Create a Request for Travel Authorization

What is an RTA (Request for Travel Authorization)?

The primary purpose of a Request for Travel Authorization (RTA) is to approve and authorize employees for UT business travel. All business related travel requires a RTA, no cost trips included. Below are detailed instruction for submitting and assigning your RTA.

PROCESS

Access the online Request for Travel Authorization REQ
Complete all basic fields.
If the request contains funding outside of Area funds, attach any email or correspondences confirming use of the outside account and funding amount. This applies to use of chair, professorship, grant, or other department fundings sources.
Assign the RTA to Division Head. The Division will approve and assign the request to the Finance Office, Patricia Semenov (EID: ps3496).
Direct Bill Note

It is important to note that the online system does not transfer information to Travel Management Services. You can arrange direct billed travel upon receipt of the Request for Travel Authorization approval email. This contains the VE5/TV numbers needed to book direct billed travel. Please forward direct billed airfare itinerary/receipts to Patricia Semenov upon finalized booking.
Travelers can book/pay directy for airfare without penalty. An itemized paid receipt must be submitted for reimbursement.

Visual Instruction Guide

Creating the online REQ:

Click on Travel Authorization Request

At the top of the request is the REQ number, creator/created information, and status.

The REQ number will appear on your home page.

All related correspondence will reference the REQ.

When the RTA has been approved the REQ will contain the Document ID and RTA Number (VE5/TV)

Filling out the form:

Same information required as on paper RTA. Incomplete fields will result in a processing delay since document will have to be returned for missing information

Request Information

Description

Indicate Dates of Travel, Destination, Purpose (conference/professional/research/etc)

Request Notes

Communicate to Area/Division/Department any pertinent information. Please indicate if requesting funding.

What do I need to get started?

Dates of Travel

Destination(s)

Purpose of Travel

Benefit to UT

Disposition of duties

Account(s) to be charged

Estimation of expenses

Breakdown of expenses

Assignment Routing: Traveler > Division > Finance Office (Patricia Semenov). You can also assign to an Area Head and/or other account signer before sending to the Division Head.

Destination Information

Destination(s)

Selecting the Question Icon will provide a window to search for City, State, Country and will auto-populate information when selected

Travel Information

Account Information

Enter Estimated Costs
Enter account number, account description (title), and allocation.
Leave blank if next person/assignee will enter account.

Expenditure Breakdown

Traveler must select the check box to itemize expenses.

Traveler Assistance Information

** The department only provides assistance paying Conference Registration fees. Traveler must indicate in Request Notes and attach the completed registration form. **

Select – CONTINUE to assign document for approval

Travel Authorization Request: Assign

Choose Assignee

Assign To: select UT EID

If you do not know the EID select the question mark icon to look it up.

Who do I assign it to?

Assign to Division Head
Optional – Assign to Area Head or other Account Signer before sending to Division Head.
Division Head assign to Patricia Semenov (ps3496)

Assignment Note

Provide information to Assignee regarding request. Are these established funds? Are you requesting funding and why? This is where you communicate to your Assignee.

Click – ASSIGN

Once your REQ has been assigned you can track it via the HISTORY tab across the upper end of the REQ or via the homepage.

When the REQ reaches the Finance Office and is Finalized the requester will be notified via the official Request for Travel Authorization email.

HISTORY TAB

Located at the top of the REQ page, the HISTORY tab provides the requester the ability to track the REQ.

Upon creation the REQ establishes a date/time stamp each time a person routes the document.

Each person who reviews/approves the document can add notes that will appear in the HISTORY.

The requester can track the REQ through the approval process and follow up if the REQ has not moved forward.

OTHER TRAVEL INFORMATION

Airfare Upgrade Request: First/Business Class or Seating Upgrade Purchase Request Form must be submitted via the Travel Management Services site for direct billed and traveler funded purchases. Failure to do so will result in a denial of the direct billed airfare ticket request or airfare purchase reimbursement. Submit a copy of the approval letter with your REQ/Travel Reimbursement Request
Rental Cars: All car rental reservations are required to be made using one of the five UT Austin contract car vendors, citing the chosen vendor's specific rate identifier code. Follow link for information via the Travel Management site.
Standard Daily Per Diem rate: $8 Breakfast, $13 Lunch, $30 Dinner = $51/day
Handbook of Business Procedures - General Travel Rules
UT Restricted Regions Policy Information