Signature Authority
End users within departments/schools typically do NOT have the authority to sign ANY contracts or agreements with outside parties in the name of the University or one of its departments/schools.
Contracts and agreements that need to be signed by the University MUST be reviewed by the Office of General Counsel (OGC). OGC may also forward contracts and agreements for the purchase of products and services to PRS for review to make sure appropriate policies and procedures were followed in the selection of vendors. Accordingly, a Bid Documentation Form (BD-1) 
(doc) or Sole Source Justification Form (SSJ-1) (doc) should accompany the contract/agreement to be reviewed. Once the contract/agreement is reviewed and approved, it will be forwarded to the appropriate officer of the University for signature.
These are the officers authorized to sign contracts and agreements on behalf of the University:
- President
- Provost
- Senior Vice President or Vice President
In some cases, the above officers may have expressly delegated limited signature authority in writing to another University employee or position. Certain Associate and Assistant Vice Presidents, Deans, Associate Provosts, and Directors have been delegated authority to execute contracts under $25,000 per year. Check with your unit or department to determine if a particular person has been delegated authority, or the end user can contact the Office of General Counsel.
PRS and OGC work together to streamline the contract review and signature process.
