Relocation Reimbursement

Moving Information

The Grant Administration and Finance area provides pre-award and post award administrative support to all Life Sciences Faculty. Service includes assistance in grant submission, processing of Material Transfer Forms, monitoring of faculty grant awards, start-up funds, and discretionary accounts. Contact our area for moving and relocation advances.

New Faculty Frequently Asked Questions

What is the University of Michigan allotment for moving/relocation expenses?

The Standard Practice Guide states faculty and staff are entitled to 1/12 of their salary for moving/relocation expenses. There are exceptions to this guideline with approval from a higher authority.

How do I receive an advance for my household/family moving & relocation expenses?

Please obtain moving expense quotations from at least two companies. Send the quotations to the Life Sciences Institute (LSI) along with a listing of other anticipated relocation expenses such as meals, lodging, mileage, etc. LSI will complete a Moving Advance Request form and a Promissory Note will be issued by the University. Once you sign and return the Promissory Note, the University of Michigan will issue a check.

Is there anything else I need to do once my move is complete?

Within 30 days of your move, please provide the LSI with all moving expense receipts. A Form G is completed and the University may owe you money or you may owe money back to the University. If you owe money to the University, you will have to write a check at this time.

How do I transfer my grants to the University of Michigan from my old institution?

Let your current institution and funding organization know about your impending move. Contact Kate Blakeman (blakeman@umich.edu) at the Life Sciences Institute for specifics about your particular grant(s). The process and paperwork vary depending upon the funding institution. However, the steps are the same: old institution must relinquish the grant, new institution and PI need to request the transfer, and the granting organization must approve the transfer request.

If the official award notice has not been sent by the funding organization, and I have already moved to Michigan, can I spend the grant money at LSI?

Yes, we can set up what we call a "Hardship Account". In order to qualify, your transfer request must have been submitted to the funding agency. There is a Hardship Request form to complete - Kate Blakeman or Maggie Herron (maggieva@umich.edu) will help you with this process. Once approved by Division of Research Administration, Financial Operations sets up an account and you are able to spend on that grant.