Applies to: Faculty (including part-time, adjunct and visiting faculty), postdoctoral scholars, staff and students (including graduate/undergraduate student workers and graduate assistants) employed by University of Southern California (“USC“ or the “University“) and including those working for Keck Medicine of USC (“USC Employees”). This policy continues to apply to individuals who are on sabbatical or other leaves, or who are visiting other institutions.
1. Policy
Issued: November 30, 2015
Last Reviewed: December 3, 2024
Last Revised: December 3, 2024
2. Policy Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for payments and reimbursements for memberships in various clubs and professional organizations. Absent an essential business purpose, the University generally does not pay for or reimburse dues or fees required for membership in Private Clubs.
3. Scope and Application
This policy applies to direct payments by the University, as well as reimbursed payments to faculty and staff, for membership fees or dues in any private club, including University affiliated clubs, professional organizations, and any other organization that limits access to individuals who pay initiation or ongoing fees or dues.
Payment to or reimbursement by the university for membership in or dues to a professional organization is allowed when in the name of the university (‘institutional membership’). A professional membership in the name of an individual is allowable when the annual renewal cost does not exceed $2,000. A membership in the name of an individual that costs more than $2,000 must be approved by the President or applicable senior vice president.
4. Definitions
| Term | Definition |
| Private Club | A private membership organization supported by dues, fees, charges, or other funds paid by the members. Examples include social clubs, country clubs, and sports clubs. |
| University-affiliated Club | Amy King Dundon-Berchtold University Club of USC |
| Professional Membership | Membership in a professional organization or club organized for business purposes related to an employee’s profession or line of work. Examples include business leagues, professional organizations, and trade associations such as medical, legal and accounting associations. |
5. Policy Details
Private club memberships
Payment to or reimbursement by the university for an individual’s membership in or dues to a private club is restricted to those employees who have co-signed with the President or applicable Senior Vice President the University’s Club Agreement prepared by the Office of the General Counsel. Effective January 1, 2025, for current employees, the University will continue paying/reimbursing monthly club dues for those executives who have a university-approved club membership as of that date. This is a taxable fringe benefit, and employees may be taxed on any dues paid/reimbursed by the University.
For new employees hired on or after January 1, 2025, club memberships will generally no longer be provided as a benefit paid for or reimbursed by the University.
University-affiliated club memberships
Payment to or reimbursement by the University of an individual’s annual membership in the Amy King Dundon-Berchtold University Club of USC is restricted to those employees who have obtained approval of their supervisor (appropriate Senior Vice President, Dean, or Vice President). The membership fee and all meal expenses incurred at the Amy King Dundon-Berchtold University Club of USC must be supported by receipts and business purpose.
Professional memberships
Payment to or reimbursement by the University of membership in or dues to a professional organization is permitted when the membership is in the name of the University. A professional membership in the name of an individual is permitted when the annual renewal cost does not exceed $2,000. A membership in the name of an individual that costs more than $2,000 must be approved in advance by the employee’s supervisor (appropriate Senior Vice President, Dean, or Vice President).
Airline club memberships
The University does not support the cost of airline club memberships except with advance written approval from the President or appropriate Senior Vice President.
Sponsored projects
Under no circumstances may membership fees of any kind be paid or reimbursed using a sponsored project account.
6. Procedures
N/A
7. Forms
N/A
8. Responsibilities
| Position or Office | Responsibilities |
| Financial and Business Services | Ensure all guidelines are met for payments and reimbursements for membershipss |
| Office of the General Counsel | Prepares the required University Club Agreements for signature by the appropriate parties. |
9. Related Information
N/A
10. Contacts
Please direct any questions regarding this policy to:
| Office | Phone |
| USC Financial and Business Services | (213) 740-2716 |