Summary
The Faculty & Associate University Librarian (Librarian) Professional Expense Allowance Plan (PEA) Policy and Procedures outlines how McMaster University provides an annual allowance to support eligible faculty members and Associate University Librarians in covering business-related expenses connected to their teaching, research, and professional responsibilities. The Policy exists to ensure these expenses are supported in a fair, consistent, and accountable way, while complying with tax rules and broader public sector requirements. It applies to faculty members who participate in the University’s career progress or merit process and to Librarians with continuing appointments, with adjusted amounts in some employment situations.
Through the Professional Expense Allowance, individuals are responsible for using funds only for legitimate, job-related costs that support professional and academic work. The Policy sets clear expectations about eligible and ineligible expenses, use of funds for research or services, and personal accountability for proper use. It also explains how unspent funds may carry forward, how goods purchased remain University property, and how obligations are handled when employment ends.
Refer to the full policy below for complete details.
Approved by: Board of Governors
Date of Most Recent Approval: April 16, 2026, effective May 1, 2026
Responsible Executive: Provost and Vice-President (Academic), and Vice-President (Operations & Finance)
Policy-Specific Enquiries: Human Resources Services
Information Box Group
Faculty & Associate University Librarian Professional Expense Allowance Plan (PEA) Policy and Procedures (MS Word Version) MS Word Version
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