17.11.7 Reimbursement for Professional Dues, Memberships, and Licensing

These expenses include costs relating to professional certifications, credentials, and licensing. Membership costs include professional and specialized organizations, associations, and institutions.

Professional dues, licensing, and memberships may be reimbursed only under the following conditions:

• Personal or institutional licenses, credentials, or certifications are a “requirement” for the employee to perform the task for which they have been hired. Retaining an existing professional status not required for job performance is not sufficient reason for institutional reimbursement.
• Professional dues, memberships, and licensing, either personal or institutional, must provide sufficient benefit to the institution to warrant the expense. Memberships must be scrutinized closely for return on investment.
• All associated fees must be approved and budgeted prior to incurring the expense.