Use of Honorariums

There is a mechanism at Baylor whereby we can provide financial payment to a third-party entity (speaker, performer, musician, laborer, etc.) without a contract or invoice. This process is called an Honorarium. An honorarium is a token of appreciation for a service provided without expectation of payment. For example, if a local pastor comes and speaks at an event and we would like to thank them for their time we could provide them with an honorarium (after the fact). 

Honorariums are appropriate in some circumstances, however, most often if we are bringing a third party to campus (speaker, performer, laborer, etc.) it will require a contract.

Honorariums can be appropriate if:

• The third party agreed to come to campus and provide the service without any expectation of payment/compensation (i.e., they would provide the service even if there is no payment).
• The amount we wish to pay is $500 or less (this is the Student Life set threshold for Honorariums)

A Contract Must be Used and Honorariums are not appropriate if (any one of these is true):

• If any fee or payment was discussed, agreed upon, and/or negotiated with the third party
• The third party provides a quote, estimate, invoice, or other documentation of expected services and/or payment
• Any travel reimbursement is required (i.e., they are not local)
• If an agent is involved
• We wish to determine the specific services that are expected to be provided from the third party
• Payment is expected or required by the third party

If you believe an honorarium is appropriate for a given situation and are not familiar with the Baylor process for honorariums, please reach out to the Student Life Business Officer if you have questions about how to process an honorarium (or you can e-mail Student_Life@baylor.edu).