Hi Amanda,
I would be happy to share our surveys that we send to travelers and give you the history of how we went to a mandated program from a decentralized one.
Keep in mind that to some travelers the overall savings of the university is moot - they only focus on their own savings. However, some areas with limited budgets - it matters a lot. 🙂

Here are some of our points to ponder when asked about the mandated policy and program:

Why did the university implement a travel policy and program?
Convenience:
• “Soft” policy checks help users stay within guidelines when booking.
• Intuitive user interface (tool) and high‐quality in‐person assistance (agency) enhance booking experience.
• Proven, in-person agency support in emergencies on the road.

Duty of Care
• Enhanced ability to identify and assist travelers in the event of an emergency. Intelligence:
• Central data repository of Vanderbilt community travel utilization to better inform management and central travel office.
• Increased negotiating power with travel vendors (airlines, hotels, rental car companies, etc.) as all bookings are captured and recognized as VU spend by vendors.
• Substantially decreases administrative effort and improves internal controls.
• Enhanced fairness among travel community across campus, as non-compliant usage can be easily identified and resolved.
Speed:
• Substantial reduction of pre‐travel bureaucracy by eliminating layers of approvals and paperwork.
• Faster, on‐the‐spot assistance in emergency situations or for special requests while traveling.