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Signing Authority Matters  

When booking an event, catering, or engaging any supplier, you may be asked to sign a document such as a contract, agreement, or confirmation. Not everyone is authorized to sign Contracts on behalf of the University.  

[Please note: routine financial transactions, such as purchase requisitions, purchase orders, advances, and the sale of goods and services invoiced by Finance Accounts Receivable, do not fall under the Policy on the Approval of Contracts and Designation of Signing Authority when they are issued pursuant to an existing approved Contract or an established institutional process (see Policy, section 9.1)]  

ѳҾ’s Policy on the Approval of Contracts and Designation of Signing Authority establishes a clear framework for the approval and signing of Contracts to ensure proper delegation of authority, financial stewardship, accountability, and effective risk oversight, supporting the responsible management of University resources and consistent decision-making across the institution.  į 

Before signing, always consult the List of Signing Officers and Delegations (PDF) available on the Secretariat’s website. This list identifies the authorized signatories for each faculty and unit, and is periodically updated.  

It is important to remember that when an authorized individual signs a Contract, they are legally binding the University as a whole, not just their unit, department, or faculty. For this reason, Signing Officers and Delegates must ensure that appropriate financial and risk assessments have been completed to protect the University’s mission, resources, and reputation before any Contract is executed.  

Signing a document “just to move things along” can create compliance issues and delays, and in some cases, risks of personal liability. If you believe you may have signed a Contract in the past without proper authority, please self-report by contacting the appropriate Signing Officer for your unit or faculty. In cases where the value of the contract is greater than the Signing Officer’s or delegate’s General Authority, a report of non-compliance must also be submitted to the Secretariat (signingpolicy.secretariat [at] mcgill.ca).  

Please note that when signed Contracts are submitted through 91 Market Place (MMP), Procurement Services will verify signing authority. Contracts signed by an unauthorized individual may result in the requisition being rejected, which can delay your request. We therefore encourage planning ahead when finalizing event-related or supplier Contracts.  

If you have any questions, please contact Procurement Services or the Secretariat.  

Please if you are interested in attending a future information session on signing authority. The session will cover who is authorized to sign contracts within your unit, the applicable policy and rules, where to find the right tools and resources, and what to do if a contract is signed by someone without proper authority.

For more info and resources visit: University Signing Policy | Secretariat - 91 į 

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