1.3.1 Expense Guidelines

Administrative Responsibility: Associate Director of Disbursements, reporting to the AVP for Business Services

PURPOSE

This policy identifies appropriate and inappropriate uses of University funds.

SCOPE

This Policy applies to all WSU employees and any non-employees (students, etc.) involved in expenditures, reimbursements, and/or the procurement of goods or services using University funds, whether as an administrator within a Department or Unit, or the final end user of such goods and services.

DEFINITIONS

DPR - The online WayneBuy Requisition form generated by a department to request payment to individual or a company without the issuance of a purchase order. See APPM 1.3.2 Direct Payment Requests
Procard - A University issued Credit Card, which has the ability to be restricted by transaction amount, monthly dollar amount, and by merchant category code (type of merchant). See APPM 2.7 Procurement Card
Purchase Requisition - The online WayneBuy Requisition form generated by a department to request the purchase of goods or services from an individual or a company. See APPM 2.1 General Procurement Guidelines.
WayneBuy - The University eProcurement & Requisitioning System used for the placement of all regular purchase orders and payment of invoices submitted by Departments through the direct payment request (DRP) process.

POLICY

The university, as a tax supported institution, limits the disbursement of its public fund resources to official university purposes. All monies flowing into the university, with the exception of those identifiable as assets of the Agency Fund, constitute "public funds" and are subject to university policy regardless of fund group.

The term "university purposes" signifies that the expenditure is essential for the furtherance of an officially authorized university program. Expenditures that do not meet this criterion constitute "personal items" for which the disbursement of public funds is prohibited. Therefore, university accounts cannot be charged directly or through a reimbursement mechanism for such items. Administrative unit heads are responsible for reviewing each expenditure request to determine that the expense item is essential to the basic operation of the unit and that it is the best alternative available on a cost-to- benefit basis. Additionally, unit heads must also assure that expense items not allowed on some granting agency awards, (e.g., exclusion of alcohol on Federal and other governmental awards) are not charged to these accounts.

The preferred method for purchasing non-travel goods and services is through the WayneBuy Requisition / PO process, as outlined in APPM 2.1 General Procurement Guidelines. Procurement & Strategic Sourcing (Procurement) is the central department responsible for the acquisition and purchase of equipment, supplies, and services for Wayne State University (WSU). This not only provides proper vetting of any supplier contracts or terms & conditions, but provides oversight of adherence to University policies and a separation of duties for auditable controls.

Procurement also administers the Procurement Card (Procard) program, for small dollar purchases where a requisition would be less efficient. The policies related to application and use of a Procard are outlined in APPM 2.7 Procurement Card.

In certain cases, it may be necessary for an employee out-of-pocket expense to occur. In those cases, a Direct Payment Request should be processed as outlined in APPM Section 1.3.2 Disbursements Payment Requests. Any out of pocket expenses must still comply with the provisions of this or any other applicable University policy, and out of pocket expenses should be kept to a minimum.

All expense reimbursement requests must bear the signed authorization or electronic approval of the appropriate dean, department head, unit head, or designee. No employee is permitted to authorize an expense reimbursement to himself/herself without an appropriate countersignature of a supervisor. In the case of the president, a quarterly audit and report to the Board of Governors of his expenses meets this requirement; therefore, no other countersignature is required. General and specific guidelines follow:

Entertainment and other Expenses for Official Guests, including Candidates for Employment:

Entertainment of an official guest(s) of the university at university expense is permitted only when such activity is essential to the conduct of university business and at an appropriate location.
- Expense requests for entertainment and other expenses of an individual or of a small group (approximate 10) must include the names, official positions, and affiliations of all participants. At least one of the participants must not be an employee or student of the university. Requests to pay expenses for entertainment of larger groups (not normally paid via the reimbursement process) must include a description/purpose of the program and list categories of attendees e.g. donors, community groups etc. Part of the group must be non-employees/students. For entertainment of employees using designated accounts, see APPM section 1.3.1.3 Expenses for Entertainment of Employees using Designated Accounts.
- The official university-related purpose of the expense must be clearly stated.
- Approval of entertainment for guests is at the discretion of the respective associate provost, associate vice president, dean, or above. However, it is recognized that the per meal cost of entertaining distinguished guests for dinner at fine restaurants may exceed the normal total daily meal allowance per person permitted by APPM section 7 Travel Expense Policies and Procedures. Exceeding this amount could be considered reasonable based on the status of the guest and the restaurant selected.
- On rare occasions, there is a university business need to include a spouse or other family member of an employee in an expense request. For instance, when the spouse of an employment candidate is in attendance, inclusion of the employee's spouse would be appropriate. Entertainment expenditures for a spouse or other family member must have prior approval of the respective associate provost, associate vice president, dean, or above.
- Only employees with the rank of dean or vice president are permitted to use their private homes and only after written approval is received from the appropriate vice president or the president.
Examples of Non-Reimbursable Items:
- Personal Items - Meals (except those allowed on official travel or business), individual membership dues, club memberships (i.e. social, golf athletic, etc..), parking fees (except on official travel or business), domicile expenses, personal grooming materials and services, clothing rentals/purchases, ( except clothing covered by labor contracts or required/provided by Departments) transportation between residence and work place, and other expenses freely incurred to fulfill personal needs which are neither imposed nor required for satisfactory job performance.
- All personal tributes and celebrations such as holiday cards, trees and decorations, retirement and recognition parties, departmental picnics, floral tributes, decorations and plants, must be paid for from personal funds. (See Section C for possible exceptions.)
- Awards, Prizes and Gifts (including gift certificates) to employees are prohibited except those approved in accordance with University Policy 06-1 University Awards, and miscellaneous non-cash awards (including gift certificates) costing less than $25.00.
  
  It should be noted that, for tax purposes, all prizes, awards and gifts given for services rendered represent reportable/taxable income and must be included on the employee's W-2 form. However, non-cash awards with values totaling less than $50.00 per calendar year to an employee will be considered de minimis and are excluded from the W-2 reporting process.
  
  Under certain IRS regulations, non-cash awards for established programs that recognize employees for either years of service or safety achievement are exempt from reportable/taxable income (W-2 process) up to some specified dollar limit per year. See IRS Publication 5137 for additional information.
  
  Cash awards (i.e., Bonus Awards, Awards for Excellence in Teaching, etc.) must be paid directly through the Payroll system.
  
  Non-cash awards, prizes and gifts (including gifts certificates, or deposits to a OneCard) given to employees must be Identified to Payroll for inclusion in the employee's W-2 form as taxable income.
- Office Refreshment - coffee, tea, donuts, etc., which are made available at various offices for employees are considered a personal expense. However, the University funds may be used for refreshments for visitors.
- Appliances - Coffee makers, refrigerators, etc., in individual offices are considered a personal expense and are not reimbursable (See section C for possible exceptions).
- Bottled Water - Bottled water for consumption in the office by employees is considered a personal expense and must not be charged to university accounts (See Section C for possible exceptions).
- Parking Tickets and Traffic Tickets - Parking tickets and Traffic tickets are considered the personal obligation of the driver, regardless of whether the driver is on University business, or using a University vehicle.
- Staff Meeting Luncheons - Luncheons for staff meetings are considered a personal expense and are non-reimbursable except when using designated accounts per APPM section 1.3.1.3 Expenses for Entertainment of Employees using Designated Accounts.
- Political Fund Raising - payments/reimbursements for political fund raising activities are not allowed.
- Tuition - Tuition payment/reimbursement for a Wayne State University employee at another institution of higher education is not allowed, unless there is a requirement by the Department to take such a class related to a grant or special university program and the class is not offered at Wayne State.
Special Miscellaneous Items and Exceptions:

Each of the following special disbursement items require specific approvals as indicated and are to be handled on a case-by-case basis:
- Under certain circumstances, associate provost, associate vice presidents, deans or above can and will approve expenditures for personal tributes and parties. For those occasions, the approval is to be obtained in advance and should include a maximum dollar outlay.
- Appliances - When there is a lounge or lunchroom that will serve the entire department or more than one department, a refrigerator, microwave oven, or coffee maker may be purchased with the department / unit head approval.
- Bottled Water - In general the purchase of bottled water for consumption is prohibited. Exceptions will be made for two reasons with appropriate certification and/or approval. The exceptions with the required approval/certification are as follows:
  1. Health Reasons Potable tap water is not suitable for consumption. This exception requires:
    1. Certification from the Environmental Health and Safety Department that the tap water in the requesting department's work area has been tested and found to be unsuitable for personal consumption with specific reasons being given; and
    2. Certification from FP&M that it would be cost prohibitive to correct the conditions cited by Environmental Health and Safety Department.
  2. Potable tap water (fountain) is not accessible to staff in proximity to their work area. This exception requires:
    1. A request to the Vice President and Chief of Staff with specific details explaining why the tap water is not accessible. Also, the request should provide explanation as to why the condition cannot be corrected at a reasonable cost. Any cost estimate submitted for installing water fountains and necessary hook up to water lines must be prepared and/or approved by FP&M.
    2. Approval by the chief of staff.
  The above certifications/approvals must be included in the WayneBuy regular or DPR Requisition prior to submission to Purchasing and/or Disbursement. (Note: Because of the special approval requirements; Procards cannot be used to pay for bottled water).
- Computers, & Printers & Software - All computers, printers & software, including desktop and server applications, require C&IT Security written or WayneBuy systemic approval, per University Policy 9.8 - IT Security and Procurement Policy.
- Staff Retreats - Prior to incurring any expense for staff retreats, one must have the approval of the respective associate provost, associate vice president, dean or above and must be considered as essential for the furtherance of an established university program.
- Committee Luncheons - Luncheons or other refreshments for university committee members (where there are no university guests) are considered a personal expense except for official university committees. For these committees, prior approval of the appropriate associate provost, associate vice president, dean or above is required. Standing approvals may be obtained for ongoing committees.
- Refreshments are allowable for training sessions; university-wide recognition programs; and divisional/departmental employee recognition receptions, if approved by the respective associate provost, associate vice president, dean, or above.
- University-Sponsored Programs - The cost of buying a ticket(s) to a university-sponsored social/tribute/fundraising/community-awareness type program (i.e. University Holiday luncheon, luncheon speaker events sponsored by various colleges/departments etc.) is considered a personal expense item and not a liability of the university or reimbursable by the university except for those occasions and employees specifically designated by the president. Vice presidents can request special approval from the president for exception to this policy.
  
  Currently there are programs that have the standing approval of the president and, thus, will only require the approval (for designated employees) of the dean/director. They are as follows:
  1. President's Preview Night - for employees and their spouse/guest.
- University Banquets and Receptions - Receptions or banquets sponsored by a university group or department which are to be paid for with university funds are to be approved in advance by the respective associate provost, associate vice president, dean, or above, and must be for the purpose of entertaining outside guests. The affair must be for a clearly designated university purpose or program. When the affair is to be held at a location other than a university facility, the department must obtain and process a contract as outlined in APPM section 2.3.4 Contracts for Specialized Services with Organizations.
- Programs for Student Awards and Honors - Programs honoring students sponsored by a university group or department must be approved in advance by the respective associate provost, associate vice president, dean, or above at the school or college. Such programs should be paid for with Non- General Fund monies, if possible.
- Externally-Sponsored Social/tribute/Fund-raising Organization or Event - Any disbursement for the purchase of a ticket(s) to attend an externally sponsored social/tribute/fund-raising event must have the prior approval of the respective associate provost, associate vice president, dean, or above, and must be considered as essential for the furtherance of an established university program. Such approval must include the names of each university employee and/or spouse/guest that will be attending on behalf of the university. Any related personal expenses in attending such an affair is to be borne by the employee. Refer to University Policy 16-1 University Donations and Sponsorships to External Organizations for additional rules regarding external sponsorships.
- Other Contributions Charged to University Accounts - Any support or contribution to an organization external to the university must have the prior approval of the respective associate provost, associate Vice President, dean or above and must be considered as essential for the furtherance of an established university program. Refer to University Policy 16-1 University Donations and Sponsorships to External Organizations for additional rules regarding external sponsorships.
- Community Development and Fund-Raising Related Disbursements - Gifts, floral tributes, holiday cards, etc. being given or sent to significant donors, potential donors or other important individuals/ organizations in the community or which are related to fund-raising programs must have the prior approval of the respective associate provost, associate vice president, dean, or above and must be considered as essential for the furtherance of an established university program or project. Any holiday cards being purchased should be sent in the name of the School/College/ Division (or Department). They can include the name of the vice president, dean, chair and/or director.
- Club Memberships - Expenditures for club memberships must have the prior approval of the President and must be considered as essential for the furtherance of an established university program.
- Professional Individual Membership Dues - Must have the prior approval of the respective associate provost, associate vice president, dean, or above and must be considered essential for the furtherance of an established university business program and/or required for the exercising of the duties of the employee. Each such professional organization should be directed to have the university address as the official mailing address. Wherever possible, an institutional membership with multiple representatives (to receive publications) should be investigated as an alternative to individual memberships.
- Institutional Memberships require the approval of the appropriate dean, director, vice president, department head, unit head, or designee. In most cases, the business manager from that school, college, or division can sign for approval.
- Rental/Lease of Classrooms/Other Facilities - Must be in accordance with the Contract Award Policy as outlined in APPM section 2.3.4 Contracts for Specialized Services with Organizations and University Policy 04-6, Contract Signatories.
- Property, Liability and Other Insurance Premiums - Must have the prior approval of the risk manager (refer to APPM section 10.2 Risk Management).
- Legal Services - Must have the prior approval of the vice president and general counsel before engaging a lawyer or law firm.

When any of the above require specific approvals (i.e., president, associate provost, associate vice president, dean or above), a designee is not acceptable unless specifically indicated.

Even when the required approval is obtained for one of the special exceptions, the specific expense(s) incurred for the event/affair must be reasonable and essential to the program and the business purpose properly documented, i.e., elaborate decorations or flowers for individual tables are not acceptable.

PROCEDURE

Most expenditures covered in this APPM 1.3.1 Expense Guidelines are either reimbursed to employees or paid to a vendor via the WayneBuy Requisition or DPR. Procedures for completing a DPR are in APPM Section 1.3.2 Direct Payment Requests. When services provided are internal to the university, then an IRB form 10-108A should be completed pursuant to APPM Section 1.4 Internal Billing.

Procedures for generating a Requisition for Goods or Services can be found in APPM 2.1 General Procurement Guidelines.

APPENDICES

IRS Publication 5137

RELATED UNIVERSITY/BOARD POLICIES

Effective Date: Prior to 2000

Revised Date: 8/20/2024

Reviewed Date: 7/29/2024

To be reviewed, at minimum, every three years and/or revised as needed by: Associate Director of Disbursements, reporting to the AVP for Business Services

Next Review By Date: 8/01/2027

SUPERSEDES POLICY

N/A

HISTORICAL DATES

11-29-2019, Prior to Year 2000