The approval rules for reimbursing those faculty members at Upstate University who attend professional conferences are somewhat complicated, and in the opinion of most, "hardly generous." For example, the maximum allowed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner is $8, $10, and $12, respectively. In addition, no reimbursements are made for breakfast if the traveler leaves home after 10 a.m., for lunch if the traveler leaves home after 2 p.m., or for dinner if the traveler leaves home after 8 p.m. Finally, no reimbursements are made for "business lunches" or similar meals if their costs are included as part of the conference registration fee.

When Upstate University faculty file for travel reimbursements, they must file a form that requests the time they left home and the time they left the hotel to return home. They must also provide a copy of their conference registration receipt, showing what meals were included in the program.