In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated. Terms Defined. “Board” means the Board of Public Works. “Conferences, conventions, and seminars” means non-routine official business meetings for the purpose of discussing or deciding matters related to the accomplishment of position responsibilities. “Credit services contractor” means a private entity under contract with the State to extend the State credit for purposes of charging business travel expenses. “Department” means the Department of Budget and Management. Employee. “Employee” means an employee or official of a unit of the Executive Branch of State government. “Employee” does not mean elected officials and officials and employees of the University of Maryland System, Morgan State University, and St. Mary's College of Maryland. “In-State travel” means travel to destinations inside the boundaries of Maryland, and includes Washington, D.C. “Official business” means the authorized duties performed by an employee or official of the State in the employee's or officer's defined capacity under the duties and responsibilities prescribed by the employment or office. “Out-of-country travel” means travel to destinations outside the United States and its territories. “Out-of-State travel” means travel to destinations outside Maryland and Washington, D.C. “Routine business travel” means authorized travel on a daily basis or periodic basis to a jobsite other than the employee's assigned office for official business. “Secretary” means the Secretary of Budget and Management. “Training” means the same as provided under COMAR 17.04.10.01. “Travel services contractor” means a private business entity under contract with the State to serve as a travel agency for purposes of State employee business travel. “Travel status” means the condition of a State employee while traveling on State business. An employee is not in travel status while commuting from home to the employee's assigned office, regardless of the length of time of that commute. “Unit” means any department or independent agency within the Executive Branch of State government.