Cost Containment Measures
April 25, 2025
In alignment with recent leadership’s communications regarding Northwestern’s financial challenges, several cost containment measures have been implemented to ensure responsible stewardship of University resources. These include:
- Personnel Expense Oversight
- Non-Personnel Expense Reduction
- Pre-Approval for Expenditures Over $25,000
Pre-approval of expenditures overs $25,000
- New Contracts over $25,000: All new contracts valued at $25,000 or more must be submitted and approved through the online pre-approval form prior to signing. The form must be completed by an Associate Dean, VP of Finance, or their authorized representative after the school or unit has documented and confirmed the expense is essential. If approved, the email confirmation should be retained and referenced throughout the contract review and signature process, as well as any related requisitions or payment requests.
- Requisitions, Payments, and Expense Reports: Submit these through NUFinancials with all required supportive documentation. The Office of the CFO is added to workflow using the ad hoc approval process. Please note that requisitions must be submitted before goods are delivered to ensure a Purchase Order is issued to the vendor. Additionally, for most services, a Purchase Order should be issued to the vendor before services are rendered as well. After-the-fact requisitions for goods or services already received will not be approved.
- Direct Payment Requests (DPRs) and Wire Transfers: Submit these requests via email to electronictransfers@northwestern.edu with all appropriate supportive documentation. Requests are escalated to the Office of the CFO through this email process.
Timing and Resources
Please allow up to 2 weeks for review and approval decision. For full details and updates, visit the Cost Containment Measures webpage.