Can I start spending when my budget is only partially approved?

No. The budget must be 100% approved by all funding sources and the Legislative Council President (if applicable), before spending may occur. Purchases made before the date of full budget approval will be denied.

May I pay a performer and then be reimbursed?

No. All payments to individuals for services must be made with a university check. You will not receive a reimbursements for paying for services.

How long does it take to process a university check?

Payments to businesses may take up to 30 business days from the date of the invoice.

The timeline for payments to individuals vary depending on citizenship status, contracts and how fast the individual signs all required documents for payment. Approximate time for payments to individuals is 3 to 4 weeks.

How can we use a CSI Finance credit card for purchases?

Submit a CSI Credit Card payment request on BuffConnect or come into the CSI Finance office to complete a purchase. See CSI Credit Card Resource Guide located in BuffConnect under Files > Finance for more information

Can our student organization have a university credit card?

No, CSI does not issue credit cards to student organizations. Student organizations may request CSI Finance to make purchases on their behalf with a university credit card from approved budgets only (non-revenue accounts).

Can we take out a cash advance for purchases?

No, funds may only be removed from an account via reimbursement, university checks or direct purchase.

How do I request a reimbursement?

A signer must submit a reimbursement request on BuffConnect. How-tos for withdrawals from a revenue account or payments from a budget are located in BuffConnect under Files > Finance.

How long does it take to receive a reimbursement?

A cash reimbursement will generally take 1 to 2 business days to process. A check reimbursement will take 7 to 15 business days to process and mail. Longer processing times may occur during the busy spring season.

I have a contract that needs to be signed. What do I do?

Attach the contract to a payment or withdrawal request in BuffConnect and be sure to fill in contact information for the individual or vendor. CSI Finance will route the contract for signatures to the appropriate university department for negotiations and signatures. Once a contract is signed, CSI Finance will process the payment. Please note, CSI Finance will not route the contract for signatures until funding is approved.

A department has requested a speedtype for payment. What is a speedtype?

A speedtype is an 8-digit university account number used on campus. CSI Finance does not share speedtypes with student organizations but will communicate the speedtype directly to the department requesting payment. A payment request will need to be entered on BuffConnect using the payment type On-campus Payments (IN).

Can I purchase my own airfare?

No, airfare purchases must be made by CSI Finance through Christopherson Business Travel, who books flights directly with the airlines.

May our advisor or department make purchases for our organization?

Yes, but we highly recommend the advisor, or a department representative, join you for a pre-spending meeting with CSI Finance. Spending must comply with all policies and procedures, including funding board and student fee regulations, about which advisors or departments may not be knowledgeable.

A student organization must enter a payment or withdrawal request in BuffConnect and indicate that a department or advisor will be making the payment. CSI Finance will need to approve the payment request before a purchase is completed to ensure spending complies with funding policies. Failure comply with procedures may result in the expenditures being denied and the department taking responsibility for the expenditure.