There are two travel requirements for the 2026 PDP:
PDP Inquiry Institute in Monterey, CA, on March 30 - April 3, 2026
Travel to teaching site (if site is not local)
Answers to the questions below follow the detailed travel policies we have developed in order to simplify funding and reimbursement processes. Note that there are some changes to our policies in 2026. We recognize that UCO/ISEE does not cover all costs associated with participation in the PDP, and we deeply appreciate participants covering costs such as meals and ground transportation to / from airports.
Q: Should I drive, or should I fly?
A: If you are within driving distance, driving is an option; however UCO/ISEE can only reimburse the lower-cost option between driving and flying.
UCSC reimburses 70 cents per mile.
If you opt to drive instead of fly, you will need to capture 3 flight quotes for cost comparisons.
If the cost of driving is more than a flight, it is possible to continue with this option if you are CARPOOLING with other PDP applicants. Please correspond with Nicole Mattacola (nmattaco@ucsc.edu) to pursue this option.
Q: How will UCO/ISEE coordinate with me to book my airfare?
A: If you have requested UCO/ISEE funding support for your airfare, we will do the following:
Establish dates of travel that allow you to attend the full Institute or teaching event
Send you an itinerary with airline, flight dates and times, and we will request that you respond quickly to identify any problems with the itinerary
We will then purchase your airfare directly (no out of pocket costs to you).
Q: What if I need to change my flight after UCO/ISEE books it?
A: It is possible to change your itinerary after it is booked, following the guidelines of the specific airline. Note: you will be responsible for making changes and for any associated fees. Any changes that affect attendance at the Institute or teaching (e.g., arriving late or departing early) require approval from the PDP Director, Anne Metevier (metevier@ucsc.edu).
Q: Can I arrive earlier or stay later at the UCO/ISEE events to have some personal travel days?
A: We will establish an arrival and departure time and travel dates based on the program dates; this will determine an allowable itinerary. However, as noted above, you can make changes to your itinerary after it is booked. Note that you are responsible for making changes and for any associated change fees. Changes that affect participation in the program (e.g., arriving late or departing early) require approval from the PDP Director, Anne Metevier (metevier@ucsc.edu).
Q: Can I fly to/from an airport that is different from my home airport?
A: We typically can only book flights to/from your home airport. However, as noted above, you can make changes to your itinerary after it is booked. Note that you are responsible for making changes and for any associated change fees. Changes that affect participation in the program (e.g., arriving late or departing early) require approval from the PDP Director, Anne Metevier (metevier@ucsc.edu).
Q: When will my airfare be booked?
A: We aim to book accepted participants’ airfare for the Inquiry Institute by mid-February 2026.
Q: I have to check a bag for my flights. Will the cost be covered by UCO/ISEE?
A: UCO/ISEE does not cover checked bag fees.
Q: Instead of a shuttle can I rent a car to get from the airport to the Institute location?
A: Ground transportation is typically not covered by UCO/ISEE, except for some returning participants who are taking on the role of Team Leader. In the latter case, UCO/ISEE will book the rental car using the UC rate.
Q: Are there shuttle services to the airports?
A: Complimentary shuttle service is provided between the Hyatt Monterey hotel and Monterey airport.
Q: Can I be reimbursed for the rideshare from my home to the airport? Can I be reimbursed for the rideshare from the airport to the institute location?
A: Ground transportation from your home to the airport is not covered. Ground transportation from the airport to the Inquiry Institute is typically not covered by UCO/ISEE, but ride-share and carpooling suggestions will be provided.
Q: Can I be reimbursed for parking if I need to leave my car at the airport while I am at a PDP workshop or teaching?
A: Airport parking costs are not covered by UCO/ISEE.
Q: Will I get reimbursed for meals and incidentals?
A: Reimbursement for meals: some of the teaching locations require funding support for meals. Meal reimbursement is not offered for the Inquiry Institute.
If you have been offered meal support in your offer letter, it is UCSC policy that reimbursement of daily subsistence expenses is for the actual amounts incurred for meals and incidental expenses, (capped at maximum of $79/day). Itemized receipts for meals are required. You will keep track of the actual spend per day excluding alcoholic beverages, and note those totals on the expense report after the events.
Q: How do I get reimbursed for travel?
A: In many cases, you will not require reimbursement, as UCO/ISEE may book your airfare directly and book your hotel directly. If you do require reimbursement, the first step in the process is to submit a UCSC Payee set-up form (instructions HERE).
Instructions for processing the post-travel expense form will then follow. If waiting for reimbursement until after the event is too much of a financial hardship, please correspond with Nicole Mattacola (nmattaco@ucsc.edu).
Q: My home institution has changed since submitting the application. The costs of travel have increased. Will I still be reimbursed?
A: If your departure location changes significantly between now and the time of your teaching dates, UCO/ISEE may not be able to cover additional travel costs involved in traveling from a new location.
Q: How will I know who I’m sharing a room with?
A: Upon acceptance into the PDP, we will ask you to fill out a Participant Traveler Form. With the information provided in the form, UCO/ISEE staff will match you with a roommate if you identified a person also participating in the PDP, or based on gender and dates of stay.
Q: Do I need to contact the hotel directly to book my room?
A: UCO/ISEE will make all reservations directly with the hotel. We have guest room blocks and cut-off dates for reserving the rooms. Your reservation number and dates of stay will be confirmed with you.