University Business - September 2011 - (Page 15)

Transparency for South Carolina The SouTh Carolina higher eduCaTion efficiency and administrative Policies act, signed into law on august 3 by gov. nikki haley, is a big step for transparency in South Carolina’s public institutions. The twofold law requires them to post all purchasing transactions online and eliminates portions of the timely and costly process for having new facilities or major purchases approved. Charles Tegen, comptroller at Clemson University, says the transparency act started making its way through the legislature three years ago, but it wasn’t able to pass through the house and Senate until an administrative efficiencies aspect was included. “it’s really just a start,” says Tegen. “We’re appreciative that the legislature has entrusted our governing board and the administration to work together with other institutions in the state to make sure we’re the most competitive and the most efficient in the way we utilize our resources.” under the law, institutions are required to post an expenditure register online. it can be as simple as a list of companies and the amount spent, or as complex as Clemson’s, which outlines exactly what was purchased and what it will be used for. “i figured if we’re going to do it, let’s do something that adds value,” shares Tegen. Time and effort in getting project approval will also be reduced. Previously, for renovation projections exceeding $500,000, Tegen and his staff had to go through various institutional and state approval levels. The process could have taken four to five months. now, they can enter into contracts up to $1 million without all the extra steps in a much quicker time period. “it gives us a lot more flexibility and will reduce some of the administrative costs and redundant administrative approvals that are out there.” Clemson’s Spending Transparency website can be found at http://transpend .clemson.edu. —K.D. universitybusiness.com Let them pay where they play. Now that’s smart. Mobile U.Commerce is here. People may forget their wallets, but never their phones. When students and parents can make secure payments anytime, anywhere, you can collect receivables more quickly and generate more revenue And that’s just the beginning. SM Learn more. 800.869.8329 TouchNet.com/Mobile Student Billing & Payments | Cashiering | Refunds eCommerce | Payment Plans | Online Storefronts © 2011 Touchnet Information Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. September 2011 | 15 Production Note: When logo is used smaller than 2” - stroke is removed from green button. http://www.TouchNet.com/Mobile http://www.TouchNet.com/Mobile http://transpend.clemson.edu http://transpend.clemson.edu http://www.universitybusiness.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of University Business - September 2011

University Business - September 2011
Contents
Editor's Note
College Index
Ad Index
Behind the News
Viewpoint
Financial Aid
Money Matters
Internet Technology
Shared Governance
Acknowledging Achievement
Looking Back
Spotlight on Procurement
EduComm 2011
End Note

University Business - September 2011