Student Journals: Journal Editorial Retreats

As of Fall 2023, the Law School initiated a new policy regarding using University-held funds for non-business related activities!

The Law School will reimburse for food and non-alcoholic beverages at in-person Law School meetings and events. The Law School will not reimburse for social events (e.g. rafting trips, playing laser tag, bowling, attending professional sporting events, going to the movies, wine tasting, or any similar entertainment events). This policy applies to all use of funds processed by the Law School regardless of its source (e.g. SABL, law Journal funds, Alumni Accounts, Centers, Departments).  If you are unclear whether it is something that can be reimbursed by the Law School please check in advance, before any money is spent, with the Journal Administrator (who will be in contact with Law School management).

Journals are still able to partake in these types of activities, however, they will need to be funded by external means-  membership dues, external checking accounts, members.

Beginning in the fall of 2023, the policy for Journal Editorial Retreats has been updated:

Unless there is a specific reason why a retreat needs to be at a particular location at which you need to spend the night, all retreats must be day retreats in the local area.

An example of a reason might be that your journal is meeting with a specific person who is at the out-of-town location.

Per the new policy referenced above, ONLY retreats that are not able to be done locally and thus require an overnight can be paid for using your university-funds.

Plan Ahead!:   If you think your journal's retreat falls under these guidelines, reach out to journals@law.berkeley.edu to inquire, providing the itinerary, what will be covered, and the reason why it cannot be held locally, and Kira will run it past the Law School's CFO to determine whether it qualifies.  If you receive the okay to proceed, see below for list to start planning your event.

If your retreat does not warrant needing to be out of town overnight, you can still host a retreat locally, for which you can use your university-held funds.  This can be held on or off-campus, and day trips are also allowable.  Contact journals@law.berkeley.edu with any questions

When beginning to plan a retreat:

1. Contact Journal Administrator well in advance to confirm your journal has funds to cover costs (that won't be subsidized by members)

2. Given your budget, look into various options for locations/ dates etc.

3. Contact vendor directly and obtain price quotation for your specific event

4. Email quote, and event details to journals@law.berkeley.edu  for Journal Administrator review and authorization for payment

5. If deposit is required, amount and date required must be specified in quotation

6. If food is included in the quote, you will need to submit an Entertainment Certification Form (ECF) along with vendor quotation