THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE
              POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

                                        No.              32     
                                        Date           4-14-99   
                                        Approved         APF  


Subject:  Signatures on University Contracts


The primary signatory authority for all University commitments is hereby delegated
by the Chancellor to the Vice Chancellor for Financial Affairs or his designated
representative. The designated representative is the Director of Purchasing. This
policy excludes personnel contracts and University issued purchase orders.

Commitments or contracts normally begin at a department level. The originating
party is responsible for adequately protecting the University and discussing any
commitments with the persons who control the required resources.

Before signing any contract or agreement, the Vice Chancellor for Financial Affairs
or his designated representative needs assurance any financial commitments can be
provided within budgetary means.

Contracts or agreements with respect to grants, contracts and cooperative agreements
to finance sponsored programs with the University of North Carolina as defined in
P.L.95-224 must be previewed by the Grants and Contracts Office of the Vice
Chancellor for Academic Affairs. That office is responsible for obtaining the
necessary signatures and for processing requests in accordance with The University of
North Carolina Administrative Memorandum No. 68.

The Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor for Financial Affairs or his designated
representative are the only persons authorized to make contractual commitments on
behalf of the University.

Indirect costs, frequently referred to as overhead, represent a substantial financial
outlay on the part of the University and the State. Recovery of indirect costs is
essential. Pursuant to state law and Board of Governors' policies, established
overhead rates must be included in every proposal unless an alternative rate has been
approved in advance by the Vice Chancellor for Financial Affairs.  Preliminary
information should include budget for full indirect costs as well as direct costs. 
UNCA annually negotiates indirect cost rates with the Department of Health and
Human Services.  All grants and contracts received by the institution must include
budgeted indirect cost.  The indirect cost recovery from non-federal funding agencies
may be less than the negotiated rate if approved, in advance, by the Vice Chancellor
for Financial Affairs.  Indirect cost information is available from the Grants and
Contracts Office or the Financial Systems Reporting Officer.  Care should be
exercised during initial discussions to ensure proposed commitments can be fulfilled
in a timely manner and within the University's financial resources.

Legal assistance must be provided by General Administration's legal assistance staff. 
If help is needed, sufficient time must be allowed for consultation.  Specific cost
sharing proposals or requirements must be carefully delineated and evaluated before
recommending the document be executed.