University of Iowa employees spent more than $28 million on travel in fiscal 2010, a number that has steadily increased since 2006.
Of the $28,598,515 the UI spent in 2010, $3.6 million went to international travel, and $20.4 million to domestic travel outside Iowa. Almost one-third of the total was spent by the athletics department, which is fully self-sustaining. The figures were provided to The Daily Iowan in response to a public records request.
Officials said the spending was justified.
“It’s part of the business of the university,” said UI spokesman Tom Moore. “It’s a necessary requirement in many cases, and the university works very hard to be good stewards of the resources we have on behalf of Iowans. Travel is a necessary part of any business.”
As budgets shrink, travel expenses have become an increasingly heated issue nationwide. Last month, the president of the University of the District of Columbia came under fire last month for frequent first-class trips and high expenses for auto travel, according to the Washington Post.
And it’s indulgences such as those that have made university presidents increasingly cautious about their travel, said Paul Hassen, the vice president for public affairs for the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities.
“I think all presidents and everyone in the university community are very sensitive about their expenses, and they think very hard about the money it takes to attend meetings and such,” he said.
UI President Sally Mason likely isn’t contributing to much of the increase as she doesn’t fly on taxpayer money.
Moore said all of Mason’s trips — including some to Arizona, Minnesota, and Florida in the past year, among others — are funded through the UI Foundation rather than through taxpayer money.
Most of her trips are to promote the UI and raise money from donors. There are no clear guidelines about what class she flies in or what cars to rent, although officials try to use shuttles.
Mason will sometimes fly first-class, though Moore did not say how frequently that occurs.
Hassen cited several states that have restricted travel in the last few years — including Missouri, Illinois, and Nevada, which have implemented travel bans among public institutions. California and Arizona have also begun to crack down, he said.
In response, university officials have begun turning to webinars and conference calls rather than plane trips.
But, Hassen said, the money allotted for travel depends greatly on how the state is trying to manage its money. And increases can often be attributed to the higher cost of travel rather than a greater number of trips, he said.
At the UI, many trips are determined by departmental supervisors. Many, particularly for researchers, are funded by grants. The Internal Medicine Department spent almost $1 million last year. Whether departmental figures fly first class or coach depends on the nature of the travel.
“One researcher, as a part of his research grant, was required to travel first class to Switzerland, but the company he conducted the study for paid for the travel,” Moore said.
The UI also has restrictions on how much employees can spend on hotel, food, and mileage when traveling, Moore said, and any extra spending would come from the employee’s personal funds.
Nationwide, other university presidents told the Washington Post that they rarely fly first-class. For instance, former UIProvost Wallace Loh — now president of the University of Maryland —can only fly first-class when traveling internationally and drives a hybrid car when “Earth-bound.”
Moore said UI officials routinely evaluate travel expenses upon the return of UI employees.
Large increases have also come from the UI International Programs and Office for Study Abroad.
International Programs jumped from $380,000 to $473,000 in a year. The Office for Study Abroad went from $225,000 to $360,000.
Leaders of both departments said travel was a vital part of what both departments do, and the trips come at little cost to the UI.
“Part of our mission is to support student and faculty travel abroad to do teaching and outreach and to bring specialists from a board so students can interact with them,” said Downing Thomas, the dean of International Programs. “Travel is an important part of what we do. It’s hard to foresee whether expenses will go up or down in the future.”
The landing of a spaceship at SFO is a first, while a classic American Airlines DC-3 shows off as a counterpoint. More than 70 years of history to celebrate the new Terminal 2, the new home to American and Virgin America, and considered the most modern and sustainable terminal in the United States.
"An airport terminal designed to bring back the romance of travel," said airport director John Martin.
They will try to recapture the era with local restaurant stars and artwork. You can fill an empty water bottle and take it on board.
People were impressed by what they saw.
"We immediately felt we walked into a five-star hotel lobby that was just declared LEED gold standard in its environmental design," said San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee.
The terminal was built in 1954 and has undergone a massive $383 million renovation.
"This is a big part of economic growth and economic development in the region and it is a big part of keeping down the costs for passengers to fly," said California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Newsom was on the plane with Sir Richard Branson that flew alongside Virgin Galactica's White Knight 2 which will take passengers into space.
"We're 12 to 18 months away," said Branson.
It's Branson's profile, to see adventure and challenge. During an exclusive interview, I asked him why he does it.
"The element of competition, the element of trying to get the technology right and then the element of just trying to see what one's capable of," Branson replied.
His newest project is a submarine that will go down 36,000 feet, developed by a Bay Area man.
"Enable people to explore the oceans, discover species that have never been discovered before," explained Branson.
Never his head in the clouds. Flights begin April 14.
kobe shoes,basketball shoes, nike shoes crazy 8 kobes shoes Hyperdunk shoes Hyperfuse XDR Zoom kobeCapello: We can play like Germany
Fabio Capello has raised hopes that his England team could emulate the current German generation of players: “I hope that people will talk about us like they did about Germany,” he said. “These players are improving a lot and playing with confidence.” MORE
Robson confident of cancer recovery
Bryan Robson is to return to Thailand to undergo radiotherapy treatment for throat cancer. The 54-year-old former England captain, who is the manager of the Thai national side, is “confident” of a full recovery after a Harley Street consultation. MORE
Westwood upbeat on major chances
One week before the Masters, Lee Westwood thinks he can finally win amajor, having come so close last year. “I know I’m good enough to contend in each and every major I play,” he tells i. “Hopefully it’ll work out in the end.” MORE
England build 4-3-3 around Wilshere
England are likely to stick with the 4-3-3 formation after recent successes, as it is the best system for the emerging Jack Wilshere, who plays that way at Arsenal. What is less clear is where Steven Gerrard will slot in when he is fit again. MORE
Spurs consider stadium legal move
Tottenham Hotspur have written to the Olympic Park Legacy Company, the Mayor of London, the Minister for Sport and Newham Council “raising concerns” with the decision to hand the Olympic Stadium toWest Ham. They may later seek a judicial review. MORE
England search for 2012 base in Poland
England have started their search for a Euro 2012 base camp, and are likely to favour Poland over Ukraine, owing to the superior facilities. Germany have already decided on Poland and their early preparations mean they may well get the pick of the locations. MORE
Hanagan’s winning return to title fray
Champion jockey Paul Hanagan and Miss Work of Art were decisive winners on the first day of the new Flat season at Lingfield yesterday. “She was a little bit green early, but once the penny dropped she came home well,” Hanagan said afterwards. MORE
Uefa talks tough on financial fair play
Uefa warned yesterday that it would move to close any loopholes if it finds clubs trying to evade new financial fair-play rules. Failure to abide by the rules, and to balance the books, could lead to teams being banned from European competition. MORE
Sale nearing deal to sign Tuitupou
Sale are closing in on All Black centre Sam Tuitupou and hope to tie him to a two-year deal over the next few days. Tuitupou plays for Munster, having left Worcester last year. Sale have been busy recruiting since Steve Diamond returned as chief executive. MORE
Opinion: James Lawton
As Sir Alf Ramsey knew, 4-3-3 is the best vehicle for a significant England challenge. Fabio Capello has embraced it to an enthusiastic response. He likes the clear lines of responsibility and the creative scope that it provides. MORE
Tendulkar guides India into the final
Sachin Tendulkar steered India to a 29-run win over Pakistan yesterday and into Saturday’s final against Sri Lanka in Mumbai. He was dropped four times by Pakistan, and went on to anchor his side’s innings with a score of 85. India started very briskly, and Virender Sehwag scored 38 from 25 balls. But the hosts struggled to build on that platform, and reached just 260 from their 50 overs, despite a late unbeaten 36 from Suresh Raina. There were nerves among the India fans and Pakistan’s response started steadily but slipped slowly behind the required rate thanks to some tight Indian bowling. Misbah-ul-Haq top-scored for Pakistan with 56, but his hitting could not drag his side up to the total and they were bowled out for 231 on the penultimate ball. MORE
Security high for tense semi-final
There was heavy security outside the ground in Mohali for yesterday’s semi-final between India and Pakistan, with bags being searched and fans asked to arrive at least four hours before the match started. The countries’ Prime Ministers were in attendance. MORE
Widnes favourites for Super licence
Widnes look likely to be granted a Super League spot today under the league’s licensing system. Barrow and Halifax are in contention, but Widnes are seen as the most commercially viable option. The licence will run for three years. MORE
louboutin sale louboutins shoes louboutin pumps christian louboutin pumps