New Procurement Policy Effective March 9

by Public Relations | Mar 3, 2015 | Faculty

Over the past few years, the college has reviewed and analyzed its purchasing policies and practices.  Conducted in response to the strategic assessment, the review included discussions with different campus constituencies to develop a new procurement policy.  We are now ready to implement this updated policy, which is consistent with best practices at other colleges.

The new procurement policy will be effective Monday, March 9.  Rolling out the policy prior to year end enables everyone to familiarize themselves with the system before the next fiscal year. Training and support will be provided during implementation.  Please note that this policy will have no impact on the budgeting process.

The new policy encourages the use of the purchase order system and for smaller purchases, the use of the purchasing card program.  It also pushes the approval process to budget owners and their supervisors.  These changes will generate efficiencies and oversight of spending in the procurement process.

Thank you for supporting this college-wide initiative. We acknowledge that there will be some learning curve challenges during implementation.   Please see below for upcoming training session dates.

Procurement Policy Informational Meetings:

• Tuesday, March 3 – 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Regis North
• Wednesday, March 4 – 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Regis North

Procurement Policy BANNER Training/Refresher:

• Tuesday, March 10 – 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Science Hall 004 (Lower Level) ITS Training Room
• Wednesday, March 11 – 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Science Hall 004 (Lower Level) ITS Training Room

Submitted by: Marco Benedetti, vice president, Business and Finance

Faculty & Staff Donor Profile: Shawn O’Rourke, PhD

by Public Relations | Mar 3, 2015 | Faculty

As associate dean of the Graduate & Canadian Program and director of the Sport Administration Program, Shawn O’Rourke, PhD, gives daily of his time and talent. Wanting to do even more for our students, he began giving to the Canisius Fund in 2005. O’Rourke also feels that supporting the college financially sends a powerful message to others of our belief in the college’s mission and what Canisius represents.

What motivated you to make your first gift?

We are here because of our students so to be able to make a donation to help them was all the motivation I needed. With my gift, I’m able to assist students in fulfilling our Jesuit educational mission while at the same time seeing the transformation first-hand. Through my support I know I’m helping to provide students with the opportunity to receive a Canisius education – the gratification is beyond powerful.

Why is supporting students through the Canisius Fund important to you?

It’s important, of course, to support the Canisius Fund for our students and the institution but it is also imperative because it shows the community that we support Canisius’ mission and what the college represents. When someone asks me “Why do you support Canisius?” I point to President John Hurley and say “I believe in him and what this college represents.”

What is your favorite campus event to attend each year?

Each year I look forward to the Distinguished Guest Lecture Series presented by the Master in Sport Administration Program because it brings presenters from the sports and entertainment profession on campus to lead invigorating discussion on hot topics. Igniting conversations and questions among students is what Canisius stands for.

Fun Fact: What is your favorite song?

“Time of Our Lives,” by Pitbull and Neyo.

If you have not yet made a gift, please consider joining Dr. Shawn O’Rourke and 175 of your colleagues in making a gift to Canisius today at canisius.edu/faculty-staff.

Submitted by: Summer Handzlik, assistant director, Canisius Fund