3:28 p.m., March 9, 2010----University of Delaware faculty and staff can realize substantial benefits for themselves, their managers and the University by using one or more of three bank cards available through UD Procurement.

THIS STORY

E-mail

Print

Twitter

“Convenience is the primary benefit for cardholders who have up-front approval and 24/7 access,” according to Debra Reese, director of Procurement Services. “Managers benefit by processing efficiency and pre-set cardholder spending limits that can be set to match budgetary needs, grant requirements and travel allotments.”

Through the bank's Web-based application, Works, the University can track cardholder spending and compliance with policies and procedures. In addition, summary card spending volume can be utilized when negotiating with suppliers to drive University-wide discounts.

Procurement Cards (P-Cards) streamline the purchasing and payment process by reducing a three-step process into a single transaction, reducing the overall cost of procurement to UD. Cards are issued based on employee's individual buying needs and can be customized to meet specific spending requirements. Purchases are pre-approved via delegated authority upon receipt of the card.

Travel and Entertainment (T & E) Cards simplify the Business Expense Reporting (BER) process by giving University travelers the ability to pay hotel, airline, restaurant, and ground transportation expenses without having to commit their personal funds up front and then wait to be reimbursed. T & E Cards can be customized to meet the unique needs of each traveler and spending limits can be adjusted, if necessary, while they are traveling.

For employees who have a need to use both a P-Card and a T & E Card, Procurement provides a one-card solution that combines all the functionality of a P-Card and T & E Card into a single card.

Cash Advance Cards are issued to employees based on their individual needs and can be used for both cash withdrawals and purchases of goods and services. These cards replace the traditional cash advance and eliminate the need for employees to carry cash along with the requirement that they reimburse the University for any unused cash. The amount of cash available is established when the card is issued.

Cash Advance Cards are primarily used for student group travel to cover expenses for the group. They can also be used to pay research participants and other research related expenses. The Cash Advance Card is more secure than cash and it can be canceled if lost or stolen and can be pre-set to expire on a specific date. Cash Advance Card balances can only be replenished through a request from the card administrator.

All three cards are available for use 24/7 and card activity is monitored by the bank and University card administrators. Cards can be canceled at any time if lost, stolen or if fraudulent use is detected.

Kathy Roeder is the UD Procurement card administrator and can be reached at 831-2159 or via email at [katroe@udel.edu].

For more information on UD Procurement, see the Web site.