The Office of General Counsel assists Wichita State University departments with many types of university contracts. We also draft contracts and assist departments and administrators with contract negotiations as needed.
WSU Policy 1.04 / Execution of Contracts identifies the individuals authorized to contractually bind the university by executing a contract. The list of persons authorized to sign contracts on behalf of the university is short. Faculty and staff members should not enter into contracts to which the university will be a party without first seeking legal review of the contract and having a contract signed by an authorized signer.
Persons who sign contracts obliging the university to perform some duty that do not have the authority to do so expose themselves to personal liability in the event there are problems with the contract in the future. If you have any questions about whether you can sign a contract or whether a contract needs General Counsel’s review, contact the Office of General Counsel.
While many types of contracts exist, not all contracts are explicitly called “contracts.” Below is a brief list of the types of contracts that are typically used at the university. If you receive a document with one of the following titles, we recommend that you contact the Office of General Counsel to ensure that it is properly reviewed, and that it is ultimately signed by an individual with authority to bind the university.
University departments should always encourage third parties to agree to the University Standard Terms and Conditions to expedite the contract review process. To request that the Office of General Counsel review a third-party contract to be signed by the university, please proceed as follows: