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Contract Signature Authority

In order to carry on the day-to-day business of Auburn University, it is necessary for the President to delegate signature authority to certain departments and individuals occupying unique positions at the University. The document shown below reflects the approved delegated signature authority for most documents which typically result in some financial obligation or consequence for Auburn University. Please keep in mind that outside specific delegated signature authority, no individual has the authority to commit Auburn University contractually to goods and services, leased space, sponsored agreements and other types of agreements.

The departments and/or positions listed have the final authority to sign and obligate the University, however, University policies and processes may dictate various levels of internal review and signature before final signature. Please note that the University may enter into various other types of agreements not specifically listed. If your position does not have specific authority to enter into some contractual agreement with an outside party, you should pursue the appropriate signature with the department/position listed which most closely resembles the type of contract/agreement at issue. Proceeding to sign without authority could result in personal liability and present risks for the University.

Contract Signature Authority by Document Type

Type Final Signature authority *
Advertising contracts PPS
Assignment of Rights agreements VPR
Athletic event contracts (game contract/settlements, broadcast contracts) Athletic Director
Building Commission agreements/forms Special Advisor to President, Facilities
Construction contracts (with additional approval of SAP, Facilities) PPS
Construction contracts approved by Board Special Advisor to Pres, Facilities
Contracts related to research, research compliance, sponsored projects, or technology transfer VPR
Contracts not otherwise defined that impose a financial obligation on the University PPS
Contracts related to the financial management of the University Executive Vice President
Contracts which impose a financial obligation on the University Executive Vice President
Documents as delegated by the President General Counsel
Employment contracts President
Entertainment contracts PPS
Equipment rental agreements > $2,500 PPS
Equipment rental agreements < or = $2,500 Department Head/Dean
Finance Agreements pertaining to the purchase of goods PPS
Gift agreements VP Development
Hotel contracts PPS
Insurance applications RMS
Insurance contract renewals and/or changes (after bid process) RMS
Insurance recovery releases RMS
International affiliate agreements Provost and/or President
Invention agreements VPR
Leases PPS
Licenses of Auburn owned technologies VPR
Maintenance agreements > $2,500 PPS
Maintenance agreements < or = $2,500 Department Head/Dean
Material transfer agreements VPR
OJI claims RMS
Patent agreements VPR
Proof of loss statements RMS
Public works contracts (with additional approval of SAP, Facilities) PPS
Purchase Orders PPS (limited signature for purchases delegated to Buyers)
Residency/Preceptorship agreement Provost
Royalty sharing agreements VPR
Settlements RMS (w/approval of EVP and dual signature of General Counsel)
Small Public Works contracts Special Advisor to President, Facilities, Strategic Procurement & Contracting Officer
Software licenses > $2,500 PPS
Software licenses < or = $2,500 Department Head/Dean
Space rental agreements PPS
Sponsored Research Contracts VPR **
Sponsored Research Grants VPR **
Sponsored Research Loan agreements VPR **
Sponsored Research Memoranda of understanding VPR **
Sponsored Research Non disclosure agreements VPR
Sponsored Research Agreements related to Auburn owned technologies VPR
Sponsored Research Teaming agreements VPR **
Start up company agreements VPR **
State Board of Adjustment claims Delegated by Executive Vice President
Third party financing agreements that pertain to the purchase of goods PPS
Vehicle acquisition (including application for title) PPS
Vehicle disposal (including bill of sale; title) Property Services

PPS - Procurement & Payment Services
VPR - Vice President for Research
RMS - Risk Management & Safety

*Department/position listed represents the final signature obligating the university. Other reviews and signatures as policy dictates may be necessary before the final authority approves.
**Coordinate with PPS as appropriate

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Business Office · Ingram Hall
Auburn University · Alabama 36849 USA
334-844-5588