The cost of light refreshments or meals is reimbursable when it falls under one of the following activities:

Business meetings

  • Meals provided to employees, visitors from other educational institutions, members of the community, medical center visitors, or employees from another work location where there is a valid business purpose for the meeting. The meeting must have at least one UC Santa Barbara employee present.

    Note: When two or more employees choose to dine together in order to continue business, or when a meeting can be scheduled during regular working hours, reimbursement for the meal is not allowed.

Programmatic Activities

  • Meals provided to volunteers and research subjects (clinical trials)
  • Athletic team meals, including training-table meals, game-related meals, and occasional meals provided in accordance with NCAA rules
  • Class, study hall, or other academic-based activities
  • Student orientation programs, commencement exercises, and similar activities
  • Student government meetings, association meetings, or other student meetings

Recruitment

  • Meals provided to prospective employees
  • Meals associated with the recruitment of student athletes and scholars

Employee Morale-Building Activities

  • Meals provided to employees as part of a morale-building activity, including retirement and recognition receptions, etc. (requires additional approval)

On-the-Job Meals

  • Meals provided to an employee during work hours as a requirement of the employee’s job

Entertainment – Social or Recreational in Support of University Mission

  • Meals provided to prospective donors (donor stewardship)
  • Meals provided to the spouse of a prospective donor (requires additional approval)
  • Meals provided to visitors from other educational institutions, members of the community, medical center visitors, or employees from another work location where the purpose of the activity is social or recreational
  • Tickets provided to prospective donors, employees, or student appointees in connection with an entertainment event (requires additional approval)
  • Meals provided to a spouse, domestic partner, or other partner (requires additional approval)
  • Cash contributions related to an entertainment event (requires additional approval)