Guidelines set standard for board member expenses

January 9, 2009

At the request of the provincial auditor, the University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors has approved guidelines that govern expense claims for board members and the University Chancellor.

According to the University Secretary Lea Pennock, the University of Saskatchewan Act 1995 provides for honoraria to be paid to board members but there have never been written guidelines for the approval of expenses related to board members' activities.

Under the act, board members receive $100 for each board meeting and $50 for other board or committee meetings plus $50 for associated travel time. In addition, the chair of the board receives an honorarium of $1,200 per year and the vice-chair receives $600 per year.

The new guidelines specify that board members will be expected to follow the same standards for travel and expense claims as U of S employees, including providing the same level of documentation. In addition to expenses related to attending regular board and committee meetings, the guidelines state expenses will also be paid for board members to attend university events and functions where their presence is considered by the president or the secretary to be in the interests of the institution. Examples include installations, convocations, recognition events for staff, faculty or donors, major athletic events and celebrations of significance in the life of the university.

Any travel to conferences that relate to the role of board members requires the written approval of the board chair.

The guidelines also state the university does not normally cover board member expenses related to tuition, memberships, clothing including academic robes or furniture and office equipment.