The purpose of this policy is to define the circumstances under which honoraria may be paid.

This policy applies to all Brown University faculty and staff.

An honorarium is a one-time payment to someone outside of the University for a special service that would normally be provided free of charge.

Common types of activities for which honoraria may be offered include but are not limited to:

• A special lecture, a short series of such lectures, or other creative activity
• Participation in a small-scale academic event, such as a research seminar, academic talk for scholars in related fields, journal author session, dissertation review seminar, or workshop as a guest, speaker, or panelist, provided such services are furnished on a short-term basis
• Participation in a short-term activity or event that is of an educational, research, or public service nature and for which no specific deliverable or specific result is requested or expected

Honoraria may be paid to foreign nationals in accordance with their visa classification. Please refer to Payments to Foreign Nationals for more information.

Honoraria may not be paid:

• To a current employee of the University (whether that employee is permanent, temporary, part-time, or full-time).
• To a current University student.
• Based on a negotiated amount between the individual providing services and the University. Any verbal or written negotiated agreement in which the University will be obligated to pay for services is a contractual arrangement and must be made in accordance with procurement regulations (i.e., Independent Contractors or consultants)
• To individuals who make significant instructional contributions to a course.
• Over several months (e.g., to visiting scholars).
• Exceeding $5,000.

For the purpose of this policy, the term below has the following definition:

All individuals to whom this policy applies are responsible for becoming familiar with and following this

policy. University supervisors and employees with student oversight duties are responsible for promoting the understanding of this policy and for taking appropriate steps to help ensure and enforce compliance with it.

Financial Coordinators: Compile relevant supporting documentation, including completed Honorarium Payment Form, and initiate the applicable transactions.

Cost Center Managers: Review and approve honoraria in accordance with this policy.

Accounts Payable: Review and approve honoraria in accordance with this policy.

Failure to comply with this and related policies is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including suspension without pay, or termination of employment or association with the University, in accordance with applicable (e.g., staff, faculty, student) disciplinary procedures.

Brown University is a community in which employees are encouraged to share workplace concerns with University leadership. Additionally, Brown’s Anonymous Reporting Hotline allows anonymous and confidential reporting on matters of concern online or by phone, 877-318-9184.

The following information complements and supplements this document. The information is intended to help explain this policy and is not an all-inclusive list of policies, procedures, laws and requirements.