Procedures for
Purchase Order, Check Request and Petty Cash Forms
Remember to allow 10 business days for approval and payment processing.
The following procedures are intended to be used by those who have purchasing authority over Foundation projects and programs. These procedures have been developed within the guidelines of the Foundation Procurement Policy and, accordingly, are separate from University purchasing policies and procedures.
Purchasing of goods or services is typically performed through the use of the following methods:
Purchase Orders (click here for form)
If purchasing computers, please refer to computer purchase procedures.
If purchasing hazardous materials, please contact your Foundation administrator for special procedures.
Purchase Order forms should be used when purchasing any item or service $100 or more through vendors who can invoice the Foundation. Occasionally, purchase orders may be used for expenditures under $100 (for instance, if it is a requirement of the vendor). Most purchases and all reimbursements less than $100 will be processed with a Check Request or Petty Cash form (see below).
Please review the procurement policy before completing the purchase order form. Instructions for completing the purchase order form are included in the document and on the tutorial sheet of the document. Purchase orders must be submitted at least 10 business days prior to any event or any deposit due.
After the Foundation assign a PO number to the order, the requesting department notifies the vendor of the number and reminds them to include the PO number on their invoice.
Once the order is received...
Save all packing slips. Write the purchase order number and date on the packing slip. Keep the packing slip for your records and available for inspection should Foundation auditors require review.
A copy of the purchase order should be sent to the Foundation marked "OK/received/OK to pay," signed and dated.
In most cases, vendor invoices are mailed directly to the Foundation. However, an invoice may be sent directly to the department or included with the shipment. Please make sure that all original invoices are sent to the Foundation for payment and marked "OK to pay," signed and dated (keep a copy for your records). If an original invoice cannot be secured, contact Foundation Accounts Payable for alternative procedures. Monthly statements are not considered original invoices.
*P.O.'s must be signed by an authorized Project Signer. The "Okay to Pay" on an invoice may be signed by the University or Foundation employee receiving the goods.
If the final invoice amount differs from the purchase order amount by $50 or more, a purchase order amendment must be completed and submitted to the Foundation for approval and processing.
Check Requests (click here for form)
Check requests are used for purchases not initiated through Purchase Orders, reimbursement for purchases that do not fall under the purchase order guidelines and for reimbursements totaling more than $50 (reimbursements under $50 should use the Petty Cash form).
A check request may be used for expense advances (travel advances must use the travel request form).
Steps and guidelines in competing the Check Request form:
Complete all information on form. Be sure to include a complete description of the purpose of the expense, which must adhere to procurement policy. All meal reimbursements must include names of people of attendance.
Check advance box and sign advance section if appropriate.
Have the request signed by a person authorized to sign on the project.
Attach original receipts and any other backup documentation. Copies or faxes of receipts are not allowed.
Any expense advances will be required to be cleared by submitting original expense documentation within 30 days of the advance. New advances will not be issued until old advances are cleared.
Check requests must be submitted to the Foundation at least 10 business days before the check is needed.
Petty Cash (click here for form)
The Petty Cash form should only be used for reimbursements under $50. The Petty Cash form is submitted to the Foundation for approval. Once approved, it is then returned to the individual who then receives their cash reimbursement from the campus cashier's office.