The College will reimburse travelers for the reasonable cost of their own meals while on College business. The cost of meals varies widely. However, the College expects that travelers will spend no more than $50 for three meals per day, including tips, regardless of location. The $50 amount is considered adequate to cover the daily cost of meals; it is not a flat amount for per diem reimbursement.
Only the actual costs for meals will be reimbursed. Charges in excess of $50 may be reimbursed under special circumstances, but only at the discretion of departmental managers or supervisors responsible for approving travel vouchers if they find that the nature or location of the travel requires such an exception. They are responsible for making sure that any exceptions have been reviewed and approved prior to submitting travel vouchers to the Cashier’s Office. A representative sample of travel reports indicates that average daily meal charges are typically well below $50; thus, it is expected that there will be an infrequent need for such exceptions.
When meal expenses include charges for individuals other than the traveler, the Travel & Entertainment Expense Voucher must state the name(s), the business purpose(s), and the date of the meal. Original receipts for meals must be submitted with the Travel & Entertainment Expense Voucher for reimbursement.
