8.01 COLLEGE BUSINESS POLICIES (Rev: 1/11)
Business policies are established to provide a framework for consistency, structure and guidance for the general business operations of the College. While many policies are based upon laws or regulations, most simply reflect good business practices.
Polices for payment of fees, refunds and student related issues are found in the current College of Southern Idaho catalogue.
Polices are not designed to cover all unique situations or special circumstances. In those special cases where a policy does not appear to apply, the College will take actions that reflect common sense and good business practices that are in the best interest of the College, its students and the community. Any questions concerning the business operations of the College should be directed to the Business Office.
In all cases, the Business Office will operate in accordance with State and Federal laws and regulations. Interpretations of laws and regulations and how they apply to the College are the responsibility of the Vice President of Administration, the President and the College attorney.
8.02 CODE OF CONDUCT (Rev: 1/01)
The College of Southern Idaho Business Office requires all employees to act in accordance with all state, federal and local laws and regulations. Employees are expected to be of high moral character and utilize judgment to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.
All instances of suspected fraud, error or omission will be properly investigated and documented. All violations of policy will be brought to the immediate attention of the Vice President of Administration or Dean of Finance. Instances of fraud or abuse will be brought to the immediate attention of the Vice President of Administration, Executive Vice President, Dean of Finance or the President. External independent auditors may be brought in to investigate any issue at the discretion of the President or the Board of Trustees.
8.03 INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS (Rev: 1/07)
Numerous instructors, interpreters and service providers are requesting to be paid as independent contractors rather than through payroll. If the independent contractor does not have insurance, the College may be held liable for both the liability insurance and the worker’s compensation claims.
In certain situations, the person may be paid as an independent contractor if prior approval is obtained from the Business Office. These people would not be required to show proof of liability insurance or workers compensation.
These situations would include all of the following criteria:
In all other situations, in order to protect employees and students and comply with IRS regulations, independent contractors must provide the College with a personal liability policy of $1,000,000 listing the College as an additional insured and a worker’s compensation policy. Service providers must meet the IRS definitions for independent contractors in order to be paid as a consultant or contractor rather than an employee.
IRS independent contractor guidelines are available from the Business Office.
College employees are not eligible to be paid as contractors unless they have a separate EIN number and meet IRS requirements for independent contractors.
8.04 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE POLICY AND PAYMENT OF BILLS (Rev: 1/11)
The Accounts Payable office’s regular check run is on Friday of each week. In order to get checks processed on the Friday check run, supervisors need to insure that the Request for Payment or completed Purchase Order arrives in the Accounts Payable Office prior to Wednesday at noon. Data entry and check run preparation will be done Wednesday afternoon, Thursday and early Friday. The checks will be run on Friday morning and mailed out Friday afternoon.
The normal process is for all checks to be mailed out. A written authorization is required to hold a check in the Accounts Payable Office. Travel reimbursement checks for employees may be put in interoffice mail by the Accounts Payable Office at the request of the employee. If no direction is given, the travel reimbursement check will be mailed to the employee’s home address.
Requests for Payment and Purchase Order Requests must have all information filled out correctly and legibly in order to be processed. Proper vendor addresses, account numbers, descriptions and documentation must be attached. Original itemized billings or receipts are required for Request for Payment processing. Individuals are to request reimbursement for their own expenses only. Requests lacking documentation or required information will be returned to the signing authority for completion and resolution.
All reimbursement requests must be submitted within 30 days of the expense. In order to insure accounting records are correct and up to date, it is recommended that supervisors submit all reimbursement and purchase requisition requests on a daily or weekly basis.
Financial Aid checks for students are run through the accounts payable office. Financial Aid checks take precedence over all accounts payable check runs except payroll and payroll payables.
8.05 BID PROCEDURES (Rev: 1/11)
The College of Southern Idaho is subject to the provisions set forth in Idaho Code Section 33-601 concerning biding. Any purchase of supplies or equipment expected to exceed $25,000 must be publicly bid. Items cannot be separated as to type such as separating chairs from desks to keep from bidding. The bid requirement applies to commodity descriptions such as furniture, classroom equipment, computer equipment and vehicles.
Bid splitting to avoid the bid process is prohibited. Failure to follow the bid process can result in fines up to $5,000.
The bidding process is as follows:
For example:
8.06 PRINTING AND DUPLICATING POLICY (Rev: 1/11)
All printing and duplicating jobs in excess of $300 must utilize a Purchase Requisition and include enough data to allow the Business Office to competitively bid the project if necessary. No written or verbal obligations should be made to vendors concerning printing projects.
8.07 TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT POLICY (Rev: 7/06)
Transportation
Lodging
Meals
A Per Diem rate of $30 per day will be allowed for overnight travel on the following schedule:
Other
A maximum tip of 15% will be allowed. Per Diem payments are inclusive of tips.
Any reimbursement requested without an itemized receipt must have a written explanation signed by both the employee and supervisor.
All claims other than per diem and mileage must be supported by itemized receipts. If the receipt is not on letterhead, it must be signed by the provider of the services.
Travel vouchers must be totaled with all receipts attached and signed by the appropriate supervisor with the complete fund-department-account filled in. Incomplete vouchers will be returned to the employee.
8.08 PRESIDENTIAL AND BOARD OF TRUSTEE TRAVEL POLICY (Rev: 1/11)
It is recognized by the Board of Trustees that both the president and the president’s spouse represent the College at various functions throughout the year. These functions range from various governmental events to national and regional meetings to athletic events.
As a representative of the College of Southern Idaho, the president’s spouse is entitled to travel at the expense of the College and be reimbursed for travel expenses and Per Diem in accordance with employee travel reimbursement policies.
The Board of Trustees members are not compensated employees of the College but incur expenses in traveling to meetings and in representing the College at various functions throughout the year. It is recognized that Board members represent the College at these various functions and events. As representatives of the College, the Board members are entitled to travel at the expense of the College and be reimbursed for travel expenses and Per Diem in accordance with employee travel reimbursement policies.
8.09 RENTAL CAR INSURANCE (Rev: 1/11)
College of Southern Idaho employees renting vehicles for official College business should not purchase liability and collision insurance from the rental car company. The College’s insurance policy through Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) contains provisions for both liability and collision for rental vehicles. The ICRMP insurance provisions apply regardless of payment method - direct bill, P-card or personal credit card - as long as the employee is utilizing the vehicle for official College business and acting within the scope of their employment.
Our ICRMP insurance policy does not cover any vehicle driven or rented in a foreign county. The rental of vehicles in foreign countries is strongly discouraged and must have prior approval of the Business Office.
8.10 NON-CSI EMPLOYEES IN CSI VEHICLES (Rev: 1/11)
CSI vehicles are to be used by CSI employees in the performance of their College duties and responsibilities. Non-CSI employees are generally not allowed to ride in or operate College vehicles. CSI students may ride in CSI vehicles for educational or CSI sponsored event purposes. Students who are employed by the College may operate CSI vehicles as it pertains to their scope of employment with CSI.
Employees of another government entity, acting within their scope of employment, may ride in CSI vehicles. The use of College vehicles by other government entities is evaluated on a case by case basis by the Vice President of Administration, Executive Vice President or President.
Family members of College employees are not allowed to ride in College vehicles. In the event an employee wishes to take a family member or non-CSI employee with them on an official College trip, they should get permission from their supervisor to take their own personal vehicle and request mileage reimbursement.
8.11 COURTESY VEHICLE USE POLICY (Rev: 1/11)
This Policy applies to athletic department personnel and CSI employees that receive a courtesy vehicle from a corporate sponsor of CSI.
8.12 EXPENDITURE AND SIGNATURE AUTHORITY (Rev: 1/11)
All accounts payable requests for payment, travel and purchase orders must be signed by at least two employees with the approving authority holding the position of Director, Dean or Vice President. Expenditures and travel initiated by Vice Presidents, the Director of Human Resources, the Director of Physical Plant, the Dean of Information Technology, the Athletic Director and the Herrett Center Director are approved by the President or, at the President’s discretion, the Vice President of Administration.
All expenditures in excess of $1,000 must be requested via a purchase order. The purchase order must be signed by the respective vice president, dean or director. P-Cards cannot be used for capital outlay purchases without specific authorization from the Vice President of Administration or Dean of Finance.
New hire forms for full time positions must be signed by the President except for Trans IV, Refugee, IOOA and Head Start. The President approves the hiring of the Directors for these programs. New hire forms for employees in these programs are approved by the Vice President of Administration. The Directors of Trans IV, Head Start, Refugee and IOOA approve the hiring of and sign timesheets for all employees in their respective departments.
The Executive Vice President/Chief Academic Officer approves the hiring of and signs timesheets for all adjunct faculty and part time employees in the instructional division.
The Executive Vice President/Chief Academic Officer may delegate authority to the Instructional Dean/Director for the approval of hiring of and signing timesheets for all adjunct faculty and part time employees in educational departments. The Executive Vice President/Chief Academic Officer will sign or will designate a Dean to approve and sign timesheets for employees in the Academic Development Center and Adult Basic Education.
The Vice President of Student Services, Planning and Grant Development approves the hiring of and signs timesheets for all part time employees in his/her respective departments. These currently include all student service departments, the Library, Herrett Center, Instructional Technology Center (ITC), and Planning and Grant Development (P&D). The Vice President of Student Services, Planning and Grant Development may delegate authority to the appropriate deans/directors to approve the hiring and signing of timesheets for all part time employees.
The Dean of Information Technology approves the hiring of and signs timesheets for all part time employees in the Information Technology and Computer Services departments.
The Director of Human Resources approves the hiring of and signs timesheets for all part time employees in the Human Resource Department.
The Maintenance Director approves the hiring of and signs timesheets for all part time employees in the Maintenance department.
The Athletic Director approves the hiring of and signs timesheets for all part time employees paid from the athletic funds. Athletic employees charged to instructional accounts must be approved by the Executive Vice President/Chief Academic Officer.
The Dean of Finance approves the hiring of and signs timesheets for all part time employees in the Bookstore and Business Office.
The Vice President of Administration or Dean of Finance may sign any time sheet in the event the appropriate authority is not available. In these cases, a copy of the timesheet will be forwarded to the appropriate authority for confirmation after the fact.
The Executive Vice President/ Chief Academic Officer is responsible for all instructional expenses. This includes academic, professional technical, dual credit and summer school, outreach centers, adult basic education and continuing education. The deans and directors of these departments have signature authority for expenditures initiated by their respective staffs. Expenditures and travel initiated by the deans and directors must have the signature of the Executive Vice President/Chief Academic Officer. All purchase orders in excess of $1,000 must be signed by the Executive Vice President/Chief Academic Officer.
The Vice President of Student Services, Planning and Grant Development is responsible for all expenditures in his/her respective areas. This includes Planning and Development, Admissions, Records, Advising, Career and Counseling Center, Financial Aid, Student Disability Services, Student Information, Student Activities, Child Care Center, Student Health Center, Rec Center, Library, Herrett Center, and ITC. The deans and directors of these departments have signature authority for expenditures initiated by their respective staffs. Expenditures and travel initiated by the deans and directors must have the signature of the Vice President of Student Services and Planning and Development. All purchase orders in excess of $1,000 must be signed by the Vice President of Student Services, Planning and Grant Development.
The Dean of Information Technology is responsible for expenditures relating to audio visual services, telephones, telecommunications, campus network infrastructure, help desk and institutional research. He/she has direct signature authority over all travel and expenditures initiated in these areas. All purchase orders initiated in this area must be signed by the Dean of Information Technology.
The Director of Physical Plant is responsible for all expenditures relating to the maintenance and repair of buildings and grounds, including outreach centers. All travel and expenditures relating to these areas must have the signature of the Director of Physical Plant. Major remodels and some purchases are run through the Plant Facility Fund. These expenditures are signed by both the Director of Physical Plant and the Vice President of Administration.
The Director of Human Resources is responsible for all expenditures relating to the operation of this office. All travel and expenditures initiated in this office must have the Director of Human Resources signature.
The Athletic Director is responsible for all athletic department expenditures. All travel and expenditures initiated by this department must have the Athletic Director’s signature.
8.13 CONTRACTUAL SIGNATURE AUTHORITY (Rev: 1/11)
Contracts, memorandums of understanding, agreements and other documents concerning financial obligations made on behalf of the College must be reviewed by the Vice President of Administration. The purpose of these reviews is to determine if there are insurance issues or legal implications that need to be brought before the College attorney. Additionally, the President must be kept informed to determine if these issues need to be brought before the Board of Trustees.
Signature authority on these documents is limited to the Dean of Finance, Vice President of Administration and the President.
Agreements with hospitals concerning clinical instruction for the Health and Human Services program may be signed by the Executive Vice President/Chief Academic Officer after being reviewed for compliance with College insurance policies.
8.14 GIFT CERTIFICATES (Rev: 1/11)
The use of gift certificates and gift cards is strongly discouraged by the Business Office. Gift certificates/gift cards may not be used as a form of payment for services. The primary use of gift certificates is by the Student Association as prizes for participation. Head Start also uses gift certificates to encourage parent participation.
Gift certificates in excess of $25 must be prior approved by the Business Office. All requests for reimbursement for gift certificates and gift cards must have detailed information concerning the purpose of the gift card. If the gift certificate is for a specific individual, the individual’s name must be listed on the documentation.
8.15 PURCHASING CARD PROGRAM (Rev: 1/11)
Purchasing Card Program Manual
Upon approval, you will be entrusted with a state of Idaho Purchasing Card. This card is provided to you based on your need to purchase on behalf of the College of Southern Idaho. It is not an entitlement nor reflective of title or position. The card may be revoked at any time without your permission. As a College of Southern Idaho Purchasing Card cardholder, reconciler, or approver you agree to the following terms:
If you have any additional questions, please contact your Purchasing Card Administrators who are the CSI Grants Accountant or the Dean of Finance.
8.16 GRANT ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATION FISCAL POLICY (Rev: 1/11)
An approved External Funding Form must be completed and submitted to the Business Office Grant Accountant prior to the submission/application of any grant. In order to administer and properly account for the grant, the Grant Accountant must insure that a system and controls are in place to properly account for grant funds. Upon acceptance or award of a grant, the Grant Manager must make an appointment to meet with the Grant Accountant to properly set up the grant.
The Grant Accountant is responsible for setting up accounts, entering budgets in accordance with the grant, and providing accounting information to grant managers. The Grant Accountant will bill for reimbursable grants in accordance with the grantors procedures and CSI Business Office Policy.
The Grant Manager is the administrator, faculty, or staff person who serves as approval authority for expenditures and is responsible for the operational outcomes of the grant. All program/narrative reporting requirements and communication with the grantor are the responsibility of the Grant Manager. Any budget modification of the original grant must be requested by the Grant Manager and provided to the Grant Accountant in writing.
Regardless of the granting agency, all College of Southern Idaho Business Office accounting policies will be followed. The Grant Manager is responsible for adherence to these policies. The policies include but are not limited to the following:
8.17 GRANT REIMBURSEMENT PROCEDURES (Rev: 1/11)
In order to administer and properly account for the external reimbursement funds for various reimbursable grants, the Grants Accountant must insure that a system and controls are in place to properly account for these funds. Upon acceptance or award of a grant, the Grant Manager must make an appointment to meet with the Grant Accountant to properly set up the grant.
The Grants Accountant is responsible for setting up accounts, entering budgets in accordance with the external agency guidelines, and providing accounting information to the appropriate office upon request. The Grants Accountant will bill for reimbursable costs in accordance with the agency procedures and CSI business policy.
The appropriate CSI operational division serves as approval authority for expenditures and is responsible for the oversight and operational outcomes of the services and funding. All program/narrative reporting requirements and communication with the external agency are the responsibility of the applicable division. Any modification of the original request must be requested by the appropriate CSI division and provided to the Grant Accountant in writing.
Regardless of the agency, all College of Southern Idaho business accounting policies will be followed. The appropriate CSI division is responsible for adherence to these policies. These policies include but are not limited to the following:
8.18 BILLING POLICY AND PROCEDURES (Rev: 1/11)
In order to remain consistent in billing format and to allow for funds to be deposited in a timely manner, we are requiring all invoices not generated in the Business Office to adhere to the guidelines listed below.
Invoice Number
All invoices sent off campus are to be assigned an Invoice number. The invoice number will have three (3) parts, the first being the phone extension of the person sending the invoice, then the date, and lastly the invoice number for that date.
For example, the first invoice of the day from the Business Office would have an invoice number of 6204-0415-01 and your eleventh billing of the day would be 6204-0415-11. An invoice from HSHS may be 6701-0415-01. An invoice from GED may be 6534-0415-01
If there is already an invoice numbering system in place that cannot be changed such as Penske, Freightliner and room reservations (only Facilities Use Coordinator), please let the Business Office know what that system is and we will see if we can work with it.
Remittance Information
All invoices from the College of Southern Idaho must include the following remittance information:
Please include copy of invoice with payment and mail to:
College of Southern Idaho
Business Office
PO Box 1238
Twin Falls ID 83303-1238
Payments are not to be directed to an individual or an individual department other than the Business Office.
Business Office Notification
At the time an invoice is ready to be mailed, a copy will need to be made and sent to the Business Office. The Business Office copy must include the fund, department and revenue account number where the funds are to be receipted. This must be listed in fund/dept/acct order; i.e., 01-0004-4650.
It is recommendation is that the account number be listed under the contact information; i.e., for questions regarding this billing pleases contact: Jane Doe, 208-732-6010 (01-0004-4650).
The account number that funds are to be deposited to should be a revenue account. On the rare occasion that the funds do need to be receipted to an expense account an explanation must be attached and will be reviewed by the Business Office prior to receipting. Revenue accounts are the 4000 series and expense accounts are the 5000 series; i.e., Business Office Miscellaneous Revenue: 01-0004-4650.
When the payment is received it will be deposited into the dept/revenue acct specified and the person who originated the invoice will be mailed a receipt.
All funds received that cannot be matched up to an invoice in the Business Office will be deposited into general fund miscellaneous revenue until the time that it can be shown that the funds belong elsewhere. Should this happen, it will become the responsibility of the individual having sent the invoice to provide copies of billing with all the necessary information to the Business Office in order to have to have funds moved to the proper revenue account.
Other Points of Consideration
Third party billings for student Accounts Receivable accounts are processed through the Business Office and are to remain there. In the case of billing student accounts for the exceptions listed below there would not be a department and account listed but the student names, ID #’s, and the amount for each student would be itemized. Invoices cannot be sent out with the following description: Ten (10) students to take Course XYZ.
The two exceptions for billing student accounts are:
Always include a contact person and phone number on all invoices.
Personal Business
All checks received by the mailroom will be forwarded to the Business Office, opened and deposited in CSI accounts. Personal checks are not to be mailed to CSI. Personal reimbursements must be made payable only to the employee (CSI name should not be included anywhere on the check) and must be mailed to the employee’s home address or post office box.
8.19 STUDENT PAYMENT POLICY (Rev: 1/11)
Payment for classes is due at the time of registration or at assigned payment due dates for classes starting at the beginning of the semester in the fall, spring and summer sessions. Payment for intersession and all other classes is due at the time of registration. The College offers a Tuition Loan Agreement program for students to spread payment out over a two or three month period. Students who have a balance due on their Tuition Loan Agreement will not be allowed to register for classes until the loan is paid in full.
Students who do not abide by the terms in the Tuition Loan Agreement will have a hold put on their records, will still owe the full amount of the loan and are subject to being turned over to a collection agency. These terms and conditions are stated in the Tuition Loan Agreement.
First time full time students awaiting 30 day loans must either pay or fill out a Tuition Loan Agreement prior to the payment due date. Tuition Loan Agreements for students on 30 day loans will not be charged a loan set up fee.
Students who owe the College money or have any type of Business Office hold on their account will not be allowed to register for classes or official receive transcripts. Additionally, students who do not pay funds owed to the College will receive a letter at their current address (as per the CSI Records Office) advising them that they have 30 days to make arrangements for payment or their account will be turned over to a collection agency.
8.20 DORMITORY HOUSING PAYMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES (Rev: 1/11)
Due Dates for $400 prepay and housing agreement:
Should one of the dates listed above fall on a Saturday or Sunday the due date will be extended to 4:00 p.m. the following Monday.
Students that have not made the $400 pre-payment and have not turned in a housing agreement by the dates listed above may be moved to the waiting list.
Processing of Housing Agreements
Housing agreements will be processed and charges added to student accounts by the Business Office beginning the date listed above and as received thereafter. Housing agreements that arrive prior to the dates listed above that include a payment will be processed as they are received. Exception: Due to the fiscal year end June 30th, funds received prior to June 30th will be put in a holding account then transferred to student accounts after July 1st when housing agreements may be put on the student A/R.
Housing agreements received without a meal plan circled will automatically have a 125 meal plan added.
No student or student athlete will be checked into the dormitory or allowed to stay in the dorm without a completed housing agreement signed by the student or the coach. Coaches can only sign housing agreements for those players receiving a full dormitory scholarship.
Dorm Account Payments and Due Dates
Payments may be made at any receipting station.
Dorm accounts are due in full the first day of the term. For fall and spring terms a grace period will be given through the first Friday of the term. A late fee of $50 will be added to all unpaid accounts after this time. Should a balance still remain after the second Friday of the term a hold will be placed on the students meal plan, the lock may be changed on the students dorm room and the student may be dropped from classes.
Summer accounts are due in full the first day of the term and a grace period will be given through the first Wednesday. A late fee will be added to all accounts on Thursday and meal holds, lock changes, and drops for no pays will begin the second Monday of the term.
The College also reserves the right to turn all unpaid accounts over to collection.
Room and Board Changes
Changes to meal plans may be made only within the first two weeks of school, no changes will be made to meal plans after this time. If a student runs out of meals an additional meal plan may be purchased through Aramark.
Students switching to a single or super single room will be responsible for paying the price difference at the time of the change. Students not paying this fee within 48 hours of the change will be assessed a $50 late fee. Students who have not paid this fee within 5 working days of the change will be assigned a roommate.
Loan Agreements
All loan agreements for dorm students will be approved and processed by the Business Office. There must be extenuating circumstances and proof of ability to make payments for a loan agreement to be made. The student must pay 1/3 of total account plus a $50 processing fee at the time of signing the loan agreement.
Refund Policy
Any student canceling a room reservation prior the pre-pay due date will owe nothing and will receive a full refund of the security deposit. Cancellation occurring after the pre-pay due date but before the start of the term will result in a forfeiture of the $400 pre-pay and the $100 security deposit. Cancellation occurring the first week of the term will result in a 75% refund of the room charge with 25% and the security deposit being forfeited. Cancellation in the second week of the term will result in a 50% refund of the room charge with the other 50% and the security deposit being forfeited. Refunds for board (meals) will be prorated according to the number of meals used and a $25 processing fee the first and second week of the term. Any student moving out after the second week of the term will not be eligible for a room or board refund. The board plan may still be used by the student until the student runs out of meals or the semester ends.
Any refund outside of the above policy must be approved by the Vice President of Finance.
All refunds will be processed within 10 days of the Business Office receiving the move- out form approved by the Housing Coordinator. If there is Financial Aid involved the refund could be delayed up to 30 days.
Athletes
All students in the Athletic program must adhere to the above policies.
Housing agreements must be turned in by the due dates listed. If a student is on full scholarship the coach may complete the housing agreement. The form must be completed and signed by the coach prior to the athlete with a scholarship moving into the dormitory. It is the coaches’ responsibility to make sure all housing agreements are turned in for students in which rooms are being held for. The coach must also provide financial aid a complete scholarship list at least 1 week prior to the start of the term.
Any student athlete brought in mid semester must have a housing agreement completed before that student is issued a room. Fees will be immediately due and it will be the coaches’ responsibility to contact financial aid to initiate the award. Late fees will added to student accounts that have not been paid within 3 days of check in and the student may be subject to being dropped for non-payment. Reinstatement fees will apply.
Security deposits will not be charged up front for students on full athletic scholarship. Damages assessed at checkout will be charged to the athletic program.
All student athletes not on full scholarship must pay by the scheduled due dates for that semester.
8.21 FINANCIAL AID REFUND/CREDIT BALANCE DISBURSEMENT PROCESS (Rev: 1/11)
All financial aid credit balances and refunds are distributed through Higher One. Students enrolled for credit classes will receive a Higher One card in the mail approximately two weeks prior to the start of the regular semester. The student must follow the step by step instructions accompanying the card.
Students are given the option of having funds electronically transferred to the debit card, having funds electronically transferred to their checking account or receiving a check via the mail.
The College maintains a Higher One ATM machine on campus from which up to $500 per day may be withdrawn utilizing a Higher One card. While Higher One cards may be utilized at other ATMs, a fee will be incurred.
The most critical part of this process is for students to insure that they have the correct address in CSI’s registration system.
8.22 BUSINESS OFFICE FINANCIAL AID POLICY (Rev: 1/11)
The Financial Aid Office disburses, through the Business Office, millions of dollars of scholarships and grants to thousands of students each year. As a result of this high volume of transactions, it is sometimes necessary for the Financial Aid Office to make special awards, issue waivers or request adjustments or refunds to various federal and state entities due to issues arising through the reconciliation process.
As an internal control issue, the Vice President of Student Services, Planning and Grant Development will review these unusual transactions and provide written documentation to the Business Office requesting these unusual transactions be processed.
8.23 CASHIERING POLICY (Rev: 1/11)
All persons collecting funds on behalf of the College must be approved by the Vice President of Administration or Assistant Vice President of Administration. The Business Office will provide training for staff collecting funds and review polices relating to the handling of funds.
Supervisors will notify the Business Office of their intent to have an employee collect funds. The employee will be scheduled by the supervisor for training with the Business Office. When training is completed, the Business Office will advise the supervisor and the employee will be authorized to collect funds.
The following directives apply to cashiering:
8.24 COLLECTION OF FUNDS AND DEPOSIT POLICY (Rev: 1/11)
From a customer service standpoint and out of necessity, cash and checks are collected at locations throughout campus and the outreach centers. Areas accepting money for the College include but are not limited to Student Information, Student Clubs, Health Center, Gym, Academic development, Instructional Administration, Gym, Professional Technical office in the Canyon Building, the Aspen Building, Center for New Directions, Bookstore, Library, Fine Arts, Outreach Centers, Office On Aging, Head Start, Trans IV, Expo Center, mailroom, the Matrix and the Business Office. Money is collected for everything from fund raising events to tuition and fees.
All funds in excess of $300 must be forwarded to the Business Office for deposit by the end of the day. In no case should balances in departmental safes exceed $300. In all cases, regardless of the amount collected, a deposit must be made by Friday of each week. It is particularly critical that all checks be deposited within one week of the date they are written.
If an event is to be held at night or on a weekend after the Business Office is closed, bank lock bags are available from the business office. These bags are to be dropped off at the local bank the night of the event and picked up the following workday to be counted and deposited. Lock bags may also be dropped off in the Business Office lockbox in the Taylor Building outside of the Business Office. If lock bags are needed, the Business Office must be notified at least two days prior to the event to insure lock bags are available. If Security is needed as an escort to the bank after an event, the supervisor must make arrangements with Security to provide this service. See Lock Bag Check-Out Procedure.
The counting of funds and transfer of funds must have a clear custodial trail. Upon close out or the end of the day, funds must be counted, sealed, signed for and secured in either a College approved safe or deposited in the bank. If a separate person is completing the deposit for collected funds, they must first count the funds and verify they are receiving the amount certified by the previous person.
Money is to be counted and deposited by CSI employees only. Student club advisors are responsible for ensuring all student funds are deposited. Students may count or handle money only under the direct supervision of an advisor or CSI employee. In all cases, the advisor remains accountable. Students will not be put in the custody chain for deposits or counting funds.
This policy applies to all funds that are accepted by the College regardless of source or purpose. Deposits must be made in full. In no case can expenses be netted or taken from the deposit. All expenditures must run through the normal disbursement request process with appropriate documentation and authorizations. Under no circumstances will cash be traded for any type of check or expenses paid from cash collected.
8.25 LOCK BAG CHECK-OUT PROCEDURE (Rev: 1/11)
US Bank and CSI Lock Bag Check-Out Form
The following form is available in the Business Office and is to be used for funds collected at night, weekends or after regular business hours. Lock bags are required in accordance with the Collection of Funds and Deposit Policy.
All funds collected after hours must be put in a lock bag and deposited in the night drop at the US Bank on Blue Lakes (across from Fred Meyer) or dropped in the lock box at the Business Office in the Taylor Building. At no time will a student be put in the custody chain for deposits or counting funds - this is the full responsibility of the advisor or employee.
Students may count or handle money only under the direct supervision of a CSI employee. This person is generally a club advisor but the supervision may be delegated to an authorized CSI employee upon approval by the Dean of Students and the Business Office.
Night drop items will be collected the next regular working day. It is recommended that you call the Business Office the morning of the next business day and let us know that there are bags to be collected from the bank. The Business Office has a counting room where deposits can be prepared for receipting. Deposit bags are not to be taken from the Business Office. Lock box keys are due in the Business Office by 4 p.m. of the next regular business day.
8.26 COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO FOUNDATION FUNDS (Rev: 1/11)
The College of Southern Idaho Foundation is a 501(c) 3 that is a legal separate entity from the College of Southern Idaho. The College strongly encourages all donations on behalf of the College be deposited with or directed to the College of Southern Idaho Foundation.
In certain circumstances, even with the extensive efforts of the CSI Foundation to get donors to make checks out to the CSI Foundation, donors make checks out intended for the CSI Foundation to CSI. In these instances, the CSI Foundation brings the check to the CSI Business Office. The CSI Business Office evaluates the circumstances concerning these checks. If it is determined the donor truly intended for the funds to go to the CSI Foundation, the Vice President of Administration or the Dean of Finance will endorse the check over to the CSI Foundation. A copy of each of these checks will be made and kept on file in the Business Office.
The College of Southern Idaho will not issue checks payable to the College of Southern Idaho Foundation without specific authorization from the College of Southern Idaho Board of Trustees.
8.27 FACILITIES USE INSURANCE POLICY (Rev: 1/11)
As part of its community service mission, the College rents facilities to numerous individuals, groups, organizations and businesses. Liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 is required for any business entity or organization charging admission or conducting a commercial activity in the facility.
Individuals or individuals representing non-business groups renting facilities will be required to sign a release of liability form agreeing to hold harmless and indemnify the College from any and all liability claims arising from the use of the facility. These individuals will not be required to purchase a separate commercial liability policy unless, in the judgment of a Vice President, Dean or Director, the proposed use of the building signifies a liability risk.
Nationally recognized non-profit groups will be required to provide a certificate of liability insurance when using CSI facilities. The insurance requirement for local non-profit organizations, unincorporated local clubs or loosely formed groups may be waived if the use and event are determined to be a public service or benefit to the community. In all cases, the person requesting use of the facility must agree to hold the College harmless from any and all liability claims arising from the use of College facilities.
8.28 INSURANCE/ACCIDENT REPORTING POLICY (Rev: 1/11)
The College of Southern Idaho has insurance through the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP). All insurance claims are handled through the Business Office. The primary insurance contact in the Business Office is the Administrative Assistant to the Vice President of Administration.
Any accident on campus must be reported to CSI Security so that an official accident report can be filled out. It is critical that Security be notified as soon as possible so that facts concerning the accident can be documented and forwarded to the Business Office.
In dealing with students who have accidents, are injured or become seriously ill for any reason, CSI employees are to utilize their best judgment in providing for the safety and care of the student. Actions may involve, but are not limited to, calling for an ambulance, assisting the student in caring for the injury and assisting Security.
Student Accidents/Insurance
CSI has a student accident policy that may cover up to $5,000 in medical bills for incidents that occur while a student is in class, or is on CSI property.
Insurance is situational and will depend on the circumstances in which the accident occurred.
CSI employees do not have the authority to accept liability on behalf of CSI or our insurance company for any accidents that may involve a student.
If a student is injured on campus or in a clinical setting off campus:
This coverage only applies to medical expenses that are incurred within 10 days of the accident that caused the injury. After the 10 days, ICRMP will not pay any additional medical expenses under the Medical Payments coverage. The student would have the option to file a Tort Claim against CSI if continued coverage is needed but the student must prove negligence on the part of CSI that caused the injury to receive payment under liability coverage.
Claim forms may be picked up in the Business Office or found online.
For specific insurance questions, please contact: Mike Mason at mmason@csi.edu or 732-6203 or Dawn Orr at dorr@csi.edu or 208-732-6204.
8.29 INVENTORY POLICY (Rev: 11/11)
In accordance with policy set by the Director of the Idaho State Department of Administration in her letter of July 13, 2001, the inventory threshold for the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) is set at $2,000. Computers and related electronic equipment is inventoried down to a value of $500 for tracking and insurance replacement purposes. At the discretion of administration, other items may be assigned an inventory tag based upon their risk of loss.
The college inventory system is made up of a computer data base containing the date of purchase, value, fund-department-account where the item was charged and location. The system is audited each year by the college’s independent auditors in determining compliance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Items with inventory tags must have an “Inventory Change Form” (see attached form) filled out when they are moved to different locations, sold or at the time of disposal. We have to update our computer system to accurately portray items in a specific location for both insurance and audit compliance. Our auditors pick items from our inventory listing and go to the location listed to verify the equipment exists and is in the proper location.
Surplus property must be disposed of in accordance with Idaho Code section 33-601 section 4. Except for items with a value of less than $500, a formal advertising/appraisal/auction process must be used to dispose of surplus equipment. All disposals of inventory items must go through the Maintenance Department and a Work Order must be completed for each inventory disposal.
8.30 INFORMATION OFFICE/MAIL ROOM POLICY (Rev: 1/11)
The College of Southern Idaho mail room handles all incoming and outgoing mail for the institution. The College operates in accordance with U.S. Postal regulations.
All uses of the College’s bulk mailing permit and mass mailings must be coordinated with the Information Office Supervisor. These mailings must contain strictly CSI related material in order to comply with postal regulations.
Personal mail for CSI employees and other non-CSI mail should not be sent to the College. Any mail sent to the College address is subject to being opened by the College. Any mail that is suspected to be of a fiscal nature and addressed to the College will be forwarded to the Vice President of Administration for opening and review.
The mail room sends outgoing personal mail and packages for employees at the employee’s expense on a time available basis. Employees are not to have personal packages sent to the College.
The mail room receives mail and personal packages for dormitory students. Students must pick up packages in person and have a photo identification card. Regular mail is given to the assigned dormitory staff person. The mail is then put into the students individual mail boxes in the dorm by the dormitory staff.
8.31 ANNUAL AND INTERNAL AUDIT POLICY (Rev: 1/07)
The College of Southern Idaho Board of Trustees will evaluate recommendations by the Vice President of Administration concerning the selection of external auditors to perform the College’s annual fiscal audit.
The Board is provided funds in the administrative budget to hire external auditors to perform internal audits on areas selected by the Vice President of Administration, President or Board. Examples of these audit areas may be but are not limited to the area of cash management, receivables, internal control, purchasing cards, inventory management, payment policies, refund policies, program reviews, grant management, grantees, departmental reviews, etc.
Auditors will report directly to the Board of Trustees concerning any issues that may arise during an audit. The function of the Vice President of Administration and Business Office will be limited to providing all requested information to auditors and assisting auditors in their evaluation of the fiscal operations of the College.
8.32 HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL POLICY (Rev: 1/11)
The College of Southern Idaho is a conditionally exempt small quantity generator (CESQG). As such, we are limited to less than 220 lbs. of hazardous waste per month.
Each waste stream has been identified and monitored by instructors charged with its on-site collection and safekeeping. At convenient intervals that correspond to the semesters activities, the wastes are weighed and counted and the vendors are called for pick up and disposal. The Physical Plant Director is responsible for maintaining a log of disposed materials. The log contains the type of material disposed, quantity, who it was turned over to and the dated. Most wastes are disposed of through professional vendors. Some are recycled through professional vendors, depending on the waste.
Examples of waste collected at CSI are as follows:
It is the responsibility of the Maintenance Department at the College of Southern Idaho to facilitate the safe collection, removal and record keeping of the hazardous waste program.
8.33 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND EMAIL RETENTION POLICY (Rev: 1/11)
Emails are public records subject to the Idaho Freedom of Information Act. Once a Freedom of Information Act request has been filed, emails that even remotely pertain to the request may not be deleted. Absent a Freedom of Information Request, emails may be deleted on a regular basis by the individual employee. Emails that are not deleted but stored on a separate device remain subject to retrieval if requested via the Freedom of Information Act.
Employees are strongly encouraged to develop a systematic approach to deleting irrelevant or obsolete emails. Additionally, when dealing with information of a sensitive nature, the employee should evaluate whether a face to face conversation is more appropriate than sending an email.
8.34 MAIN CAMPUS HOUSING AND FOOD SERVICE POLICY (Rev: 8/11)
All housing requests for events on the main campus will be requested through and coordinated by the Dean of Students. In the event that dormitory housing is not available or not suitable, the Dean of Students will arrange for housing in college apartments or private apartments if available. To the maximum extent possible, college housing will be filled prior to utilizing non-college owned housing.
All food service for the main campus will be provided by the college’s contracted food service provider on a first right of refusal basis. This includes all food service for organizations using college facilities, all camps, seminars, or other events. If an agreement upon price, menu, location, or time cannot be reached with college’s food service provider, the use of an outside vendor for food service may be requested through the Business Office.
The outside contractor must have a valid license from the Health Department, liability insurance of $1,000,000 listing the college as an additional insured, an Idaho workmen’s compensation policy and properly trained food service workers. A commission on gross sales to be paid to the college will also be required. All agreements for the use of outside food service providers on the main campus must be prior approved in writing by the Dean of Finance or, in his absence, the Vice President of Administration.
Student clubs and organizations will work with the Dean of Students who will approve and coordinate meal events put on by students for fundraisers or as cultural events. The Dean of Students will work with the campus food service provider to ensure food quality, food safety, and food handling procedures are in compliance with Health Department requirements. The Dean of Students will also ensure that there are no duplicating or competing events between clubs or between clubs and our contracted food service provider.
8.35 FACILITIES USE INSURANCE POLICY (Rev: 8/11)
As part of its community service mission, the college rents facilities to numerous individuals, groups, organizations and businesses. Liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 listing the College of Southern Idaho as an additional insured is required for any business entity, public entity or organization charging admission or conducting a commercial activity in the facility.
Individuals or individuals representing non-business groups renting facilities will be required to sign a release of liability form agreeing to hold harmless and indemnify the College from any and all liability claims arising from the use of the facility. These individuals will be required to purchase a separate commercial liability policy unless, in the judgment of the Vice President of Administration, the proposed use of the building does not signify a liability risk. In these cases, a specific waiver of liability insurance must be requested through the facilities use request.
Nationally recognized non-profit groups will be required to provide a certificate of liability insurance when using CSI facilities. The insurance requirement for local non-profit organizations, unincorporated local clubs or loosely formed groups may be waived if the use and event are determined to be a public service or benefit to the community. In all cases, the person requesting use of the facility must agree to hold the College harmless from any and all liability claims arising from the use of college facilities.
This section added: 1/12