The Office of Finance is researching the benefits of using a centralized travel firm to manage and enhance travel for faculty, staff, and students. A team has been gathered and is working to send a request for proposals to seven firms in February. Teresa Krejci is sponsoring the initiative; the team is comprised of Caron Findlay (chair), Renae Chesnut, Joe Campos, Dave Haskin, Maria Rohach and Jeni Baugher. The hope is that through a dedicated vendor relationship, Drake will receive the lowest possible rates for travel, easy reuse of unused tickets, one stop shopping for all travel needs, risk management for travelers, and comprehensive reporting capabilities. We plan to communicate our progress in OnCampus, and there will be additional opportunities for input as the initiative takes shape. If you have questions regarding this project, contact Caron Findlay at caron.findlay@drake.edu.

— Caron Findlay, Finance and Administration