Meals, Travel Expenses, Student Food and Entertainment
In the majority of instances when looking at expenses for food/meals we are talking travel and you can get your best guidance on travel policies and procedures here.
For those instances not involving travel, the simplest way to determine what is allowed when it comes to this type of expense is to refer to the Disbursement Grid. Whether a purchase is allowable or not depends on the specific type of expense and the type of funds to be used in paying for it. The Disbursement Grid summarizes most any type of situation.
If an expense is allowable based on the Disbursement Grid, you then have to determine HOW to pay for it. Some basic guidance:
- An expense that is for personal benefit is NEVER allowed. Refer to the grid, but any expense must be a justified "business" need.
- Know what is allowed to be charged to the P-Card. Because an expense may be allowable with certain funds, does not mean it can be charged to a P-Card. It may require a PO or a reimbursement.
- Self Generated funds are treated as State funds Unless the expense is "program related." Be sure you understand what "program related" means in this instance.
Helpful Links:
- Decision Tree — flowchart designed to help you choose which purchasing method should be used.
- Disbursement Grid — grid used as an aid to assess availability of the type of University funds prior to making commitments.
- P-Card Policies and Procedures
- Policies, Procedures and Guidelines