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  • Open Comment Period: August 7 - August 18, 2017

    In this open comment period: 13 – Accounting: Account for Financial Activity of Revenue-Generating Events

    Welcome!

    In this Open Comment Period we present new policy and procedural information to provide guidance to units on how to properly account for revenues and expenses related to various types of revenue-generating events including, but not limited to: conferences; seminars; symposia; workshops; banquets; fundraising events; galas; and student/alumni events.

    Please take a few moments to review this policy and submit your feedback. Thank you!

  • Open Comment Period: October 11 - October 22, 2021

    Section 19.4.1 Electronic Signatures

    Welcome to the CFO Business and Finance Policy Office Open Comment Blog!

    The Office of the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Comptroller announces an open comment period (beginning 10/11/21 and closing 10/22/21) to present updates concerning the responsibility for maintaining verification records of documents with electronic signatures.

    Please review the proposed changes and provide feedback.

    Contact: For questions contact OBFS Policies at or obfspolicies@uillinois.edu.

  • Open Comment Period: May 1-15, 2019

    Equipment Reporting Threshold Policy Updates

    Welcome to the Office of Business and Financial Services Open Comment Blog!

    The Office of Business and Financial Services is hosting an open comment period, beginning May 1 and closing May 15 at 5 p.m. CT. In this open comment period updates to equipment reporting threshold policies are presented.

    The updates proposed are to existing threshold policies that reference equipment reporting threshold, 7.3, 12.1.2, 12.1.6, 12.1.7, 12.1.8, 12.3.7, 16 Sponsored Projects Cost Principles, and 16.1.4. These changes increase the equipment reporting threshold from $500 to $1000.

    Contact: For questions contact OBFS Policies at (312) 585-9049 or obfspolicies@uillinois.edu.

  • Open Comment Period: July 27 - August 7, 2020

    Fiscal Environment

    Welcome to the CFO Business and Finance Policy Office Open Comment Blog!

    The Office of the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer & Comptroller announces an open comment period, beginning July 27th and closing August 7th at 5 p.m. CT to present improvements to Section 1 of the Business and Financial Policies and Procedures Manual. The proposed revisions and simiplificaitons are being presented as, "1 Fiscal Environment". These updates will replace the existing policies found in, "1 Introduction to Business and Financial Functions at the University of Illinois".

    Please review the proposed changes and provide feedback.

    Contact: For questions contact OBFS Policies at (312) 585-9049 or obfspolicies@uillinois.edu.

  • 9.1.2 Open Comment Period: August 29 - September 12, 2023

    The Office of the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Comptroller announces an open comment period for Policy 9.1.2 Segregation of Duties in Enterprise-wide Applications for Procurement and Tracking of Equipment from August 29 to September 12, 2023. This policy mitigates the risks of non-segregation of duties by prohibiting certain role combinations for enterprise-wide systems. Access to enterprise-wide applications by an employee with a prohibited role combination is only allowed after obtaining advance approval for an exception request.

    Highlights include:

    • Identification of the role combinations prohibited from access to enterprise-applications.
    • An exception request is required, including a risk mitigation plan and internal review procedures before an employee with a prohibited role combination may access enterprise-applications.
    • Outlining the exception request submission process, which must be re-requested every two years.

    NOTE: The Exception Request Form is not yet ready; the link will be provided when the policy goes live.

    Files

    Contact

    • If you have questions about the updates to policy, please contact the CFO Business and Finance Policy Office at obfspolicies@uillinois.edu.
  • Open Comment Period: November 28 - December 9, 2022

    The Office of the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Comptroller announces an open comment period (beginning 11/28/22 and closing 12/09/22) for policy updates concerning a unit incurring expenses to lease, or provide a house stipend for, a residence or apartment used by employees in support of the Mission & Vision of the system.

    Highlights include:

    • Requirement to create a business case document explaining how the lease supports the Mission & Vision of the system and addressing how the lease of space benefits the unit in relation to its cost.
    • Procedure for a short term residence expense reimbursement (one year or less).
    • Procedure for a long term residence stipend (more than one year).

    Contact

  • Open Comment Period: February 07 - 21, 2019

    Welcome!

    The Office of Business and Financial Services is hosting an open comment period, beginning February 7th and closing February 21th at 5 p.m. CT. In this open comment period we present a new policy topic, Payments to Students. These new policies and procedures will be found in Section 8 Payments and Reimbursements of OBFS Policies and Procedures Manual.

    The proposed policies and procedures were developed from guidance created by University Student Financial Services and Cashier Operations (USFSCO) and outline eight types of common payments to students. These policies and procedures will codify existing University of Illinois System-wide requirements such as identifying the beneficiary of payment to a student and required tax reporting information. The information presented in the OBFS Policies and Procedures Manual will also display on the Payments to Students webpage, which will allow employees to see policy information along with existing university-specific process instructions.

    The open comment period allows stakeholders to provide input and ask questions about specific policies that affect University of Illinois System business and their work. To review the changes and submit comments, visit the open comment website. Feedback may also be submitted directly via email at obfspolicies@uillinois.edu.

    Contact: For questions contact OBFS Policies at (312) 585-9049 or obfspolicies@uillinois.edu.

  • Open Comment Period: May 17 - June 2, 2017

    In this Open Comment Period:

    Section 8 – Determine the Allowability of Specific Expenditures Financial Assistance and Sponsorship Payments to Outside Organizations

    Welcome!

    In this Open Comment Period we present updated policy and procedural information for processing financial assistance and sponsorship payments to outside organizations.

    Please take a few moments to review this policy and submit your feedback. Thank you!

  • Request Direct Payment for Approved Goods and Services

    Units may request direct payment for goods and services that are allowed on the Travel & Expense Management (TEM) Allowable Payments List. Items not contained in this list must be paid using other processes in accordance with the policies and procedures for such processes.

  • Open Comment Period: April 27 - May 12, 2017

    Welcome!

    In this Open Comment Period:

    Section 8 – Determine the Allowability of Business Meals and Refreshments (Business Meal Tips)

    Section 7.4 – Cash Purchases

    In this Open Comment Period we present updated policy and procedure information for procurement and payment related policies.

    Please take a few moments to review this policy and submit your feedback. Thank you!

  • Open Comment Period: May 5 - May 18, 2022

    Section 8.4.2 Electronic Codes for Human Subject Payments

    The Office of the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Comptroller announces an open comment period (beginning May 5th and closing May 18th) for 8.4.2 Electronic Codes for Human Subject Payments. 

    Highlights include:

    • Availability of eCodes as a cash equivalent to incentivize human subject participation in research projects.
    • The eCode creation process including designating individuals responsible for payments related to the study.
    • Information required to be provided in back-up documents.

    Please review the proposed changes and provide feedback that will be considered before the new policy is published. 

    Contact: For questions contact the Policy Office at 312/585-9071 or obfspolicies@uillinois.edu.

  • Open Comment Period: June 8 - June 21, 2022

    The Office of the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Comptroller announces an open comment period (beginning June 8th and closing June 21st) for a new policy outlining the proper way to process and account for postdoctoral fellowship payments within Banner. 

    Highlights include:

    • Definition of postdoctoral fellows and postdoctoral fellowships.
    • Ensuring postdoctoral fellows are aware of the applicable implications of receiving a postdoctoral fellowship payment (payment).
    • Types of payments (i.e., stipends and non-stipend).
    • Ensuring a valid accounting string (i.e., C-FOAP) is used to process payments.
    • Using the correct process to initiate the payment, which varies by university.

    Contact

    For questions contact the Policy Office at (312) 585-9071 or obfspolicies@uillinois.edu.

  • Open Comment Period: July 29 - August 9, 2019

    Welcome to the Office of Business and Financial Services Open Comment Blog!

    The Office of Business and Financial Services is hosting an open comment period, beginning July 29 and closing August 9 at 5 p.m. CT. In this open comment period we present updates to the existing relocation assistance policies. The proposed updates are being presented as, 8.11 Relocation Payments. The open comment period allows stakeholders to provide input and ask questions about specific policies that affect University of Illinois System business and their work.

    Please review the policy and provide feedback.

  • 15.1.5 Open Comment Period: September 14 - September 28, 2023

    The Office of the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Comptroller announces an open comment period for a new policy titled: 15.1.5 International Travel Insurance from September 14 to September 28, 2023. This policy requires University of Illinois System employees traveling internationally on system business to enroll in international travel insurance.

    The system pays the insurance premium for system business travel for employees, but enrollment is required in order to properly document travel and coverage and ensure reimbursement of travel expenses.

    Highlights include:

    Files

    Contact

    • If you have questions about the updates to policy, please contact the CFO Business and Finance Policy Office at obfspolicies@uillinois.edu.
  • Open Comment Period: November 19 - December 17, 2020

    Contracts

    Welcome to the CFO Business and Finance Policy Office Open Comment Blog!

    The Office of the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Comptroller announces an open comment period (beginning 11/19/20 and closing 12/17/20) to present updates and additions to policies and procedures relating to contracts and the contracting process.

    Please review the proposed changes and provide feedback.

    Contact: For questions contact OBFS Policies at or obfspolicies@uillinois.edu.

  • Open Comment Period: October 02 - 16, 2018

    Welcome!

    In this Open Comment Period:

    Section 15 – Additional Resources for 15.2 Travel Card (T-Card)

    Prohibited T-Card Purchases

    In this Open Comment Period we present updated policy information for Prohibited T-Card Purchases.

    Please take a few moments to review this policy and submit your feedback. Thank you!

  • 8.11 Relocation Assistance & 8.11.1 One-Time Moving Payment to the Employee - Open Comment Period: March 5 to March 20, 2024

    The polices related to moving expenses for new faculty and staff are being updated to eliminate a disconnect between the policies and definitions to confirm that only faculty and staff, but not graduate students, are eligible for moving expenses under these policies. The definition section has also been updated to reflect this correction.

    Files

    Contact

  • Open Comment Period: August 17 - September 8, 2017

    In this Open Comment Period: Section 8 - Payments to Human Subjects and Section 18.10

    Welcome!

    In this Open Comment Period we present updated policy and procedural information for processing payments to human subjects, in Section 8 and Section 18.10.

    Please take a few moments to review this policy and submit your feedback. Thank you!

  • 7.6 Open Comment Period: August 18 - August 24, 2023

    The Office of the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Comptroller announces an open comment period for Policy 7.6 The University Purchasing Card (P-Card) from August 18 to August 24, 2023. This policy removes the prohibition on having credit cards on file, increases the single transaction limit from $5,000 to $7,500, the credit limit has increased from $25,000 to $35,000, and certain items from have been renamed or moved from Prohibited Purchases to Restricted Purchases.

    Highlights include:

    • Departments can now purchase minimal fuel for work equipment (e.g., boats, tractors, etc.) using a p-card.
    • Utilities are now exempt from the House Accounts prohibition.
    • Lab Animals has been renamed Live Animals
    • Drugs and Pharmaceuticals has been renamed Prescription Drugs and Pharmaceuticals
    • Cellphone monthly service, labor and/or installation services, tuition fees for employees and students, and uniforms have been moved from Prohibited to Restricted Purchases.

    Files

    Contact

    • If you have questions about the updates to policy, please contact the CFO Business and Finance Policy Office at obfspolicies@uillinois.edu.
  • 8.1.1 Business Meals - Open Comment Period: November 17 - December 8, 2023

    The Office of the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Comptroller announces an open comment period for Policy 8.1.1 Business Meals, Refreshments, and Alcohol from Friday, November 17 to Friday, December 8, 2023. This policy update attempts to provide more clarification on this process.

    Highlights Include:

    • Added definitions for Business Meals, Food Supplies, Alcohol, Catered Event, and University Function
    • Added list of Approved and Non-Approved events for expenditure/reimbursement
    • Clarifies that students can attend business meals, catered events, or university functions IF (1) there is an educational component to the event, and (2) a faculty or staff member is present.
    • Added language that UIS requires pre-approval prior to serving alcohol
    • Lists the allowable funds to utilize for alcohol purchases

    Files

    Contact

    • If you have questions about the updates to policy, please contact the CFO Business and Finance Policy Office at obfspolicies@uillinois.edu.
  • Open Comment Period: November 15 - December 4, 2019

    Business Meals, Refreshments, and Alcohol

    Welcome to the CFO Business and Finance Policy Office Open Comment Blog!

    The Office of the Vice President and Comptroller is hosting an open comment period, beginning November 15th and closing December 4th at 5 p.m. CT, to present updates to existing business meals, refreshments, and alcohol policies in Section 8 Payments and Reimbursements of the Business and Financial Policies and Procedures Manual. The proposed policies are being presented as 8.1.1 Business Meals, Refreshments, and Alcohol.

    Please review the proposed changes and provide feedback.

    Contact: For questions contact OBFS Policies at (312) 585-9049 or obfspolicies@uillinois.edu.

  • Open Comment Period: October 24 - November 4, 2016

    In this Open Comment Period: Section 7.2 - Purchase Goods and Services

    Welcome!

    In this Open Comment Period we present updated policy and procedural information for purchasing goods and services, in Section 7.2 - Purchase Goods and Services.

    The changes were made to incorporate the requirements for small purchase competition now required under Section 4.2020 of the Higher Education Procurement Rules.  Additional changes are proposed throughout Section 7.2 to update all subsections. Updates also include a new Small Purchase Waiver form, and changes to the Electronic Services Purchased by P-Card form and Software Purchase by P-Card form.

    Adopted changes to Section 7.2 - Purchase Goods and Services will have an effective date of January 1, 2017.

    Please take a few moments to review this policy and submit your feedback. Thank you!

  • Open Comment Period: May 22 - June 5, 2023

    The Office of the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Comptroller announces an open comment period (beginning 05/22/23 and closing 06/05/23) for Headquarters and Travel Status. This policy has been updated to clarify when an employee is on travel status and define terms relating to the application of the policy.

    Highlights include:

    • Details concerning when an employee is on travel status.
    • When employee travel status begins and ends.
    • Fully remote employee reimbursement eligibility for occasional trips to campus.
    • Definitions of applicable terms.
    • Updated resources.

    Contact

    • If you have questions about the updates to policy, please contact the CFO Business and Finance Policy Office at (312) 585-9071 or obfspolicies@uillinois.edu.
  • Open Comment Period: March 23 - April 21, 2017

    In this Open Comment Period: Section 8 - Payments to Human Subjects and Section 18.10

    Welcome!

    In this Open Comment Period we present updated policy and procedural information for processing payments to human subjects, in Section 8 and Section 18.10.

    Please take a few moments to review this policy and submit your feedback. Thank you!