What’s common practice in reimbursing board members for expenses incurred to attend a board meeting?

At independent institutions, it’s typical for trustees to pay their own travel expenses for board meetings. Meals and special events are often covered by the institution and sometimes accommodations for retreats are included. Expenses for members of religious orders or other special members may also be covered (students, for example).

Public institutions are different, and often have some stipend or travel allowance for board members.