Financial Risk Mitigation – Food and Travel

As the Chancellor outlined in her message following the Provost’s blog post on March 9, the University is taking proactive financial mitigation measures to manage costs and reduce risk amidst the uncertainty surrounding federal and state funding. 

Our team is working diligently to develop and provide additional guidance around the implementation of these mitigation measures and will communicate on each as it is finalized. 

Please find preliminary guidance regarding food and travel spending below.  

Food Purchases 

Meals and refreshments that are deemed essential and/or critical to the UW Tacoma mission are allowed. All food purchases, regardless of funding source, require pre-approval via the Food Request Form. Approval will route automatically based on worktag input to the appropriate vice chancellor, dean or a pre-determined delegate. 

Please note that we are in the process of updating the form to include previously excluded worktags, such as for grants, gifts and discretionary funds. 

Travel 

Travel deemed essential and/or critical to the UW Tacoma mission is allowed. Examples include but are not limited to, professional development, session presenters, student-centered engagement and retention, and events that require attendance. 

For any travel with an overnight stay, pre-authorization is required prior to booking. This applies to all destinations, including in-state travel (WA/OR/ID). Approval for travel pre-authorizations may come from your vice chancellor, dean or a pre-determined delegate. 

Additional campus-level guidance will be sent out in the coming days. 

Thank you for your patience and flexibility during this time. Your commitment to our students and mission is deeply appreciated.