Princeton University has recently developed a University-wide policy, the Transaction Authority Policy, that governs who has authority to commit transactions and obligations with outside parties. The Woodrow Wilson School has developed a matrix outlining who has authority for preparing and approving the payment or reimbursement of expenses.

All payments and reimbursements require two approvals: a first approval by someone who has the authority to commit the funds from the account listed (generally a Faculty member, Manager, Assistant Dean); and a second approval in the Woodrow Wilson School Finance Office -- generally by the Finance and Budget Director (up to $50,000) or the Financial Analyst (up to $25,000) or the Assistant Dean for Operations (above $50,000) to ensure that funds are available and the expense is in line with University policies.

Students cannot approve reimbursement or payment of expenses to any individual or organization, and, as they are not employees of the University, cannot bind the University into a contractual relationship with any individual or organization. They can prepare vouchers for reimbursement, but must submit them to an employee with signatory authority for review and appropriate approval.

The Office of Population Research runs all payments and reimbursements through its own office, supervised by the Assistant Director of OPR, without review by the Woodrow Wilson School. [POLICY FOR ERS, S&GS, SRC TBD]