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The B.E.S.T. Bulletin

Business Expense Survival Tips

- September 2007 -

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The fall semester is well underway and we would like to welcome all new and returning CMU Business Credit Cardholders!  Please take a moment and review the changes that have taken place over the summer.  These changes affect all cardholders and can also affect your personal reimbursements.  Keeping you updated and reimbursed in a timely manner is very important to us. 


Updated Business Expense Policy Highlights

Please review the updated Business Expense Policy Highlights.  It provides information on the most frequently asked about expenses. http://www.controller.cmich.edu/Travel/expenditure_policies.pdf


New CMU Business Credit Cards are Available for Pickup

A majority of the CMU Business Credit Cards have expiration dates of 9/07.  For those of you that have an expiring credit card, you can continue using it until 9/30/07.  Your new credit card has been delivered to the Payroll and Travel Services Office and is available for pick-up in Warriner Hall 204 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.  Cardholders need to pick-up the card in person and provide a photo ID.


Increase in Per Diem Rates for Standard Cities

Starting July 1st, 2007, there was an increase in the per diem rates for standard cities.  To see the current rates and a complete list of High-Cost Cities, please visit the Controllers Website. http://www.controller.cmich.edu/travel/travel_meals_July.htm


Changes to Reconciliation Form

An updated CMU Business Credit Card Reconciliation Form is available on the Controllers website.  The new form has the updated per diem rates.  Also in Section F – Approval, the senior administrator will be required to SIGN AND PRINT their name.  Please remember to use the latest version of the Reconciliation Form when documenting your expenses.


Smart Data OnLine replaces PVS Net

JPMorgan Chase upgraded our PVS Net system to MasterCard’s Smart Data OnLine (SDOL) reporting software over the summer.  SDOL became available on July 25th and is used to review credit card transactions, update account codes (cost centers, WBS elements, GLs and add internal order numbers) and print reports.  If you do not already have an SDOL Account and are interested in accessing your credit card information online, please complete the following form http://www.controller.cmich.edu/CreditCards/Forms/SDOL_Add_Drop.htm.


Statistics for August’s Statement Period (7/25/07-8/24/07)

Total Spend                              $681,989.13

Total Number of Transactions   3,998

Average Charge                       $170.58

Open Credit Cards                   730

Cards with Activity                   513