The State of Nebraska’s Department of Administrative Services permits payment of employee expenses while not in travel status under State Statute 81-1174 “for attendance at official functions, conferences or hearing(s).”

Official Functions, Conferences, or Hearings

The following is UNL’s definition of “official functions, conferences or hearings” for campus purposes.

• Commencement & Hooding Ceremonies
• Annual Faculty/Staff Service Award Program
• State of the University Picnic
• Distinguished Professor Award Winners’ Receptions/Dinners

• Annual IANR Picnic for new faculty
• Annual IANR Picnic for retired faculty
• Chairs Workshop

• UNL sponsored community visits or programs
• Recruiting new faculty/staff members meals/receptions
• Visiting faculty, guest speakers and/or consultants meals/receptions
• Faculty/Staff retreats/training Sessions with external presenter(s) and agenda
• Advisory Board meetings
• Student orientation or other student recognition events
• Site/Accreditation visits
• Student organization meals/receptions
• 4-H Camps
• Meals/receptions with students
• Other training/educational programs with prior written approval of the appropriate Vice Chancellor

Meals Not to Be Funded with General Appropriations, Revolving, or Auxiliary Funds

The following is a list of UNL activities that should not be funded with general appropriations, revolving, or auxiliary funds. Use of private funds is appropriate, if in keeping with the gift restrictions.

• Employee meals (includes meals while work is being conducted) when employee is not in travel status
• Employee recognitions (includes gifts, cards, flowers, etc.)
• Retirement receptions
• Department receptions and meetings with no external speaker
• Faculty or staff meetings with no external speakers
• Holiday parties
• Research grant receptions
• Secretary’s Day events
• Food utensils and other supplies
• Departmental candy jars
• Soda pop
• • Bottled water and cooler rental

August 2004