What is an unauthorized purchase?
Any purchase made by a person without the authority to commit University funds is considered an Unauthorized Purchase. This means that the actual commitment for products or services over $1000, can be issued only by Purchasing Services. If you have given the verbal authorization to a vendor for over $1000, without a Purchase Order, you are in violation of University Policy. Purchasing Services has been given the responsibility, by the Board, for the selection of vendor, negotiation of price and assurance of quality and delivery. Vendors providing products and services (exceeding $1000) without the benefit of a Purchase Order may never receive payment.
A. Any commitment of University funds not authorized by a person with specific delegated procurement authority is unauthorized. This means that the actual commitment for goods or services must be placed only by the Purchasing Department. Unauthorized purchases invariably result in delay of payment to the vendor, no matter how well intentioned. Most unauthorized purchases result from the following misconceptions: “I thought I could make the commitment myself.” We all work for Syracuse University. Just as elsewhere in the public and private sector, we are not authorized to make financial commitments for this institution by virtue of our employment alone. Unless you have specific written procurement delegation, you do not have the authority to commit. Work with your department’s business office and Purchasing. We are here to support you. “There wasn’t time to get authorization.” Using the procedures for “Rush Orders” or “Emergency Purchases,” we can provide immediate authorization when ju
