ) form is only for travel to an FSU campus. For conferences or other travel, follow standard university travel procedures.
6. Who decides if a trip is mission critical? Can Travel Services deny it?
The department or unit approves if a trip is mission critical. Travel Services does not make that decision and will not deny reimbursement if the justification form is approved.
