Know the Code - Principle 7

Fostering Mission

The University is exempt from federal taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As a tax-exempt entity, the University must ensure the appropriate stewardship of its resources in furtherance of its educational mission. Decisions relating to the University must be made in an impartial manner designed to further the best interest of the University and not to confer inappropriate benefits or to improperly enrich any private person or organization. Members of the University community are expected to be good stewards of the University's resources, to ensure that contracts or business transactions are in the best interest of the University and are consistent with fair market value, and to avoid using University resources or property for their own personal use or benefit, or to benefit a third party.

UR community members are expected to:

Use University property, equipment, finances, materials, electronic and other systems, and other resources only for University purposes or accepted incidental purposes as explained in other relevant University policies;

Prevent waste and abuse;

Promote efficient operations;

Follow appropriate protocols for obligating the University by contract/agreement;

Follow sound financial practices, including accurate inventory accounting, financial reporting, responsible fiscal management, and internal controls;

Engage in appropriate accounting and monitoring; and

Only destroy or discard documents, records, reports, etc. when authorized to do so.

Key Policies, Statements, and Guidelines

Contract Management Policy

Record Retention Policy

Use of Income from Endowed Chairs

Procurement Policy

Delegation of Contract Approval

Signature Authorization Policy

Code of Ethics

Use of University Funds and Financial Responsibility

Reporting and Investigating Suspected Financial Fraud, Waste and Abuse

Travel Policy

Allowable and non allowable expenses

Employee Reimbursement Guidelines

Policy on Political Campaign Activities on Campus

Examples of Prohibited Conduct

  • Use of University resources for personal gain.
  • Signing contracts on behalf of the University when not authorized to do so.
  • Misusing or wasting University resources.
  • Purchasing from a non-contract vendor when a University contract exists unless authorized by the Office of Procurement.