Membership dues may not be paid for individual employees or for the benefit of an individual employee.
Membership dues paid from state funds must be for the benefit of the university and not the individual.
If the university is to benefit from an individual’s membership in an organization that benefit should derive not because of the individual, but because of the individual’s position with the university, regardless of who is in the position. Although a membership may be in the name of an individual, his/her membership terminates at the same time he/she terminates employment with the university or moves to another department.
A professional association, or professional organization, is an association made up of members who are part of the same industry or career field. Professional organizations may require membership applicants to meet minimum quality standards (such as minimum qualification levels, the completion of industry-approved courses, meeting work experience requirements or passing competency tests).
For additional details regarding payment of professional licenses or membership, please review the following sections of the Spending Guidelines:
Questions regarding documentation or the appropriateness of an expenditure should be directed to the University Controller’s Office, Accounts Payable Manager, Kim H. Kelley.
See related article:
Are professional organization membership fees allowable charges to sponsored projects?