Safety & Loss Prevention

Signature Authority

The University of Wisconsin Board of Regents (BOR) has a policy on which documents/ transactions require the signer to have recognized signature authority (BOR policy 93-1). Sometimes, questions come up as to whether or not certain waste management documents, such as hazardous waste manifests, are included in this policy.

Waste manifests and other waste management documents are not covered under any of the eight types of contracts listed in BOR 93-1, nor do we know of another policy that would limit signatures on manifests.

However, it is a good operational practice to control signature authority (i.e., specify certain departmental employees to sign) as these documents have long-term liabilities associated with them.

Board of Regents Policy 93-1

93-1 AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN DOCUMENTS

History: Res. 6314 adopted 2/5/93; replaces 72-2(a), 75-2, 83-2, 91-10, 92-2. (See also 88-15.); amended by Res. 7548 (9/5/97) and by Res. 7844 (2/5/99) and by Res. 8074 (2/00) and by Res. 8875 (6/04).

That, on the recommendation of the President of the University of Wisconsin System, Regent Resolution #7844 approved by the Board on February 5, 1999, be rescinded; and that the following revised resolution be approved effective immediately:

That any of the following corporate or administrative officers of the University of Wisconsin System-Secretary, Assistant Secretary of the Board, the President, any Vice President and any administrative officer or administrative assistant designated by the President of the University of Wisconsin System is authorized to sign:

  1. Proposals, agreements, contracts and contract supplements for research work or any other purposes upon approval of the project by the President or any Vice President of the University of Wisconsin System or the appropriate chancellor or designee with the following extramural entities: United States Government, any of its agencies or departments, any state or municipality or any agency or department thereof, or any nonprofit organization.
  2. Certifications, releases, inventory reports and other documents as required by the government in connection with the termination of the contracts with the federal government for research and educational services furnished by the University of Wisconsin System.
  3. Applications, notices, bonds and other instruments required by the federal government in connection with matters relating to federal laws and regulations for the purchase and use of tax-free alcohol in the laboratories of the University of Wisconsin System.
  4. Purchase orders and other instruments required by the federal government for the procurement of narcotics for use in laboratories of the University of Wisconsin and in University Hospitals.
  5. Grants, contracts, leases except were paragraph 8 of this policy applies, and agreements with private-profit making organizations, with the understanding that those in excess of $500,000 require formal acceptance by the Regents prior to execution.
  6. Royalty agreements with the University of Wisconsin Press .
  7. Transactions of the University of Wisconsin System 's employee savings bond accounts.
  8. Leases require formal acceptance by the Board of Regents prior to execution if: (1) a proposed leased space is not available in an existing building and would require the construction of a new building to satisfy the space need; or (2) negotiations for a new lease would involve leased space in excess of 10,000 assignable square feet; or (3) the proposed initial term of a lease would exceed 5 years (excluding renewal options).

A summary of grants, contracts, leases and agreements, including royalty agreements with the University of Wisconsin Press , will be reported quarterly to the Vice President for Finance.

Updated November 18, 2004

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This publication was prepared for environmental, health and safety staff at University of Wisconsin System campuses, to assist in finding resources and information for regulatory compliance. It is not intended to render legal advice. (Click here to read full legal disclaimer.)