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PER (Professional Expense Reimbursement) provides funding for expenses that relate directly to your current responsibilities for teaching, research, professional, or general university duties.

Yes. PER operates under two programs:

• One for academic staff with continuing, contingent term, and limited term appointments
• One for academic staff with sessional appointments

PER is administered in accordance with the applicable collective agreement provisions.

PER allocations are determined by your status on July 1 with a max benefit of $1,750 per benefit year. Allocations may be pro-rated, depending on your individual circumstances: 

• New hire part way through the academic year: pro-rated based on service months remaining in the academic benefit year
• Less than 0.8 FTE: Pro‑rated based on FTE
• Leave with partial pay: Eligible on a pro‑rated basis
• Full leave without pay (>65 days): Not eligible during leave; pro‑rated allocation upon return
• Full LTD: Not eligible during full LTD; pro‑rated allocation upon return (including partial return)

Leaves where eligibility continues: Research and Scholarship Leaves, Professional Fellowships, paid maternity or parental leave, and Assisted Study Leaves

Sessional PER is based on teaching duties during the benefit year (July 1 to June 30). You are entitled to $175 per half course equivalent (HCE), up to a maximum of $1,750 per benefit year.

• Purchase timing: Expenses must be purchased in and relate to the current academic year (July 1–June 30)/sessional appointment.
• Submission deadline: Claims must be submitted within two months after June 30 (August 31).
• Returning from leave: Claims may be submitted by September 30.
• Early submission: Claims may be submitted at any time during the academic year.

• Recommended: Submit during an active sessional appointment.
• Allowed: Up to three months after the end of the sessional appointment.
• Important: Expenses must have been incurred during the sessional appointment.

In general: Expenses must relate to your professional duties and be paid by you first (not previously reimbursed by the university).

Examples include:

• Books, textbooks, magazines, and transcripts
• Subscriptions
• Office equipment for professional duties
• Computers and devices (e.g., laptop, tablet, iPad, Kindle) 
  • Excludes home TVs, sound systems, and gaming equipment
• Internet and phone charges (receipt must show your name and payment)
• Professional materials or supplies, including software
• Mandatory professional fees (e.g., police checks)
• Professional training courses
• Memberships in professional associations or learned societies
• Business meeting expenses (agenda and attendee list required)
• Travel or local expenses related to meetings or research activities, in accordance with university travel requirements

Seek clarity on items not noted here prior to incurring the expense. UService: UService | University of ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù  

Common examples include:

• Gifts
• Personal items
• Items without valid proof of payment
• Expenses previously reimbursed by the university
• Services provided to you by third parties (e.g., editing, writing, marking)
• Expenses for other individuals (employees or students)
• University parking
• Alcohol or medical expenses
• Expenses covered by another university program (e.g., Tuition Support, relocation)
• Immigration or citizenship costs
• Food and beverages not directly tied to a professional meeting or training
• Interest or administrative charges
• General‑interest or non‑professional training
• Recreation or fitness memberships
• Payments to hire individuals (e.g., honoraria, students, family members)
• Subject fees
• Home entertainment equipment

Seek clarity on items not noted here prior to incurring the expense. UService: UService | University of ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù  

Each claim must include evidence showing that the expense was paid.

Acceptable documentation includes:

• Itemized receipts

**Receipts must clearly show the first and last name of the person receiving the service or product; date of service; name of the service product; amount charged, which has been marked as paid in full (zero balance owing). If this information is not included, it will result in requests for more information and delay the claim. 

Not sufficient on its own:

• Debit or credit card terminal slips without an itemized receipt or invoice.

• Online: Alberta Blue Cross member account   
• Mobile: Alberta Blue Cross mobile app
• Form option: Submit a claim form found 

Alberta Blue Cross Assistance:

•  
• Customer Service: 403.234.9666 | 
  • ABC’s customer service operating hours are Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time

•    Professional Expense Reimbursement claims are processed daily. To receive a payment, you must have credits available in your account, the expenses submitted must be eligible for payment through the PER benefit and be in excess of $20.00. If the claim is less than $20.00 it will be held for a future claim that when combined exceeds $20.00. Otherwise, all claims over $2.00 are paid out at the end of the benefit year.

•    If there is claim activity on your account, you will receive reimbursement by cheque or direct deposit to your bank account. You may select your preferred payment method by contacting ABC.

•    A current Canadian bank account and an email address on file at the University of ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù is required for direct deposit.

No. You have sole access to your ABC portal. For security reasons, please do not provide the log in information to others to action on your behalf. 

No. PER claims are submitted through Alberta Blue Cross and are not processed through T&E or PCards.

• PER is administered in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency requirements
• Because PER reimbursements are not reported as taxable income, the expenses cannot be claimed as tax deductions

• Unused funds may be carried forward to the first and second succeeding years
• Maximum balance: $5,250 at any time (current year + two carry‑forward years)
• Extensions beyond two years may be approved in exceptional circumstances

• Funds may be carried forward within the same academic year
• Funds may also carry into the next academic year if a subsequent sessional appointment is held

Claims should be submitted while you are actively employed in an eligible appointment.

No. Items purchased using PER funds are considered property of the university. Upon leaving, follow university disposal guidance (items are typically returned to your department or faculty).

You can either review ABC’s information guide:  or reach out to ABC Customer Service: 403.234.9666 |  (Monday to Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

Reach out to ABC Customer Service to learn more about why the expense was denied. ABC Customer Service: 403.234.9666 |   (Monday to Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

Reach out to UService: UService | University of ²»Á¼Ñо¿Ëù