WWAMI Student Travel

Things not to do: UW Travel Policies

The University and the State of Washington have many laws and policies that control how the School is allowed to spend money. These laws and policies create strict boundaries within which WWAMI Student Travel operates. We are not allowed to go outside of those boundaries, and we try very hard to stop students from spending money that the School is unable to reimburse. Our job is to be the subject matter experts regarding WWAMI Student Travel and how University policies and state laws limit allowed expenses. The School cannot negotiate either the University policies or the state laws, and that means that we cannot negotiate WWAMI Student Travel policies with students. The policies are what they are. We are also not in a position to explain the reasoning behind a University or a State rule, because the School is not part of the decision-making process. Our job is to know how to apply the policies, and to stop students from running foul of them. A good rule of thumb is that if this website does not explicitly state that the School will pay for something, then the School will not pay for it. Another good thing to keep in mind is that if a University policy runs counter to logic and common sense, the policy is still in place and must be followed. Reason does not trump policy. This is the bureaucratic world in which the School operates.

Bearing that in mind, here are some things you should not do:

  • Do not assume that because something is convenient for you as a student, it is allowed under UW policy.
  • Do not assume that an expense that seems reasonable to you will be reimbursed. Ask us first; we do not guarantee that any expense not explicitly listed on this website will be reimbursed.
  • If housing is supplied for you at a clerkship site but you decide to stay elsewhere, do not assume that the School will reimburse it. Unless the alternate housing addresses a disability for which you have received an accommodation through the DRS office, the School will not reimburse you for this expense.
  • Do not assume that a School student, staff member, or faculty member who tells you something that contradicts the policies listed on this website is correct. That person is not correct, no matter that person’s position. This website is the official statement of WWAMI Student Travel policy. The School will not honor a promise, no matter made by whom, that contradicts these policies. Doing so is not only a violation of UW policies, sometimes it is a criminal act.

We want to help you as much as we possibly can, but please remember that we have to say no when the University won’t let us say yes.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact us at gowwami@uw.edu