Contracting party and signature authority

University as contracting party

Although many aspects of University operations are managed at department or school levels, all departments, divisions and schools are legally one entity—the University. The University is liable for the obligations, debts and risks created by contracts entered into by divisions. Therefore, with the exception of the Strong Health affiliates, the University of Rochester should generally be made the party to a contract, and not a school or department.

Medical Center affiliates

Affiliates of the Medical Center such as Highland Hospital, The Highlands at Pittsford and The Highlands at Brighton are separate corporations. Since the University is not responsible for their obligations, it should not be made a party to their contracts.

Policy on Contracts, Signatures and Financial Authority

Only certain University officers and employees are authorized to sign contracts. Some contracts require review by administrators given responsibility for particular kinds of contracts, such as licensing intellectual property or building facilities. Some contracts require review prior to signing by the Office of Counsel. All these matters are covered by the policy. Administrators with authority to sign contracts can delegate that authority, but only if the delegations appear here.

For the Highland signature authority policy click here. For delegation of signature authority at Highland Hospital not listed in the policy click here.