All contracts providing for expenditure of University funds or resources must be reviewed and approved by the OGC prior to signature by any University employee. The only individuals who may sign a contract binding the University are those who have been authorized by the Board of Regents.

The OGC approves contracts as to legal form but not as to substance, meaning that the contract originator is responsible for the contract’s substantive content. OGC review focuses on legal issues surrounding the contract, such as its term or length and whether the contract contains any provisions that are not in the best interest of the University.

Approval by the OGC is not a substitute for other required administrative review processes, which may be set out in University rules, policies, and regulations. In addition to obtaining OGC approval, it is necessary that all applicable departments and administrative authorities review and approve any contract prior to signature.

The following are the procedures for submitting contracts to the OGC for review and approval:

1. Please submit the contract to the OGC with a cover letter. Please state in the cover letter who the contact person is and the name of the individual who will be signing the contract.
2. Upon receipt, the OGC will review the contract as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, this review may take several days or weeks depending on the workload. If you need an expedited review of the contract, please include this information in the cover letter. We will attempt to accommodate you to the extent possible.
3. Upon review of the contract, a letter will be prepared outlining the proposed modifications to the contract or approving final execution. There are standard contract provisions, which protect the University. The provisions should be included in all contracts. Once review is complete, a letter will be forwarded to you to discuss recommended modifications with the contractor.
4. If the contractor disagrees with the proposed modifications, contact the OGC for assistance.
5. Once the modifications are complete, forward the revised contract to the OGC for final approval.
6. If the modified contract is acceptable, the contract along with a letter approving final execution will be forwarded to the individual with signing authority.
7. Upon final execution, please forward a signed copy of the contract to the Office of General Counsel.

If you have questions about these procedures or about contracts in general, please contact the Office of General Counsel at 713-313-7950.