Honorarium Payments
An honorarium is a one-time payment of $5,000 or less, made to an individual who is not an employee of the University of Illinois System for a special and non-recurring activity or event for which no remuneration is collectible by law. Honoraria are typically paid to persons of scholarly or professional standing to show appreciation for participation in U of I System educational, research, or public service activities. If payment is negotiated and agreed upon, this is considered a contractual agreement and should be processed as a payment for professional services, not as an honorarium.
Occasions for an Honorarium
Token of Gratitude
One occasion for an honorarium is as a token of gratitude for activities for which custom or propriety precludes a price to be set.
Examples include:
- A minister or cleric providing an invocation
- A distinguished alumnus invited to make brief remarks at the dedication of a new university facility
- An individual participating as a judge in a contest
- A Supreme Court Justice invited to judge a moot court competition
Award to an Individual
Another occasion could be an award to an individual for special achievement or renown for participation in (excluding leading or conducting) a short-term activity or event that is of an educational, research, or public service nature, and no specific deliverable or specific result is requested or expected
Examples include:
- guest lecturers
- paper readings
- participation in workshops and seminars
- presentation of research results
- addresses or speeches
- noted international scholars invited to participate in scientific symposiums
Honoraria for Foreign Nationals
Special requirements and conditions apply when requesting honorarium payments for non-employee foreign nationals. Check the Foreign Nationals Payment Eligibility Grid to find out which payments are permissible.
Restrictions
An honorarium may not be used for the following:
- To replace or circumvent procedures for paying consultants
- To compensate U of I System salaried and non-salaried employees
- As an award to an individual primarily intended to confer distinction upon or symbolize respect, esteem, or admiration for the recipient
- When the services require access to university proprietary information
- Solely as reimbursement in lieu of undocumented expenses
- Payments exceeding $5,000; any payment surpassing this amount necessitates a contract. For assistance, please contact the Purchasing and Contract Management Office