Syracuse Sun

Syracuse University has revised its policy on gifts, which covers retirement and life event gifts, charitable donations, and unallowable gifts. This updated policy is applicable to all faculty, staff, and students of the university.

One significant change involves life event gifts for employees. These tangible items, such as flowers, can be given in various situations: celebrating a birth or adoption, expressing concern during illness or hospitalization, or showing sympathy after a death in the employee's immediate family. Previously capped at $75, the new policy increases this limit to $150 per gift.

Retirement gifts for university employees with over five years of service remain allowable up to $400—the current IRS threshold for taxability. However, the "meaningful presentation" requirement has been removed from the policy.

The section on unallowable gifts remains unchanged. Faculty and staff are reminded that celebratory gifts for personal events like birthdays or weddings should not be funded by university resources.

Regarding government officials, Syracuse University adheres to state and federal regulations due to its status as a registered lobbying organization. Employees are prohibited from giving gifts to elected officials or government employees without prior consultation with the Office of Government and Community Relations.

For any inquiries about this policy update, faculty and staff members are encouraged to contact the Comptroller’s Office at 315.443.3765.