Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I contact if I have workshop-related questions?

Email Chelsea Davis (cdavis@renci.org)  

How can I get more information about upcoming MERIF news?

Fill out our MERIF Contact Us Form to get added to our MERIF community listerv. 

MERIF Travel Stipend Reimbursement FAQs

1. Who will receive reimbursement instructions?

If you have been approved for a MERIF travel stipend, Chelsea Davis will email you instructions before and after the workshop. Please review these instructions carefully.

2. What expenses may be eligible for reimbursement?

Please retain receipts for eligible expenses, including:

• Airfare

• Hotel accommodations

• Workshop registration

• Taxi, Uber, or other ground transportation

• Rental car expenses

• Gas for a rental car used in connection with the workshop

3. Are food receipts required?

No. Participants will receive a per diem for meals not provided as part of the workshop, so additional food receipts are not required.

4. Who determines currency conversions and per diem rates?

The Finance Office will determine all currency conversions and applicable per diem rates.

5. Can I submit a receipt shared with another attendee?

No. Each participant must submit their own individual receipts. Please do not submit shared receipts. If you shared an expense with another attendee, email Chelsea Davis at cdavis@renci.org and explain which person should receive reimbursement for that expense.

6. When should I submit my reimbursement documents?

Please do not submit any documents until you receive the post-workshop email from Chelsea Davis requesting them. That email will include a required UNC form and instructions for submitting your documentation.

7. In what format should documents be submitted?

All reimbursement documents and receipts must be submitted as individual PDF files. Incorrect file formats may delay processing.

8. How long do I have to submit my receipts?

You must submit all required documents within 30 days after the workshop. For the MERIF26 Workshop, which ends on September 30, 2026, the submission deadline is October 30, 2026. Reimbursements cannot be processed after the deadline.

9. When can I expect payment?

Payments are generally expected 14–18 business days after you receive confirmation from Chelsea Davis that your complete documents have been submitted to the Finance Office.

10. What could delay my reimbursement?

Payments may be delayed if:

• Required documents or receipts are missing;

• Receipts are submitted in an incorrect format;

• Shared expenses are not properly explained;

• The required UNC form is incomplete; or

• Submission instructions are not followed.