Business Meals
Generally, meal expenses must involve an overnight stay to qualify for reimbursement. In these instances, the traveler must adhere to the travel regulations outlined earlier for meal reimbursement. Individuals not in a travel status are eligible for meal reimbursement if they participate in a business meal. Individuals in travel status may occasionally attend meals that qualify as business meals. Departments must use Chrome River for business meal expenses incurred during travel and non-travel status.
Such meals occur while the individual is on official business and must:
- Include Agency Head or Designee approval. Department approvals will be routed in Chrome River based on the designated Chrome River approver of the allocation and overage exceptions.
- Involve substantive and bona fide business discussions and include the original, itemized receipt.
- List by name all persons involved in the meal and affiliations (up to 10 persons) and the reason for the meal. For a group of more than 10 people, a description of the group/attendees is required. If the reimbursement is for a group of conference participants, identify the number of people fed and explain additional meals, if necessary (for example, coverage of walk-ins).
- You will be reimbursed for actual expenses up to the amount shown for the applicable meal in the M&IE Rate Table, excluding the incidental allowance.
- For individuals with travel status, the per diem allowance applicable to the business meal must be clearly excluded from the daily reimbursement.
- Delivery costs and a reasonable tip (up to 20%) are reimbursable if the total cost does not exceed the allowable per diem for the meal.
For an employee to receive reimbursement for a business meal, two or more attendees must be on the business meal form. All business meal receipts must be for two meals or more. If an employee attends a meeting where each person is paying for their own lunch, it is not considered a business meal and is not reimbursable under the guidelines for State Funds. If the business meal falls under Grant funding, which restricts employees from being reimbursed for business meals (allows only guest meals to be reimbursed), a statement from OSP specific to the employee's reimbursement voucher must be provided which states the grant does not allow business meal reimbursement for employees. If the business meal falls under non-grant funding, but the department only wants to reimburse the guest's meal and not the employee's meal, the reimbursement will be processed if an original, detailed receipt showing 2 meals or more is provided only.
Business Meal Exceptions
Business meals that exceed the meal allowance rate require an approved justification statement for up to 150% of the meal allowance and are allowable expenses to charge to State Funds. Meals that exceed 150% of the allowance up to 200% of the standard rate with Dean or VP approval are allowable with William & Mary Local Funds.
Appropriate Food and Beverages Functions
The functions or events at which it is considered appropriate for food and beverages to be served to College personnel are listed below as 5 allowable business meal types:
Internal Training and Retreats
- Internal Training: Internal training refers to the process of providing education, skill development, and learning opportunities to employees within an organization. This type of training is conducted by the organization itself and is designed to enhance its workforce's knowledge, capabilities, and performance. Internal training programs can cover a wide range of topics, including job-specific skills, compliance with company policies and procedures, leadership development, or communication and teamwork.
- Retreats: Employee retreats refer to organized on-site/off-site gatherings or events a department arranges for their employees. These retreats are designed to provide a break from the usual work environment and routine, offering participants a chance to engage in team-building activities, professional development, and bonding. These retreats may involve workshops, seminars, recreational activities, and discussions aimed at improving teamwork, communication, morale, and overall job satisfaction among employees. To optimize cost-effectiveness, it is encouraged that retreats take place at properties either owned or leased by William & Mary. However, retreats held at off-campus locations require advance written approval in the form of a Travel Authorization from an authorized approver.
- Business Meals involving External Parties: Business meals involving external parties refer to dining occasions where individuals or groups from the university and external participants come together to discuss and conduct business-related matters.
- Events with Students: Events with students primarily serve as opportunities to enhance their educational and social experiences. These gatherings, often organized by the departments or student associations, aim to foster a sense of community and engagement among students. The primary purpose of such events is to provide a platform where students can interact with their peers, faculty, and staff outside of the traditional classroom setting. These events can take various forms, including academic conferences, workshops, cultural festivals, and extracurricular activities.
- Employee Retirement and Appreciation Events (Once per semester):
Retirement Events: Retirement events are gatherings or celebrations held to mark the end of an individual's working career and transition into retirement. These events are typically organized to honor and recognize the retiree's contributions, accomplishments, and years of service in their profession or occupation.
Appreciation Events: Employee appreciation events are special occasions organized by a department or university to express gratitude and recognition for their staff members' contributions, hard work, and dedication. These events are designed to acknowledge employees' efforts and accomplishments, boosting morale, motivation, and a positive work environment. These events are typical for group appreciation, NOT individual employee recognition or appreciation.
Appreciation Events can only occur once per semester and must be allocated to local funds. - Meals, Food, or Beverages for One University Employee: This is allowed if the employee is meeting with a non-employee who is covering their own meal expenses. The responsible Dean or Vice President must approve the expense, which must be handled on a reimbursement basis. This expense is allowable under Local Funds only. These expenses are prohibited on the University Small Purchase Charge Card (SPCC).
Unallowable Business Meal Expenses
Activities that are excluded and not allowable under the Business Meal Policy:
- Lunches for deans and department heads
- Regularly scheduled meetings for university employees
- Faculty and/or staff department meetings
- Group planning meetings
- Round table discussions
- General discussion meetings between faculty and staff
- Mentor/Mentee meals between university employees
- A one-on-one appreciation meal
- A new employee meal
- A farewell gathering for an employee who is NOT retiring (an employee departing from the university)
- Employee monthly birthdays, weddings, and work anniversaries
- Holiday Gatherings and Parties
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages, including tax and tip, may not be provided at College expense on state funds. Alcohol is allowable under local funds only at the cost of $30 per person, including tax and tip, and food must be included in the business meal for reimbursement. Alcohol is not part of the per diem cap and must be excluded from the per diem rates.
Spouses and Children
Spouses and children of business meal participants may attend a business meal, but the university will NOT reimburse their portion of the expense. Only meal expenses for job candidates' spouses are allowable under the same rules as business meal exceptions with university local funds.
Training
- Please review Business Meal Policy (ppt) for a full review of the policy.
- Please review the Business Meal Chart (pdf) for additional clarification, rules, and requirements for Business Meals.
Catering Contracts - Direct Pays in BuyW&M
Catering contracts initiated in buyW&M that are signed and approved by Procurement Services must be approved by the Travel Office. This action ensures that the contracted amounts for foods and beverages are within policy per diem limits and have the proper approvals prior to the final approval of the contract. This approval process excludes contracts conducted through Conference Services.
On-Campus Catering
America to Go (ATG) is a web-based, managed catering platform for local food ordering.
- ATC must be used for all William & Mary on-campus food (pick-up order delivery) or catering orders
- ATG Ordering Portal
- The ATG vendor network and FAQ
