Contracts with External Parties

I.           General Policy Statement

This policy identifies who is authorized to execute agreements and other legally-binding instruments on behalf of the University.

II.          Reason for Policy/Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure compliance with the University’s Bylaws and applicable federal and state law.

III.          Policy

Syracuse University policy authorizes only the following University officers and designated employees to sign contracts with external parties on behalf of the University or its individual schools, colleges, and departments. University officers and employees other than those listed here do not have the authority to sign such contracts.

  • Chancellor
  • Vice Chancellors, including the Provost
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  • Senior Vice President and General Counsel
  • University Secretary
  • The Comptroller and Treasurer may review and execute, on behalf of the University, routine contracts, including, without limitation, contracts for hotel arrangements, travel, artist performances, athletic games, liquor licenses, construction, and other similar transactions. The Comptroller and Treasurer may also review and approve routine financial transactions, including, without limitation, vendor payment approvals, transfers of funds between operations and the endowment, and other similar transactions. Construction contracts valued at $1,000,000 or greater and all other non-routine contracts valued at $100,000 or greater require review by the University Comptroller and the University Treasurer, and signature by the Chief Financial Officer.
  • The Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer may review and execute, on behalf of the University, contracts relating to an individual’s employment at Syracuse University, consultant agreements relating to Human Resources activity, and contracts relating to benefits and benefit plans. Contracts valued at $500,000 or greater require review by the University Budget Director and signature by the Chief Financial Officer.
  • The Senior Associate Vice President for Real Estate and Asset Management may review and execute, on behalf of the University, contracts related to real estate transactions, including, without limitation, leasing agreements, up to $250,000. Contracts valued at $250,000 or greater require review by the University Budget Director and signature by the Chief Financial Officer.
  • The Vice President and Chief Information Officer may review and execute, on behalf of the University, contracts for computing up to $250,000. Contracts valued at $250,000 or greater require review by the University Budget Director and signature by the Chief Financial Officer.
  • The Vice President for Research may execute, on behalf of the University, grant agreements, license agreements and other contracts associated with the University’s research and technology transfer functions up to $750,000. He or she is also authorized to sign any documents necessary or advisable in connection with those contracts, including without limitation documents necessary to substantiate compliance with legal or contractual requirements imposed in connection with the contracts. Grant agreements, license agreements, and other contracts valued at $750,000 or greater require review by the University Budget Director and signature by the Chief Financial Officer.
  • The Director of Sponsored Programs may execute, on behalf of the University, grant agreements, license agreements and other contracts associated with the University’s research and technology transfer functions, up to $500,000. He or she is also authorized to sign any documents necessary or advisable in connection with those contracts, including without limitation documents necessary to substantiate compliance with legal or contractual requirements imposed in connection with the contracts. Contracts valued at $500,000 or greater require review by the University Budget Director and signature by the Chief Financial Officer.

Additional Provisions

  • The Office of the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer is the designated custodian of all contracts with external parties, and all such contracts should be sent to that office, or offices designated by him, for filing and safe keeping.
  • The Department of Public Safety must be consulted and provide authorization before contracting for services with an outside security firm.
  • The Office of Human Resources should be consulted on matters relating to separation of employment contracts.
  • The Risk Management Department should be consulted on risk-related matters contained in contracts with external parties, including all matters relating to insurance.
  • The Office of the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the Comptroller’s Office, or the Treasurer’s Office should be consulted on tax-related matters contained in contracts with external parties.
  • The Office of the Senior Vice President for Enrollment and the Student Experience should be consulted on contracts related to the student experience.

Policy Administration

IV.          To Whom Does This Policy Apply

Select all that apply:

 

☐ Students  ☒ Faculty    ☒ Staff     ☐ Visitors/General Public     ☐ Other___________________

 

V.              Appendices (as applicable)

A.   Procedures

For questions about signing authority or contract procedures, please contact the Comptroller’s Office at comptrol@syr.edu or 315-443-3765.

B.   Definitions

None

C.   Forms

To be developed

D.   Other Related Policies and Documents

E.    Frequently Asked Questions

 

For questions about this policy, signing authority, or contract procedures, please contact the Comptroller’s Office at comptrol@syr.edu or 315-443-3765.

Amended:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     July 2019

February 2018

November 2017
February 2007
August 2012