Spending Limit Guidelines
Travel & Entertainment Limits
The maximum amount per person that can be reimbursed for allowable travel and entertainment expenses are as follows, budget permitting:
| Meals While Traveling | Maximum per Person |
|---|---|
| Effective 3/1/2024 | |
| Breakfast | $25 |
| Lunch | $50 |
| Dinner | $100 |
| In Town Meals, as permitted by Travel & Entertainment Policy | Maximum per Person |
|---|---|
| Effective 3/1/2024 | |
| Breakfast | $ 25 |
| Lunch | $ 50 |
| Dinner | $ 100 |
| Special circumstances - recruiting or fundraising for Vice Presidents, Deans, and department chairs | $ 150 |
| Annual party of general appreciation event | $ 50 |
| Holiday staff appreciation event located outside of Chicago | $ 75 |
| Holiday staff appreciation event located in Chicago | $ 100 |
| Entertainment essential for fulfillment of leadership duties, retirement events, reception | $ 50 |
| School wide or departmental meetings (lunch or light refreshments) | $ 30 |
| Commencement related receptions, graduate school recruitment events | $ 50-75 |
| Employee retreat | *See Below |
| Receipt Requirement | $ 75 |
*Limit for employee retreats that include more than one meal should not exceed sum total of individual limits. For example, an all-day event could be $125 per person ($25 breakfast, $50 lunch, $50 reception).
- Reimbursement will only be made up to the above limits, unless an exception form is reviewed and signed by the Dean, Vice President, or designee.
- These amounts include the cost of food and beverages, labor, taxes, gratuities, staff benefit and other surcharges, credit card fees, and facilities charge/rental.
- Please note that staff should plan meals in the most cost-effective way possible. The above limits do not mean the maximum limit should be spent.
- When using sponsored dollars, limits must be in line with U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) guidelines(external link).