FSS/PPS 03.08 - Discretionary Budgets and Expenditures

POLICY STATEMENTS

1. This Finance and Support Services (FSS) policy and procedures statement establishes policy guidelines for providing sound financial stewardship through accounting, budgeting, monetary management systems, and fundraising activities that maximize Texas State University’s fiscal posture.

2. A limited amount of discretionary (auxiliary, designated, and unrestricted gift) funds will be allocated annually for food, refreshments, or achievement awards (e.g., faculty receptions, commencement, retirement receptions, award banquets, school receptions, division receptions, receptions for important guest speakers, etc.).

3. UPPS No. 03.01.03, Allowable Purchases of Awards and Flowers establishes the policy for the purchase of awards and flowers.

BUDGET PREPARATION PROCEDURES FOR DISCRETIONARY EXPENDITURES

1. Presidential Functions – A separate account has been set up in the designated fund group for food for presidential events coordinated by the director of Special Projects.

   The director of Special Projects is responsible for presidential functions (e.g., breakfasts, luncheons, dinners at the president’s home), university functions (e.g., service awards), LBJ Picnic, dedications, and Texas State University System (TSUS) Board of Regents events. Alcohol purchases for these events must be routed through the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Support Services (VPFSS).

2. Division or College Functions – For division or college functions, the treasurer will prepare a budget for food, refreshments, or achievement awards for each division and each college. The trea may consult with the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs (VPAA) regarding allocations to the colleges, for commencement, to the Center for the Study of the Southwest, and Research and Sponsored Programs.

   The treasurer may consult the VPFSS regarding allocations for safety awards and New Employee Welcome.

   The treasurer may consult with the vice president for Information Technology (VPIT) regarding the allocation for the Southwest Writers Collection.

3. University Functions – For other university functions, the treasurer will prepare budgets using the following guidelines:

   1. Academic Enrichment – Funds are allocated for refreshments and plaques for the annual Presidential Seminar.

   2. Special Receptions – A budget of $400 per reception is set aside to help pay for special receptions (e.g., for faculty and regular staff retiring with 15 or more years of service, for vice presidents or deans promoted to other universities, and for employees resigning with 15 years or more of service). All requests for funds must be submitted to the treasurer for approval. Exceptions can be made with the approval of the appropriate division vice president and the VPFSS.

   3. New Faculty Orientation – Funds are allocated to the provost and VPAA for New Faculty Orientation.

   4. Division Appreciation Events – Funds are allocated to the President’s Office, provost and VPAA (non-faculty only), vice president for University Advancement, vice president for Student Success, VPFSS, VPIT, and Athletics, for division appreciation events. Using personnel reports, a calculation of $10 per employee determines the annual allocation.

   5. Miscellaneous Expense – A budget of $10,000 is set aside for unplanned events. Quarterly Texas State team receptions at $150 each are also included in this budget.

   6. President’s Cabinet Retreat – The treasurer will seek budget information from the special assistant to the president.

   7. Program for Excellence – The treasurer will seek budget information from the associate provost for Academic Affairs.

4. The treasurer will merge all budgets into one and determine if available funding sources will be sufficient for the new budget.

   1. If funding is sufficient, the budget allocations will be sent out by the treasurer. The treasurer will provide each account manager instructions for Payment Request by e-NPO and Texas Sales and Use Tax Resale Certificate form upon notification of their allocations.

   2. If funding is insufficient, the treasurer will submit a request for increased funds to the president via the VPFSS.

FSS RETIREMENTS

1. FSS Retirement Letters – A retirement letter to a retiring employee is optional. Employees with 15 years or more service may receive a letter from the VPFSS. An employee with less than 15 years of service may be sent a retirement letter by their department head.

2. FSS Retirement Plaques – An engraved retirement plaque is optional. The FSS Division will present an engraved plaque to any FSS employee that retires after 10 years of service within their division.

PROCEDURE REGARDING OUT-OF-CYCLE NEEDS

1. During the fiscal year, budget increases and new budgets may be necessary. These will be submitted by the treasurer via the VPFSS to be approved by the president.

PROCEDURES FOR DISCRETIONARY FUND PURCHASES

1. A purchase requisition must be used for the purchase of food, refreshments, or achievement awards from vendors. Purchase requisitions will be released by the treasurer to Procurement Services for handling.

2. A purchase of food, refreshments, or achievement awards made by the special account manager, or designee, using personal funds does not require a purchase requisition, and reimbursement must be requested using the e-NPO process.

3. Procurement cards may be obtained from the VPFSS Office for acquisition of items when neither a requisition nor reimbursement of funds is used.

REVIEWER OF THIS PPS

1. Reviewer of this PPS includes the following:

   Position	Date
   Treasurer	June 1 E4Y

CERTIFICATION STATEMENT

This PPS has been approved by the following individuals in their official capacities and represents Texas State Finance and Support Services policy and procedure from the date of this document until superseded.

Treasurer; senior reviewer of this PPS

Vice President for Finance and Support Services