As we begin the holiday season, all departments should take note of a new policy adopted by the President’s Leadership Council with respect to employee recognition, awards, and events, according to Eric Barger, controller. This new policy was adopted to ensure compliance with tax regulations, appropriate use of University resources, and equity across the departments of the University. A significant point in the new policy is a general prohibition on the use of gift cards as gifts to employees. There may be infrequent exceptions to this general rule, and in those circumstances departments must have officer approval in advance and give notice to the Controller’s Office (so that the value of the card may be included in taxable income).
To clarify, the drawing items at the annual staff luncheon are not going to be taxed; other gifts outside that arrangement that will be taxed. Because of the random nature of the drawings, those benefits are considered “de minimis.” The new policy may be read at this link.
For more information contact the controller at x7393 or barger@up.edu.
The University of Portland will host the final Strategic Energy Management (SEM) workshop, “Report Out & Celebration,” on Wednesday, November 16. UP has been participating in a two-year SEM cohort sponsored by the Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO), according to physical plant director André Hutchinson. Other participants in the cohort, which focuses on organizations with large, complex campuses, such as the Hillsboro School District and Oregon Health & Science University, will be on campus for this closing event. The UP project has been spearheaded by the Energy Team of Hutchinson, Sandy Galati, and Dirk Theisen, physical plant; Eric Barger, controller; Michelle Sunderland, information services; and Beth Sorensen, marketing and communications.
