Meals

The University will reimburse travelers for meals consumed during business related travel at published per diem rates, based on region of travel.  To be reimbursed for any particular meal travel must depart by or return after designated times, as summarized in the table below.

Per Diem Rates Effective January 1, 2025
Meal Per diem Must depart by: Must return after:
Breakfast $16.00 6:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m.
Lunch $19.00 10:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m.
Dinner $28.00 4:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

Certain higher-cost cities may have an alternative per diem amount. Per diem amounts are adjusted periodically. Travelers should refer to the GSA Per Diem page or contact Business Operations to determine current per diem amounts.

Conference or Seminar Meals

Conferences meals included in the conference fee will not be reimbursed to the traveler.

Same-day Meals

In accordance with IRS regulations, any meals reimbursed that do not include an overnight stay will be taxable to the employee.  The value of the meal will be added to the next payroll cycle for that employee and appropriate taxes withheld.  Even if a traveler leaves one day and returns after midnight of the next day, same-day travel status applies unless the traveler has incurred overnight lodging.