Michigan State University
Controller's Office

305 Administration Bldg
East Lansing, MI 48824
517 355-5020

SECTION 44: Issuing Gifts and Prizes EBS

Last updated: December 2010
  1. Policy Introduction and Definitions
  2. Gifts to Employees
  3. Gifts to Students
  4. Gifts to Volunteers and Guests
  5. Research Participants
  6. Prizes for Formal Contests/Drawings, Special Events, and Departmental (Non-Research) Surveys

I. Policy Introduction and Definitions

This policy does not apply to MSU-sponsored Employee Awards, Service Recognition Programs, or Student Financial Aid/Awards/Scholarships.

Gifts and prizes include cash payments, gift cards, and non-cash gifts paid for with University funds.

Gift cards include retail cards, cards for MSU goods and services, VISA or other debit-style cards, and Spartan Cash.

Non-cash gifts include tangible personal property and include plaques, flowers, clothing, art, and household goods.

This policy does not apply to sponsorships or donations – see MBP Section 47.

Return to Top

II. Gifts to Employees

  1. Cash Payments

    Lump sum cash payments to employees are governed by MSU’s formal “Special Lump Sum Merit Increase” policy through Human Resources. Note: Student employees are not eligible for gift cash payments.

  2. Gift cards and non-cash gifts

    Generally, gift cards and non-cash gifts may not be purchased for employees. An exception will be made for infrequent, low dollar (not to exceed $75) gift cards to employees for on-campus goods/services (Kellogg Center, Dairy Store, Bookstore, etc.). Such gifts should only be used to reward work performance and may not be given for personal occasions (birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, etc.). General funds may not be used to purchase such gifts.

Return to Top

III. Gifts to Students

Generally, students are not eligible for University-funded gifts. See Item VI below for information regarding prizes for formal contests/drawings, special events, and departmental (non-research) surveys.

Return to Top

IV. Gifts to Volunteers and Guests (and other non-employees, non-students)

  1. Cash Payments

    Honoraria payments less than $600 may be paid on a Disbursement Voucher (Payment Reason Code G) - please see Manual of Business Procedures (MBP) Section 75. If $600 or more, please see MBP Section 76.

  2. Gift Cards

    Gift cards for volunteers or guests are allowed. The value of the gift card(s) may not exceed $75.

    The purchase of such gift cards must be processed via Disbursement Voucher (Payment Reason Code H or I). Use of the MSU Purchasing Card is not allowed.

    Gift cards may not be purchased in bulk and set aside for future gifts. The cards may only be purchased for specific purposes and must be distributed within two weeks of purchase.

  3. Non-cash Gifts

    Non-cash gifts for volunteers or guests may be purchased (use of the MSU Purchasing Card is allowed if otherwise allowable). The value of non-cash gifts should generally be nominal.

  4. Documentation

    When gift cards or other non-cash gifts are purchased for volunteers or guests, detailed receipts and clear documentation of business purpose must be included with a unit’s Disbursement Voucher or MSU Purchasing Card records. The documentation must also include a disbursement log detailing recipient name, amount, and date given.

    The value of cumulative gifts to non-employees must be tracked on a calendar year basis by the giving department. In the rare cases where the value of all gifts exceeds $300, recipient name and amount must be reported to Accounting (accounting@ctlr.msu.edu) for tax reporting purposes by December 31.

Return to Top

V. Research Participants

Payment for research participation is not considered a gift. The MSU Purchasing Card and other payment methods may be used to purchase gift cards for research participants where allowable under formal grants or contracts. Please consult your specific grant or contract for eligibility.

Return to Top

VI. Prizes for Formal Contests/Drawings, Special Events, and Departmental (Non-Research) Surveys

Prizes for organized contests and drawings, MSU-sponsored events (for example, a student event hosted by Campus Living Services), departmental surveys, etc. are generally not considered gifts for the purposes of this policy. Before purchasing and awarding such prizes over $75 in value, please contact Accounting (355-5000) for approval, payment processing options, and tax reporting requirements.

Return to Top