{"id":85,"date":"2026-03-06T09:02:03","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T14:02:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/?page_id=85"},"modified":"2026-03-11T10:44:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T14:44:13","slug":"entertainment-and-gift-policy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/","title":{"rendered":"Entertainment and Gift Policy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns sidebar is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:45rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-purpose\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">Purpose<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This policy sets forth basic, consistent, University-wide standards for payment of non-travel business meals, refreshments, gifts, and other hospitality expenses with University funds. Non-travel business would include hosting official guests, training sessions, conferences, or other University-sponsored events to conduct official Clark University business. Clark University recognizes the importance of conducting business meetings, outreach and community events intended to further the University\u2019s mission. However, employees must be cognizant of budget constraints and appearances when spending University funds on meals and refreshments for these events and ensure that all purchases are necessary to meet the mission and objectives of the University. Clark\u2019s policy is developed in light of IRS rules so that entertainment and food expenses do not have to be treated as taxable compensation to employees as long as this policy is followed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This policy does not cover meals while travelling or for single day trips. Please refer to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/travel-policy\/\" type=\"page\" id=\"83\">Clark\u2019s Travel Expense Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-scope\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Scope<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This policy and its procedures apply to all individuals whose entertainment expenses are paid by the University or by grant, award, or other external funding source. If expenses are charged to a sponsored project, the grant or contract guidelines must take precedence if they are more restrictive than University policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At their discretion, departments may impose more restrictive guidelines for budgetary or control reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a proposed expenditure is not listed in this policy, the following standards should guide the final expenditure decision:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>There must be an approved budget line for such expenditures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Each department, unit, and approving official must exercise prudent judgment to ensure that the commitment of University funds is appropriate and essential for business meetings and entertainment\/hosting functions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Business meeting expenditures incurred by University employees and on behalf of non-employees must support the University\u2019s academic, institutional, or public service mission.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The expenditure must not be personal in nature.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The expenditure must not be used as additional compensation (e.g., bonuses, cash, gifts, prizes, awards, etc.).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-meal-and-refreshment-expenses\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Meal and refreshment expenses<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Meals or refreshments may be provided at University sponsored events with a documented business purpose which are intended to further the University\u2019s mission. Meetings or conferences must have at least one Clark employee present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Expenses for local dining involving non-University personnel (trustees, donors, alumni, parents, vendors, job candidates, professional guests, etc.) are reimbursable when the purpose of the meeting is to conduct University business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On-campus meals may be provided for meetings that include only employees if there is no alternative except to hold the meeting during a meal time, if there is a clearly defined business purpose, and if prior approval is obtained from the President, Provost, or the Executive Vice President for Planning and Finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Expenses should be reasonable in relation to the nature of the function and the resulting University benefit expected to be derived from the expenditure (generally for lunch not to exceed $15 per person). To be reimbursed for meals, an itemized receipt is required \u2013 a credit card receipt that does not include an itemized list of what was purchased is not sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The IRS requires that all business meal expenditures must document the following information:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>List of attendees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The business purpose of the meal (topic of discussion)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The cost supported by detailed receipt(s)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The location<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The date<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Description of meal (i.e. lunch, dinner)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Shared lunch or dinner among only faculty and staff (on or off campus) is not an allowable expense even if some University business is discussed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Administrative department heads or academic chairs can authorize the use of University funds in department budgets to provide light refreshments for occasional group faculty\/staff meetings<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The University may pay for or reimburse costs for meals or refreshments associated with employee appreciation activities open to all University personnel such as gatherings to honor a retiring employee or one who is separating from employment after several years of University service, employee recognition receptions, and new employee receptions. The lobby of the Shaich Family Alumni and Student Engagement Center is not an appropriate location for employee appreciation events, which should be held in a more suitable location on campus. University funds may not be used for occasions such as holiday celebrations, employee birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, or other celebrations of a personal nature, which should instead be funded by faculty\/staff contributions or by a pot luck meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Expenditures associated with University-wide employee functions held by the President and\/or Human Resources are considered appropriate use of University funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-gifts-to-faculty-staff-or-students\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Gifts to faculty, staff, or students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Except for faculty or staff recognition gifts purchased by the Human Resources department, no gifts to faculty, staff, or students will be reimbursable from University accounts. Small gifts to staff or student employees are a personal decision that should be funded by personal funds or from a collection of donations from departmental members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Upon the death of an employee or an employee\u2019s immediate family member, a floral arrangement or suitable gift of condolence will be made on behalf of the University by the Human Resources department. Any additional condolence gifts should not to be purchased with University funds, but should be financed through voluntary contributions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-special-situations-exceptions\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Special situations\/exceptions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p id=\"h-\">Invoices and requests for reimbursement not in accordance with this policy must be approved by the President, Provost, or the Executive Vice President for Planning and Finance. Please note that exceptions that are not in accordance with IRS regulations may result in taxable income that will be reported as earnings on an employee\u2019s W2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faqs\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-style-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>If the expense is being paid for by a grant or endowed fund, does the Entertainment and Gift Policy still apply?<\/summary>\n<p>Yes \u2013 the policy applies to all Clark-related expenditures regardless of the funding source. If the expense is grant funded, any exceptions must be approved by the Office of Sponsored Research in addition to the President, Provost, or the Executive Vice President for Planning and Finance.. Please note that exceptions may result in taxable income to the employee.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-style-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Will Clark pay for lunches for faculty\/staff meetings that occur during lunch time?<\/summary>\n<p>Clark will pay for lunches under very limited situations. The meal must occur on premises, there must be no alternative except to meet during lunch (due to schedule conflicts, etc.), there a clearly defined business purpose, and the meal must be approved in advance by the President, Provost, or the Executive Vice President for Planning and Finance.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-style-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>I\u2019m planning on providing lunch or refreshments for a training session and I\u2019m not sure if it requires approval?<\/summary>\n<p>Generally, all lunches provided at meeting only attended by faculty or staff will require approval. If in doubt, err on the side of requesting approval in advance.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-style-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What are considered \u201clight refreshments\u201d?<\/summary>\n<p>Light refreshments would include drink (coffee, tea, water, etc.) and\/or snack foods that are not intended to provide a full meal.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-style-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Why does the IRS regulate food expenses?<\/summary>\n<p>The IRS wants to be sure that employers and employees are not trying to circumvent tax liabilities related to compensation expense by providing compensation in alternate forms, such as paying for an employee\u2019s meals.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-style-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Can I take my staff out to lunch to celebrate the holidays and get reimbursed by Clark?<\/summary>\n<p>No. You are free to take the staff out to lunch but Clark funds must not be used to pay for it.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-style-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>When documenting a meal for IRS purposes, do I have to list every single attendee? What if it\u2019s a large meeting?<\/summary>\n<p>For smaller groups you should list every attended and their relationship to Clark. For a larger meeting that includes definable groups, you can just describe the group and the approximate number of attendees (for example: approximately 20 GSOM faculty members).<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-style-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is considered \u201clocal dining\u201d?<\/summary>\n<p>For the purposes of this policy, local dining is considered to be any meals at a restaurant that are not covered by the travel policy because the employee is not on a trip that requires an overnight stay.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-style-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What expenses are considered \u201cpersonal in nature\u201d?<\/summary>\n<p>Essentially this means that the expenditure does not have a Clark-related business purpose.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><nav class=\"is-vertical wp-block-navigation is-content-justification-stretch is-layout-flex wp-container-core-navigation-is-layout-2c14e10a wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" aria-label=\"Purchasing submenu\"><ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container  is-vertical wp-block-navigation\"><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/copiers-and-multi-function-printers\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Copiers and multi-function printers<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/employee-discounts\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Employee discounts<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Entertainment and gift policy<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/group-purchasing\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Group purchasing<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/policies-and-procedures\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Policies and procedures<\/span><\/a><\/li><li data-wp-context='{ \"submenuOpenedBy\": { \"click\": false, \"hover\": false, \"focus\": false }, \"type\": \"submenu\", \"modal\": null, \"previousFocus\": null }' data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\" data-wp-on--mouseenter=\"actions.openMenuOnHover\" data-wp-on--mouseleave=\"actions.closeMenuOnHover\" data-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item has-child open-on-hover-click wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/purchasing-resources\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Purchasing resources<\/span><\/a><button data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isMenuOpen\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.toggleMenuOnClick\" aria-label=\"Purchasing resources submenu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-icon wp-block-navigation-submenu__toggle\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M1.50002 4L6.00002 8L10.5 4\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><ul data-wp-on--focus=\"actions.openMenuOnFocus\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-container wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/purchasing-resources\/hotels-and-lodging\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Hotels and Lodging<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/smartbuy-plus\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">SmartBuy Plus<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/transportation-for-hire\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Transportation for hire<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/travel-policy\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Travel policy<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/vendor-listing\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Vendor Listing<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"#faqs\">FAQs<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group section is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns contact-area is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:42%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover has-custom-content-position is-position-bottom-left\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-399 size-large\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/126\/Clark_University_Sign_Oct_15_2025-002-1024x683.avif\" data-object-fit=\"cover\"\/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient has-gradient-2-gradient-background\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-639b5052 wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\"><div style=\"color:var(--clarku-color-white)\" class=\"eyebrow  has-text-align-left\">Contact information<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-white-color has-text-color has-link-color has-small-font-size wp-elements-2c498b71ecbe4b8c80563d32996469f5\" id=\"h-purchasing-office\">Purchasing Office<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group contact-text has-light-warm-gray-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Contact information<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"icon tel has-small-font-size\">1-508-421-3839<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Office location<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"icon clock\">Monday \u2013 Friday<br>9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Purpose This policy sets forth basic, consistent, University-wide standards for payment of non-travel business meals, refreshments, gifts, and other hospitality expenses with University funds. Non-travel business would include hosting official guests, training sessions, conferences, or other University-sponsored events to conduct official Clark University business. Clark University recognizes the importance of conducting business meetings, outreach and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"parent":26,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-85","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Entertainment and Gift Policy | Business and Financial Services | Clark University<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Entertainment and Gift Policy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Purpose This policy sets forth basic, consistent, University-wide standards for payment of non-travel business meals, refreshments, gifts, and other hospitality expenses with University funds. Non-travel business would include hosting official guests, training sessions, conferences, or other University-sponsored events to conduct official Clark University business. 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Non-travel business would include hosting official guests, training sessions, conferences, or other University-sponsored events to conduct official Clark University business. Clark University recognizes the importance of conducting business meetings, outreach and [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/","og_site_name":"Business and Financial Services","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ClarkUniversityWorcester","article_modified_time":"2026-03-11T14:44:13+00:00","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@clarkuniversity","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/","url":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/","name":"Entertainment and Gift Policy | Business and Financial Services | Clark University","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-03-06T14:02:03+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-11T14:44:13+00:00","inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/"]}],"mainEntity":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-1","0":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-2"},"1":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-3"},"2":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-4"},"3":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-5"},"4":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-6"},"5":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-7"},"6":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-8"},"7":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-9"}}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/85#breadcrumbs","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":0,"name":"ClarkU","item":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Business and Financial Services","item":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/","name":"Business and Financial Services","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-1","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-1","name":"If the expense is being paid for by a grant or endowed fund, does the Entertainment and Gift Policy still apply?","answerCount":"1","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes \u2013 the policy applies to all Clark-related expenditures regardless of the funding source. If the expense is grant funded, any exceptions must be approved by the Office of Sponsored Research in addition to the President, Provost, or the Executive Vice President for Planning and Finance.. Please note that exceptions may result in taxable income to the employee.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-2","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-2","name":"Will Clark pay for lunches for faculty\/staff meetings that occur during lunch time?","answerCount":"1","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Clark will pay for lunches under very limited situations. The meal must occur on premises, there must be no alternative except to meet during lunch (due to schedule conflicts, etc.), there a clearly defined business purpose, and the meal must be approved in advance by the President, Provost, or the Executive Vice President for Planning and Finance.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-3","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-3","name":"I\u2019m planning on providing lunch or refreshments for a training session and I\u2019m not sure if it requires approval?","answerCount":"1","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Generally, all lunches provided at meeting only attended by faculty or staff will require approval. If in doubt, err on the side of requesting approval in advance.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-4","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-4","name":"What are considered \u201clight refreshments\u201d?","answerCount":"1","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Light refreshments would include drink (coffee, tea, water, etc.) and\/or snack foods that are not intended to provide a full meal.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-5","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-5","name":"Why does the IRS regulate food expenses?","answerCount":"1","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The IRS wants to be sure that employers and employees are not trying to circumvent tax liabilities related to compensation expense by providing compensation in alternate forms, such as paying for an employee\u2019s meals.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-6","position":6,"url":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-6","name":"Can I take my staff out to lunch to celebrate the holidays and get reimbursed by Clark?","answerCount":"1","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No. You are free to take the staff out to lunch but Clark funds must not be used to pay for it.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-7","position":7,"url":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-7","name":"When documenting a meal for IRS purposes, do I have to list every single attendee? What if it\u2019s a large meeting?","answerCount":"1","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"For smaller groups you should list every attended and their relationship to Clark. For a larger meeting that includes definable groups, you can just describe the group and the approximate number of attendees (for example: approximately 20 GSOM faculty members).","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-8","position":8,"url":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-8","name":"What is considered \u201clocal dining\u201d?","answerCount":"1","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"For the purposes of this policy, local dining is considered to be any meals at a restaurant that are not covered by the travel policy because the employee is not on a trip that requires an overnight stay.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-9","position":9,"url":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/operations-services\/purchasing\/entertainment-and-gift-policy\/#faq-9","name":"What expenses are considered \u201cpersonal in nature\u201d?","answerCount":"1","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Essentially this means that the expenditure does not have a Clark-related business purpose.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/85","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=85"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/85\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":404,"href":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/85\/revisions\/404"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/26"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.clarku.edu\/business-and-financial-services\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=85"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}