Recently, the Florida Legislature enacted a bill (Chapter 2009-082, Laws of Florida) in connection with the state's appropriation of funds in fiscal year 2009-2010 that requires "state agencies" to take certain actions in response to the state's fiscal crisis. Among these actions is a requirement to limit travel to that which is critical to the state agency's mission.

Although the state universities are not state agencies due to the passage of Amendment 11 to the State Constitution, for a number of reasons, compliance with these travel restrictions is advisable.

I understand that the other state universities will be joining us in this effort. Accordingly, the University of West Florida will continue for fiscal year 2009-2010 the parameters which have limited our travel for the past two fiscal years. Future university travel must be limited to travel that is critical to the university's mission. Each vice president, as my designee, will determine which travel will be considered university mission critical for his or her division and will institute appropriate procedures in connection therewith. Henceforth, all travel vouchers must contain a statement describing how the travel activity is critical to the mission of the university and must include an authorized signature.

While there are occasions and events which will require individuals to travel, all university travel must be carefully reviewed prior to approval to determine whether meetings can be convened or attended using teleconferencing or other forms of electronic communication, as well as whether the travel is necessary at this time or can be postponed.

Routine law enforcement travel (i.e., courthouse appearances, etc.), military-related travel, emergency management activities and public health activities are exempt from these requirements.

Sincerely,

Judy Bense

President, University of West Florida

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