Hospitality

Objective: 

200 Objective

The objective of this policy is to comply with ICSUAM §1301.00 and to ensure financial, procedural and operational responsibility and accountability for hospitality paid for with San Francisco State University (the University) funds.

Statement: 

300 Policy Statement

This policy governs the manner and extent to which the University may provide hospitality to employees, students, donors, guests, visitors, volunteers, and other individuals as part of a business meeting; recreational, sporting or entertainment event; or other occasion that promotes the University’s mission. This policy also addresses meals served to employees as part of a morale-building function and meals provided to prospective students and employees. Procedures for hospitality initiation, payments and reimbursements are included in this policy.

The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Appendix B, applies the principles of this policy to specific situations and expenses. Any divergence from the FAQ is considered an exception to this policy.

400 Scope

This policy governs the appropriate use of state, sponsored program administration, private-purpose trust and agency funds unless legally exempted or otherwise restricted (e.g. documented fund agreements). The University will comply with additional restrictions when established by funding sources.

500 Definitions

For the purpose of this policy, the following definitions apply:

501 Approving Authority

A person to whom authority has been delegated in writing to approve expenses for meals, light refreshments, and other amenities described within the policy.

502 Auxiliary Organization Funds

Funds controlled by the CSU’s auxiliary organizations including, sponsored programs or grants, donor funds, and endowment funds subject to any restrictions based on the fund agreements. CSU auxiliary organizations are separate legal entities authorized in the Education Code to provide essential services to students and employees. Auxiliary organizations operate in association with campuses pursuant to special written agreements, and are authorized to perform specific functions that contribute to the educational mission of the campus. Auxiliary organizations are separate 501(c)(3) corporations established for the benefit of the university they support. These organizations are subject to applicable state and federal laws and regulations. In addition, they operate within the policies established by the CSU Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, and the campuses. The auxiliary organizations are self-supporting and therefore, do not receive funding from General Fund sources.

503 Employee Meetings

Meetings which serve a CSU business purpose and are generally administrative in nature such as CSU system-wide meetings of functional offices, meetings of the Academic Senate, campus meetings of deans and directors, employee morale functions, extended formal training sessions, conferences, extended strategic planning sessions, and meetings of appointed workgroups and committees.

504 Employee Recognition

Events and other forms of hospitality provided to an employee or group of employees who make an outstanding contribution to support the achievement of the University’s mission.

505 Hospitality

Is defined to include the following elements:

505.1 Entertainment Services

Reasonable expenditures as part of a public purpose event includes, but is not limited to, equipment and venue rental, décor, music, and performers.

505.2 Food and Beverage

The provision of meals (catered or restaurant) or light refreshments (beverages, hors d’oeuvres, pastries, cookies).

505.3 Gifts, Awards and Prizes

Something of value given or bestowed upon an individual, group, or entity in recognition of service to the university or achievement benefiting the university with the expectation of benefit accruing to the university or for other occasions that serve a bona fide business purpose.

505.4 Promotional Items

Items that display the name, logo or other icon identifying the university such as a keychain, coffee mug, calendar, or clothing.

506 Membership in Social Organizations

University clubs, athletic clubs, civic organizations and other membership organizations that provide a venue for hosting hospitality events or a means for promoting goodwill in the community. Memberships in business leagues, chambers of commerce, trade associations and professional organizations are considered a regular business expense and are not governed by this policy.

507 Official Host

A CSU trustee, auxiliary organization governing board member, or university or auxiliary organization employee who hosts guests at a meeting, conference, reception, activity, or event for the active conduct of University business.

508 Official Guest

A person invited by an official host to attend a University meeting, conference, reception, activity or event. Examples of official guests include employees visiting from another work location, students, donors, recruitment candidates, volunteers, members of the community, or media representatives.

509 Private Purpose Trust and Agency Funds

As defined by Executive Order (EO) 1000.

510 Public Purpose (or business purpose)

Include expenses that serve a purpose consistent with the mission and fiduciary responsibilities of the CSU.

511 Sponsored Program Administration Funds

Federal, state, local government, and private contracts.

512 State Funds

As defined by EO 1000, all enterprise funds (e.g. housing, parking, College of Extended Learning) are deemed to be state funds. These are monies that are appropriated by the legislature, either as part of the budget process or continuously appropriated (e.g., tuition and fees). In effect, this is all funds with the exception of Auxiliary funds and funds for dedicated purposes where hospitality is not allowable (e.g. financial aid funds).

513 Student Organizations

As defined in EO 1068 – Student Activities, section titled “Formal Chartering and Recognition Policies.”

514 Work Location

The place where the major portion of an employee’s working time is spent or the place to which the employee returns during working hours upon completion of special assignments. The employee’s department determines what constitutes an individual employee’s work location for the purpose of these procedures.

For University employees, there are four (4) options:

1. The main campus
2. Estuary & Ocean Science Center (Romberg Tiburon Center)
3. The downtown campus
4. Sierra Nevada field campus

600 Policy

601 Hospitality Expenditures

Hospitality expenses must be directly related to, or associated with, the active conduct of official University business. When an employee acts as an official host, the occasion must, in the best judgment of the approving authority, serve a clear University business purpose, with no personal benefit derived by the official host or other employees. In addition, the expenditure of funds for hospitality should be cost effective and in accordance with the best use of public funds.

When determining whether a hospitality expense is appropriate, the approving authority must evaluate:

• the importance of the event in terms of the costs that will be incurred;
• the benefits to be derived from such an expense;
• the availability of funds; and
• any alternatives that would be equally effective in accomplishing the desired objectives.

Following are examples of occasions when the provision of hospitality is permitted under this policy:

• The University hosts or sponsors business meetings that directly correlate with the operations of the University;
• The University hosts official guests with an interest in the University;
• The University is the host or sponsor of a meeting of a learned society or professional organization;
• The University hosts receptions held in connection with conferences, meetings of a learned society or professional organization, meetings of student organizations and groups, student events such as commencement exercises, and events or meetings of other University-related groups such as alumni associations;
• The University hosts or participates in community relations or fundraising events to promote the University, enhance partnerships, recognize distinguished service, or cultivate donors;
• The University hosts receptions for the benefit of employee morale, employee recognition, official presentations for length or exceptional contributions of service awards, with at least 5 years of service are permissible.

601.1 Employee Meetings and Recognition Events

Hospitality provided to employees may be permitted when it serves a University business purpose. Meals or light refreshments provided to employees may be permitted if the expenses

• Occur infrequently (12 times or less per calendar year);
• Are reasonable (see Appendix A – Maximum Rates for Hospitality); and
• Are appropriate to the business purpose.

601.1.1 IRS Considerations

Meals or light refreshments provided to employees on a frequent or routine basis are considered taxable income by the IRS and are therefore not permitted under this policy. When a meeting takes place over an extended period and the agenda includes a working meal, there may be justification that the meal is integral to the business function.

Meals for employees from the same work location

Meals taken with individual colleagues from the same work location generally may not be reimbursed by the University unless the business purpose of the meal could not be conducted during working hours or the meal is part of an employee meeting as described in §601.1. On an exceptional basis, these meals may be reimbursed. Exceptions must be approved by the official host’s Vice President or in the case of a Vice President serving as host, must be approved by the President.

For example, two employees approach another employee with a question at 12:00 noon; the employees decide to discuss the question over lunch – this is generally not reimbursable. On the other hand, if a critical issue needs to be resolved and the employees’ schedules prevent any meeting time other than lunch time, it may be appropriate for this expense to be reimbursed – however, it is an exception to this policy and must be approved by a Vice President or the President for Vice Presidents’ expenses.

601.2 Spouses, Domestic Partners and Significant Others

Hospitality provided to the spouse, domestic partner or significant other of an employee may be permitted when it serves a CSU business purpose such as ceremonial functions, fundraising events, alumni gatherings, athletic games, and community events. An agenda, invitation or similar documentation should be included with the payment record.

601.3 Students and Prospective Students

Hospitality provided to students or prospective students may be permitted when it serves a CSU business purpose. To justify the expenditures of public funds, one must determine that the expenditure will benefit the education of students. Permissible activities may include recruitment efforts, student activities, student programs, student organization events, student recognition events and commencements.

Students may be hosted to attend fundraising and other community relations events that enhance their learning experience, in recognition of their student achievement, to engage with alumni and donors, or as representatives of elected student leadership.

Hospitality provided to student athletes and recruits must be in accordance with the rules, regulations, guidelines, standards and procedures of the intercollegiate athletic association’s national governing board; e.g., National Collegiate Athletic Association.

601.4 Awards and gifts to Employees

State funds may be used for expenditures associated with

• Employee recognition;
• Length of service; and
• Retirement awards.
• State funds may not be used for expenditures associated with
• Sympathy gifts;
• Get well gifts;
• Birthday, wedding, anniversary, and baby showers.

Awards and gifts to employees are subject to Internal Revenue Service considerations. The maximum allowable value for any award or gift is $200; any award or gift exceeding $75 is reportable and taxable. Gift cards, gift certificates and other cash equivalent items, regardless of the value are always reportable and taxable to an employee. In addition, a disbursement log, identifying recipients and amounts must be attached to the hospitality reimbursement request for tax reporting purposes.

601.5 Awards and gifts to non-employees

Reasonable gifts made on behalf of the University to non-employees and outside organizations are allowed when the gift benefits the University, is in furtherance of a University business purpose, and is clearly necessary to the University fulfillment of its mission.

The business reason for making the gift or the nature of the business benefit the University derives or expects to derive must be documented in writing. In most cases, the promotion of goodwill in the University community is an acceptable business purpose. The cost of such gifts must be reasonable in relation to the actual or expected benefits.

Example of individuals and organizations that may be presented an award or gift on behalf of the University include: a visiting dignitary or scholar, a donor or potential donor, a civic or cultural organization or a member of the local community.

Awards and gifts to non-employees exceeding $200 must be approved by the Vice President for the associated department or by the President when a Vice President gives or directs the giving or an award or gift.

State funds may not be used to pay for gifts to non-employees unless the gift is justified by a University business purpose.

601.6 Employee morale-building activities

As an exception, state funds may be used for the cost of meals or light refreshments for official morale-building activities that serve a University business purpose. A Vice President or the President must approve these events and related expenses as an exception to this policy. It is recommended the Official Host obtain the Vice President’s approval of the event before any expenses are incurred.

Such occasions are:

• Annual faculty/staff picnics; and
• Holiday gatherings

602 Prohibited Expenditures

Personal Benefit

Hospitality expenses that are of a personal nature and not related to the active conduct of official CSU business will not be paid or reimbursed. The California gift of public funds doctrine set forth in the California Constitution, article XVI §6, prohibits the giving or lending of public funds to any person or entity, public or private, unless there is a public purpose. Examples include, but are not limited to employee birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and baby showers.

603 Event Location

University employees hosting a conference, meeting, or event must host these in an established business location. Hosting events at an employee’s private residence is prohibited by this policy.

700 Funding Sources

Hospitality expenses may be paid from various fund sources, subject to the rules outlined below:

701 State Funds

Unless specifically authorized in the local trust agreement (LTA), State Funds have the following restrictions and uses:

State Funds may not be used to pay for any expenditure prohibited by applicable laws, regulations, or agreements including the California Budget Act, such as:

• Pay for food and beverages or entertainment services that do not serve a business purpose;
• Pay for alcoholic beverages, memberships in social organizations, or tobacco products; and

State Funds may be used:

• To pay for awards and prizes to employees for exceptional contributions, to students for excellence, and individuals to participate in a research funded survey or study; and
• For employee recognition, and official presentations for length of service awards or exceptional contributions, with at least 5 years of service.
• To pay for official employee morale-building and appreciation activities that serve a business purpose.

Local trust fund agreements (e.g. TT, TR funds) may impose stricter hospitality rules and not allow for hospitality; trust fund agreements may not be less restrictive than this policy.

702 Auxiliary Organization Funds

Hospitality expenses may be charged to auxiliary organizations provided the expense serves a bona fide business purpose. Auxiliary organization funds may be used to pay for alcoholic beverages, formal awards and service recognition, entertainment services, gifts, membership in social organizations and promotional items to the extent these purchases are not restricted by other applicable laws, regulations, or funding source agreements.

703 Sponsored Programs Administration Funds

Federal or local government contract and grant funds may only be used to pay hospitality expenses specifically authorized in the contract or grant, or by agency policy. In the event of a conflict between agency and CSU policy, the stricter of the two policies shall apply. Federal Funds may not be used to purchase alcoholic beverages or tobacco products unless alcohol and tobacco are part of the research.

704 Private-Purpose Trust and Agency Funds

Hospitality expenses may be charged provided the expense serves a bona fide business purpose and to the extent, other applicable laws, regulations, or funding source agreements do not restrict these purchases.

800 Procedures

801 Authorized Rates

See Appendix A. Maximum, authorized rates are recommended by the Associate Vice President, Fiscal Affairs and are authorized by the Vice President for Administration & Finance. Maximum rates authorized in Appendix A include tax and service (i.e. set up fees, tips, gratuities, food servicers, etc.). These rates do not include the rental of meeting or conference facilities which may be charged as an additional expense.

Maximum rates are reviewed periodically by the Associate Vice President and adjusted as appropriate.

802 Authorization of Hospitality Expenses

The authorization for hospitality expenses follows the Delegation of Authority protocol for the funding sources used to pay for the expenses. Individuals may not approve their own expenses or expenses of their supervisor (with the exception of the President’s expenses which must be approved by the Vice President for Administration & Finance).

803 Community Relations and Funding Raising Requirements

Requests for reimbursements and payment for hospitality for the cost of attendance at a community relations activity or fundraising event must include the individual names, affiliations, and direct or indirect benefit to the University to be derived from the expense.

804 Recreational, Sporting, and Entertainment Events

Requests for reimbursement or payment for hospitality for the cost of recreational, sporting, and entertainment events must be approved by a Vice President, or in the case of the Vice Presidents’ expenses, by the President.

805 Expenses for Spouses, Domestic Partners or Significant Others of an Employee Requirements

Requests for reimbursement or payment for the cost of hospitality for spouses, domestic partners or significant others of an employee must be approved by a Vice President (or designee, or in the case of the Vice President’s expenses, by the President).

806 Payment and Reimbursement Procedures

806.1 Hospitality Form

A completed and signed Hospitality Form must be attached to all reimbursement and payment requests that include hospitality expenses.

The form must include the following information:

806.1.1 

Official host’s name and department (official host and approver may not be the same person)

806.1.2 

Type of activity (e.g. reception, meeting, fund raising event, community relations activity)

806.1.3 

Date(s) of activity or event (only one activity or event per form)

806.1.4 

Location of activity or event (must be an established business location)

806.1.5 

Purpose of activity or event – explain why event is necessary; what the public (or business) purpose of the event is; how the event contributes to achieving the University’s mission. 

For fundraising and community relations events, the description must include what the direct or indirect benefit from the expense is to be derived.

806.1.6

Participants – For small activities or events, less 25 participants, provide a list of attendees, their relationship with the University; for established campus groups (e.g. Council of Deans, Boards of Directors) and for large groups (25 or more participants), a list of attendees is not required but the a descriptive title of the participant groups is required.

806.1.7

Type and amount of expenses; describe what was purchased, how much it cost and the total amount the reimbursement/payment requested.

806.1.8

Chartfield (i.e. funding source(s)) to be charged for the expenses; for hospitality, the following PROGRAM CODES must be recorded:

 

806.1.9

Certification from the official host that the expenses were incurred for a University business purpose

806.1.10

Approval signature from the Official Host’s Appropriate Administrator (MPP) or more senior administrator, if the Official Host’s appropriate administrator is not available.

806.1.11

If necessary, approval from the individual with delegated fiscal authority to authorize payments from the funding source(s)

806.1.12

If any of the hospitality expenses are exceptions to this policy, the form must be signed by the Official Host’s Vice President (or President if the Vice President is the Official Host).

807 Supporting Documentation and Receipts

Requests for payment and reimbursement must be supported by original, itemized receipts or acceptable electronic receipts. Credit card receipts are not acceptable. The level of detail contained in electronic receipts must be equivalent to that contained in paper receipts. Reimbursement or payment requests submitted without adequate supporting documentation may be returned to the preparer for additional documentation. A Vice President must approve requests without adequate, supporting documentation.

808 Contracts for Hospitality Products and Services

Must be processed through Procurement Services before the event via the purchase requisition process. The Hospitality Form should be attached to the requisition when it is submitted to Procurement Services.

809 Payments for Hospitality

Payments for hospitality will be mailed or electronic fund transferred to the payee of the claim by Fiscal Affairs. Official hosts, prepares and approvers of the Hospitality form may not deliver the payment to the payee.

810 Hospitality While on Travel Status

The CSU Travel Policy and the Hospitality Policy are separate and distinct policies. Hospitality expenses incurred while on travel status must comply with this policy. Hospitality expenses should be recorded as a Business Expense on the Travel Expense Reimbursement form and the Hospitality form attached with the travel claim.

Note: For hospitality expenses incurred while on travel status, original receipts must be attached – regardless of the amount. The $75.00 minimum for travel expenses does not apply to hospitality expenses.

811 Responsible Parties

811.1 President and Vice Presidents

• Must approve any exceptions to this policy

811.2 Associate Vice President, Fiscal Affairs

• Must ensure maximum rates for hospitality remain reasonable and are approved by the Vice President for Administration & Finance;
• Must ensure campus is provided with procedures to comply with the policy

811.3 Employees with Delegated Fiscal Authority

• Must ensure hospitality expenses submitted for reimbursement and payment comply with this policy including ensuring appropriate supporting documentation is attached to the reimbursement or payment form.
• Must ensure hospitality is restricted to allowable expenses and occasions that Official Hosts comply with this policy
• Must approve that hospitality expenses are appropriate for the funding source(s) to which they are being charged

811.4 Accounts Payable, Fiscal Affairs

• Must ensure that payments and reimbursements for hospitality comply with this policy before any disbursement is made
• Must ensure supporting documentation is adequate and appropriate to support hospitality payments and reimbursements
• Must make payments and reimbursement in a timely manner once the hospitality expenses have been determined to comply with this policy

812 Exceptions

Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Official Host’s appropriate Vice President (or the President in cases where a Vice President is the Official Host). The exception must be noted and a justification provided for the exception. For meals and light refreshment that exceed the maximum limits, the justification must include a specific reason why the higher costs were reasonable to achieve the University business purpose.

900 Record Retention

Manual and electronic records related to disbursements must comply with the CSU’s record retention policies unless the University Controller determines records should be retained longer.

Related Documents

ICSUAM 1301-00 Hospitality

Searchable Words

Hospitality, employee morale

 

APPENDIX A - 1

The table below presents the maximum per person expenditures for individuals entertained by the University, including University employees. Hosts are encouraged to identify the most cost efficient method of providing hospitality.

(1) For buffet-type receptions or meals, the maximum expense cannot exceed the maximum rate for the type of buffet (e.g. breakfast, lunch, dinner)

(2) The maximum rate is inclusive of tax and service (e.g. tax, tips, and service fees)

APPENDIX A – 2

The maximum, individual award to an employee for recognition of extraordinary work contributions, length of service, or retirement recognition is $200.

APPENDIX B

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(Questions/Answers 1 – 14 were provided by the CSU Chancellor’s Office; Questions 14 and above were added by SFSU Fiscal Affairs/Accounts Payable)

Q1. What constitutes a gift of “public funds?”

The California gift of public funds doctrine set forth in the California Constitution, Article XVI, §6, prohibits the giving or lending of public funds to any person or entity, public or private. “In determining whether an appropriation of state funds or property is to be considered a gift, the primary question is whether the funds are to be used for a “public” or “private” purpose. If they are for a “public purpose”, they are not a gift within the meaning of [§6 of art. XVI]. If an expenditure serves a primary public purpose, it is not a gift even if it incidentally benefits an individual.

Q2. Can I give awards to CSU employees or students?

An employee can be recognized for superior accomplishments, within specified campus guidelines. Life transition events like birthdays, weddings, and the like, occur to everyone so cannot be considered superior accomplishments. Awards are permitted within the campus defined monetary limits and subject to IRS reporting requirements. Awards may be given to recognize years of service at the time of retirement, but the statutory authority to make awards does not authorize paying for a “retirement party”.

Q3. Can I send gifts or flowers with state funds?

Typically, no. Gifts or flowers are not permissible when there is solely a personal benefit. There may be justification if the intended business purposes complies with campus, CSU, IRS and Government Code restrictions.

Q4. What CSU funds are included in state funds?

State University Trust fund (state fund 0948) is continuously appropriated by the legislature (EC §89700-89726) and therefore all CSU funds within state fund 0948 are state [public] funds. This includes, but is not limited to, State University Parking Revenue Fund (EC §89701(b)), State University [Health] Facilities Revenue Fund (Education Code §89702(c)), State University Continuing Education Revenue Fund (Education Code §89704(a)), CSU Dormitory Revenue Fund (Education Code §90036) and Lottery (Government Code 8880.5).

Q5. I would like to meet with my colleague over lunch to discuss a business topic, can I be reimbursed?

Typically no. Reimbursement for meals are not permissible when there is solely a personal benefit. In general, business meeting with individual colleagues is not permitted. There may be justification if the business purposes for such an expense complies with campus; CSU, IRS and Government Code restrictions then it could be allowed.

Q6. Can I provide lunch for an all-day meeting?

When a meeting takes place over an extended period and the agenda includes a working meal, there may be justification that the meal is integral to the business function. Considerations include:

• Meals or light refreshments provided to employees on a frequent or routine basis are considered taxable income by the IRS and are therefore not permitted under this policy.
• Meals or light refreshments should be limited to no more than twelve times per year, per group.
• Meals or light refreshments provided to a group should be counted on an event basis (e.g. a two-day meeting should be counted as one event in determining compliance with these guidelines).

Examples where food and beverage may be permitted include:

• A meeting where there is a scheduled speaker during the meal period;
• A meeting where the participants work through the meal period; or
• Circumstances where it would be too time-consuming or disruptive for participants to take a meal break away from the meeting location.

Q7. Can I use state funds to have a retirement party?

No, parties are not allowed. An employee can be recognized for superior accomplishments, within specified campus guidelines.

Q8. For employee morale purposes, I would like to use state funds to provide a departmental welcome breakfast each time we bring in a new employee. Is this permitted?

Typically no. Employee meetings that are carried out on a regular or frequent basis are not permitted under this policy. Additionally, public expenditures that are driven solely by personal motives are an impermissible use of state funds. However, if the business purposes for such an expense complies with campus, CSU, IRS and Government Code restrictions then it could be allowed.

Q9. What activities may be permissible with state funds when it is determined that there is a business purpose for the expenditure?

• Awards to students to participate in a non-researched (grant) funded survey. (Subject to IRS tax laws)
• Incentives to anyone, including employees, to participate in a research funded survey or study, within the terms of the grant and the grant serves an instructional purpose. (Subject to IRS tax laws)
• Awards and recognition to students
• Decorations purchased as part of a ceremony at a public event.
• Expense related to Fundraising in support of providing a better student experience.

Q10. What activities would not be permissible without a business purpose?

• Gift card, gift basket, flowers or other non-cash gift as a thank you to consultants, guest speakers, or employees at another campus;
• Gifts for employee birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, etc.;
• Farewell gatherings and retirement parties; and
• Bereavement or sympathy gifts.

Q11. How is “infrequent” defined?

Infrequent is defined by the IRS as no more than 12 times per year per group.

Q12. How do you define reasonable and appropriate?

This should be documented in the campus procedures.

Q13. Some departments provide logo apparel to their employees and require them to wear the shirts during business hours (e.g. orientation). Is this a gift?

No this would not be considered a gift, if it supports a business purpose.

Q14. The college has a standard (monthly) lunch meeting with outside industry advisors to discuss course development and research collaboration of their college. Can state fund be use for this type of event?

Meals or light refreshments may be permitted if the expenses occur infrequently, are reasonable and appropriate to the business purpose in accordance with campus policy.

Q15. Our department celebrates employee birthdays on a quarterly basis. Can state funds be used to pay for any part of this celebration?

No.

Q16. Our department is located on a floor in our building that has a small, employee kitchen. Can state funds be used to furnish or to supply the kitchen?

State funds may only be used for basic cleaning supplies to keep the kitchen clean and sanitary outside of the normal maintenance and cleaning performed by University Housekeeping. Examples include dishwashing detergent, sponges, hand soap. However these items are not hospitality.

State funds may not be used for any type of food item or other food-related item (e.g. plates, cups, glasses, napkins, cutlery, serving dishes).

Q17. Our department would like to honor our student assistants for their work at the end of the year. Can state funds be used for this?

Yes. Employee recognition events may be paid for with state funds. However, awards should only be made to employees who make extraordinary work contributions to the University.

Q18. Our department would like to boost the morale of our student assistants by providing a light meal and giving them $5 gift cards. Can state funds be used for this?

Yes, employee-morale building events, with a documented business purpose, may be paid for with state funds. Employee-morale building events must be approved by a Vice President. However, awards, such as the $5 gift cards, should only be made to employees who make extraordinary work contributions to the University.

Q19. My dean would like to recognize the outstanding contributions of a few faculty members by presenting them with gift cards. Can state funds be used for this?

Yes, if the award is justified by the faculty members’ outstanding contributions. The maximum award amount is $200 and is reportable and taxable.

Q20. My dean would like to recognize the outstanding contributions of all faculty and staff by presenting them with gift cards. Can state funds be used for this?

No. An award to an employee must be for extraordinary work contributions made by that employee. Offering an award to large number of employees is not consistent with the term “extraordinary.”

Q21. My college hosts an annual retreat. Can state funds be used for expenses related to the retreat?

Yes, if the retreat has a business purpose with a predetermined agenda. Expenses must comply with this policy.

Q22. My college (or department) hosts a meeting at the beginning of each semester. Can state funds be used to provide light refreshments at these meetings?

Yes, if the meetings have a business purpose with a predetermined agenda.

Q23. My program will be tabling on behalf of the University at an off-campus event. We would like to offer promotional items that promote the mission of our program. Can state funds be used to purchase these promotional items?

Yes. If a University business purpose is being achieved, state funds may be used to purchase these items. Promotional items bearing the University’s logo must be approved by University Advancement.

Informational and educational items, related to a University program, such as brochures, illustrative guides, etc. are deemed programmatic and are not subject to the requirements of this policy.

Q24. My department would like to collect money from our employees to send flowers to an employee who is in the hospital. Is this allowed?

This practice is not governed by this policy.

Q25. My department chair would like to reward several students for their outstanding academic performance by paying them a stipend. Is this hospitality? If so, can state funds be used?

This is an award – not a stipend. This is hospitality and state funds can be used for this expense. The award should be either a tangible item or a gift card; cash awards are not allowed.

Q26. We will be providing participating students with a stipend in our program. Our program helps prepare students to apply for graduate programs. Is this hospitality? If so, can state funds be used?

No, this is not hospitality. States funds may be used for this.

Q27. I will be traveling to conduct interviews for an open position in my department. I will be paying for each candidate’s dinner as part of the interview. Is this a hospitality or travel expense? Can state funds be used for this?

The meals are subject to this policy and should be listed as a business expense and a hospitality form must be attached to your travel expense claim.

State funds can be used to pay for the meals (with the exception of alcoholic beverages). Maximum limits apply (e.g. $50 for dinner).

Q28. A Pulitzer Prize-winning author has agreed to give a lecture and conduct a workshop for my writing class. She is not charging the University anything for this or seeking reimbursement for any related costs such as travel. I would like to acknowledge her generosity and thank her with a small gift basket from a local gift shop. The gift basket costs $25. Can state funds be used for this?

Yes, while gifts are not typically allowed to be purchased with state funds, these circumstances indicate a clear business purpose and public benefit for this reasonable gift.

Q29. Our department would like to send flowers to an employee whose spouse recently died. Can state funds be used for this?

No. State funds may not be used for sympathy gifts.

Q30. Can state funds be used to purchase alcoholic beverages for a fundraising event?

No. State funds may not be used to purchase alcoholic beverages.

Q31. An alum from our college just won a prestigious award in her discipline. Can state funds be used to send congratulatory flowers?

No. State funds may not be used for gifts.

Q32. I am contemplating providing hospitality that does not comply with this policy. I am afraid I will not achieve an important business purpose if I don’t provide this hospitality. What are my options?

Exceptions to this policy may be approved by your Vice President. It is suggested you obtain this approval prior to incurring any costs.

Q33. Are Trust Funds considered state funds?.

Yes. Trust funds agreements may impose stricter hospitality rules (and not allow hospitality) but an agreement cannot be less restrictive than this policy.

Q34. Can state funds be used to purchase coffee, tea, sugar, candy, bottled and snack items for my Vice President’s (Dean’s) Office?

Generally, no. Exceptions to the policy should follow §812.

Q35. Can state funds be used to purchase plates, cups, napkins, cutlery, etc. for an event where a meal and light refreshments are served?

If the event is for a University business purpose and complies with this policy, state funds may be used to purchase these items. Bulk purchases of large quantities of these items must be monitored to ensure left over items are used appropriately.