Travel & Lodging

Connexxus

Connexxus is the University of California’s travel portal, integrating easy access to the many UC travel discounts in a robust travel-planning website. You can plan both business and personal trips via Connexxus and enjoy these discounts on all of your bookings. 

Bill Your Airfare to a Chartstring

The online Direct Bill ID system allows you to charge business-related airfare directly to a Berkeley Law chartstring. Contact inquiries@law.berkeley.edu to request training on the DBID system.

Please note:

• A Direct Bill ID for a particular trip cannot be reused for another trip.
• Registration for travel insurance is automatic when you book your flight through BCD Travel or UC Travel Center on Connexxus.

How to use the Direct Entry process

After every University paid business or research trip, a record of expenses must be submitted. Travelers on university business typically pay for some of the expenses out of their own pocket and seek reimbursement after the trip is over. It’s a good idea to keep detailed records of what you spend money on and obtain a receipt whenever possible. Per Policy, the expense report must be submitted within 45 days after returning from the trip. An expense report is required, even if no reimbursement is due to the traveler.

Employees can submit a travel expense report by logging in to the travel reimbursement system. Once a report is submitted, employees can track the status of a reimbursement request directly in the system. Guests and students should contact their department for assistance.

Reimbursement Tips

• You still need to submit the travel expense report even if no money is due to you (costs were paid by direct bill, travel advance, or third-party)
• Giving details to tell the story of how you spent the money will reduce the need for follow-up questions
• Receipts are needed for airfare, car rental, conference registration and domestic lodging, regardless of amount
• You can track the status of your travel reimbursement request

If you have issues with the links above or with access, please contact the Business Services Office

Field trips and excursions

Charter bus service is a restricted purchase – only credentialed Senior Buyers in campus Supply Chain Management have the necessary skills to assess suppliers for proper compliance with state laws regarding insurance coverage, driver licensing and vehicle maintenance.  Their top priority is ensuring the safety of Berkeley Law passengers by weeding out substandard companies and only using suppliers who meet stringent industry safety requirements.

Charter bus service is not eligible for payment via credit card or personal funds.  If you use personal funds, you will not be reimbursed. Only suppliers approved by Supply Chain Management may be used to transport University faculty, staff, students and hosted guests. There are no exceptions to this policy. 

How to order Vehicle Charter Services

1. Preferred ordering method: Use the “Vehicle Charter Request Form” in BearBuy for Contract Suppliers.
2. If you cannot obtain the charter from the contracted suppliers in BearBuy, for Non-Contract Suppliers use the “Non-Catalog Form.”
3. The department should attach the following Required PO Documents to the Form as directed in BearBuy:

   • Required documents from the Department:

     1. Proof of Price Reasonableness & Source Justification
     2. Statement of Work – defining the following:
         
        • UC Berkeley department contact information
        • Name and contact information for the charter service
        • Trip purpose
        • Trip details
        • Number of passengers
        • Number of minors vs adults
        • Pickup time
        • Drop off time and location
        • Vehicle and pickup instructions
        • Vehicle type

• • Required documents from the Supplier:

    1. Insurance
    2. Conflict of Interest
    3. Supplier’s proposal
    4. Other Considerations:
       1. Note that charters represent a high risk to the University. Charter companies must be able to provide proof of licensing, satisfactory motor vehicle safety ratings and insurance.
       2. See Special Considerations for additional potential issues.
       3. If the service will be ongoing, contact your Campus Buyer to discuss the possibility of establishing a contract.
       4. The Buyer will use the above documentation to create an Independent Contractor Agreement, which will be signed by the Buyer and the Independent Contractor 

Please don’t wait until the last minute – if you can anticipate your charter bus needs for future events, let Regional Shared Services work with Supply Chain Management in advance to establish a University purchase order with an approved supplier that can satisfy your trip requirements.