Finance

Payroll Requirements for Active Employee Changes

Title: Payroll Requirements for Active Employee Changes
Policy Owner: Payroll Department
Applies to: Hiring Departments and Employees
Campus Applicability: UConn Storrs and Regionals
Effective Date: August 19, 2014
For More Information, Contact Payroll Department
Contact Information: (860) 486-2423
Official Website: http://www.payroll.uconn.edu/

REASON FOR POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the timely and reasonable submission of required documentation to produce on-time, accurate payments to active University employees who have a change in the terms of their employment.  This is critical to meeting payroll processing deadlines; complying with federal and state regulations and reporting requirements; maintaining employee satisfaction; and minimizing additional, unscheduled work for Payroll and hiring departments.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all hiring departments and employees at the University of Connecticut, Storrs and Regional Campuses.

DEFINITION

“Active employee changes” include, but are not limited to, the following types of transactions that may occur over the lifecycle of an individual’s employment:

  • Continuations/End Date Changes;
  • Employment Changes (including changes to Title, Salary, Appointment, Department, Percentage of Employment, etc);
  • Funding Changes;
  • Reclassifications

POLICY STATEMENT

The University is required to produce payments to employees in accordance with the General Statues of Connecticut, Chapter 34, Sec. 3-119, guidelines set by the Connecticut Department of Labor, and Collective Bargaining Agreements.  In addition, the University is required to adhere to the Core-CT payroll processing schedule set forth by the Office of the State Comptroller.

The Payroll Department has established deadline schedules by which required documentation must be received to ensure timely and accurate payments, and compliance with applicable laws.  The deadline schedules are posted on the homepage of the Payroll Department website at www.payroll.uconn.edu. Departments or units responsible for hiring have an obligation to obtain and complete required documentation within the deadlines prescribed at the above website.

Required documentation received in the Payroll Department after the posted deadline for the transaction effective date may not be processed within the current payroll cycle.  The decision will be based on the circumstances resulting in the late submission, as well as the internal biweekly payroll processing schedule.  Any exceptions to this policy will be strictly limited, and at the discretion of the Payroll Department.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Conduct Code.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Documentation requirements (electronic and/or paper) for changes to the status of active employees can also be found on the Payroll Department website at the following links:

 

Payroll Employee Population
Unclassified Faculty; Postdocs; Management and Confidential; and Professional Staff
Classified Clerical; Maintenance; and Fire and Police Staff
Special Adjunct Faculty; Summer Research/Teaching; Rehired Retirees; and other Seasonal Professional Appointments
Graduate Assistant Graduate Teaching Assistants; Graduate Research Assistants; and Prestigious Internships
Student Student Labor and Student Work Study

Timecard Submission Requirements and Deadlines

Title: Timecard Submission Requirements and Deadlines
Policy Owner: Payroll Department
Applies to: All Employees
Campus Applicability:  UConn Storrs and Regional Campuses
Effective Date: August 19, 2014
For More Information, Contact Payroll Department
Contact Information: (860) 486-2423
Official Website: http://www.payroll.uconn.edu/

 

REASON FOR POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the timely and accurate completion and approval of time and attendance records.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all employees at the University of Connecticut, Storrs and Regional Campuses required to complete biweekly time and attendance records.  This includes all members of the classified bargaining units; all members of the University of Connecticut Professional Employee’s Association (UCPEA); all Management and Confidential staff; student employees; and certain special payroll appointees.

This policy also applies to University employees who have been granted signatory authority to approve time and attendance records.

DEFINITION

A time and attendance record is a true and accurate statement of time worked and time taken.  These records must be completed in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act, collective bargaining agreements, State regulations and University policies.  By submitting and/or approving a time and attendance record, employees and their supervisors are attesting to the accuracy of the time reported.  An approved time and attendance record also authorizes the expenditure of funds in accordance with time reported.

POLICY STATEMENT

Employees are required to submit biweekly time and attendance records for the purposes of calculating payments, and managing accruals and other entitlements.  In the event that an employee is unable to complete his/her time and attendance record (or is not included in the self-service population) it is the supervisor’s responsibility to complete it on their employee’s behalf.

All time and attendance records must be submitted and approved by the deadlines posted on the Payroll website.  Changes to the biweekly submission and approval deadline due to holidays, severe weather events and unforeseen circumstances will be communicated to the University community in as timely a manner as possible.

Corrections to previously reported time must be submitted as soon as the discovery is made.

Access to the time and attendance systems is administered by the Payroll Department, subject to the established guidelines on the Payroll website and consistent with the security policy administered by University Information Technology Services.  Under no circumstances should a login ID and password be shared.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Conduct Code.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Time and attendance procedures for employees and supervisors are posted on the Payroll Department website at www.payroll.uconn.edu.

 

Payroll Requirements for New Employees

Title: Payroll Requirements for New Employees
Policy Owner: Payroll Department
Applies to: Hiring Departments and Employees
Campus Applicability: UConn Storrs and Regionals
Effective Date: August 19, 2014
For More Information, Contact Payroll Department
Contact Information: (860) 486 2423
Official Website: http://www.payroll.uconn.edu/

 

REASON FOR POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the timely and reasonable submission of required documentation to produce on-time, accurate payments to new University employees.  This is critical to meeting payroll processing deadlines; complying with federal and state regulations and reporting requirements; maintaining employee satisfaction; and minimizing additional, unscheduled work for Payroll and hiring departments.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all hiring departments and employees at the University of Connecticut, Storrs and Regional Campuses.

DEFINITION

A “New Employee” is defined as an individual who is becoming actively employed with the University of Connecticut and receiving compensation for services.  This generally includes first time hires, as well as rehires who incurred a break in service with their employment at the University.

POLICY STATEMENT

The University is required to produce payments to employees in accordance with the General Statues of Connecticut, Chapter 34, Sec. 3-119, guidelines set by the Connecticut Department of Labor, and Collective Bargaining Agreements.  In addition, the University is required to adhere to the Core-CT payroll processing schedule set forth by the Office of the State Comptroller.

The Payroll Department has established deadline schedules by which required new hire documentation must be received to ensure timely and accurate payments, and compliance with applicable laws.  The deadline schedules are posted on the homepage of the Payroll Department website at www.payroll.uconn.edu. Departments or units responsible for hiring have an obligation to obtain and complete required documentation within the deadlines prescribed at the above website.

Required new hire documentation received in the Payroll Department after the posted deadline may not be processed within the current payroll cycle.  The decision will be based on the circumstances resulting in the late submission, as well as the internal biweekly payroll processing schedule.  Any exceptions to this policy will be strictly limited, and at the discretion of the Payroll Department.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Conduct Code.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Documentation requirements (electronic and/or paper) for new employees can also be found on the Payroll Department website at www.payroll.uconn.edu.

Short Term Advances ("Change Funds")

Title: Short Term Advances (“Change Funds”)
Policy Owner: Office of the Bursar
Applies to: Faculty, Staff
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Approval Date: August 8, 2025
Effective Date: August 8, 2025
For More Information, Contact: Office of the Bursar
Contact Information: cashoperations@uconn.edu
Official Website: https://bursar.uconn.edu/departments/cash-operations/

PURPOSE

To establish a uniform controls for providing Short Term Advances to departments in conjunction with University events to ensure safeguard University assets.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to departments seeking a Short Term Advance.

DEFINITIONS

Short Term Advance: An advance of funds issued for a period of two weeks or less for the purpose of making change for cash payments for a specified University event

POLICY STATEMENT

The Office of the Bursar has sole responsibility for issuing Short Term Advances to departments.  University departments who receive Short Term Advances are responsible for returning the funds no later than two weeks after the date of receipt of the funds.  Any department who receives a Short Term Advance is required to adhere to controls and reconciliation processes established by the Office of the Bursar.

ENFORCEMENT

Any department that does not comply with this policy shall be ineligible to receive future Short Term Advances.  Violations of this policy and any related procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

PROCEDURES

Short Term Advances must be requested through the Office of the Bursar Cash Operations webform.  Departments must follow the procedures for safeguarding and reconciling funds as outlined on the Office of the Bursar Cash Operations website.

REFERENCES

Office of the Bursar Cash Operations website

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created: 8/18/2014

Revisions: 08/08/2025 (Approved by Senior Policy Council)

 

Returned Check Policy

Title: Returned Check Policy
Policy Owner: Office of the Bursar
Applies to: Faculty, Staff, and Payors
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Approval Date: September 29, 2025
Effective Date: September 29, 2025
For More Information, Contact: Office of the Bursar
Contact Information: 860-486-4830
Official Website: https://bursar.uconn.edu/

PURPOSE

To ensure compliance with Section 4 of the State of Connecticut Office of the State Comptroller Accounting Manual for Receipts regarding processing and accounting for returned Checks.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all departments that receive check payments on behalf of the University, and to all payors, including students and external customers, who submit payments to the University for goods and/or services.

DEFINITIONS

Check: A personal paper check or a personal electronic check (“e-check”).

POLICY STATEMENT

Checks deposited by the University that are returned by the bank due to insufficient funds or other reasons are the responsibility of the depositing department to resolve, including the collection of funds still owed to the University.  The department or payor will be charged for the amount of the returned check, including any applicable bank fees.

For fee bill payments, the University’s payment processor may charge student payors a fee for any Check returned by the bank for insufficient funds. The Office of the Bursar reserves the right to block a student with returned Check payments from using that payment method in the future, requiring payment instead by money order, certified cashier’s check, credit card, or wire payment.

For all other returned Checks, the department has the discretion to accept or reject future Check payments from the payor.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy and any related procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code.

PROCEDURES

The Office of the Bursar Cash Operations unit is notified by the bank if a Check is returned to the University. Cash Operations sends the notification to the appropriate depositing department. It is the department’s responsibility to submit the appropriate entry in the general ledger system to reflect the returned payment. Cash Operations approves the entry based on the debit to the University’s bank account.

REFERENCES

State of Connecticut Office of the Comptroller Accounting Manual, Receipts, Section 4

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created: 08/19/2014

Revisions:

01/24/2022 (Reviewed with updates only to the Procedures)

09/29/2025 (Approved by the University’s Senior Policy Council and President)

Opening a Merchant Account for Credit Card Acceptance

Title: Opening a Merchant Account for Credit Card Acceptance
Policy Owner: Office of the Bursar
Applies to: Faculty, Staff
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Approval Date: September 29, 2025
Effective Date: September 29, 2025
For More Information, Contact: Office of the Bursar Cash Operations
Contact Information: cashoperations@uconn.edu
Official Website: https://bursar.uconn.edu/departments/cash-operations/

PURPOSE

To ensure University compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS) found at www.pcisecuritystandards.org.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to any department requesting a merchant account to accommodate customers who want to pay by credit or debit card, and the University’s centralized eCommerce system cannot meet their needs.

DEFINITIONS

Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards: PCI DSS are technical and operational requirements set by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council to protect cardholder data. The standards globally govern all merchants and organizations that store, process, or transmit this data – with new requirements for software developers and manufacturers of applications and devices used in those transactions. Compliance with the PCI DSS is mandatory for their respective stakeholders, and is enforced by the major payment card brands who established the Council: American Express, Discover Financial Services, JCB International, MasterCard Worldwide, and Visa Inc.

POLICY STATEMENT

Credit card transactions are monetary transactions and therefore are subject to the same control and reconciliation policies as cash transactions. No department may open a merchant account to accept credit card transactions without the approval of the Controller and Bursar.

New merchant accounts must be opened through Office of the Bursar and receive Controller approval.  Merchant accounts will only be approved if the University’s centralized eCommerce system cannot meet the needs of the requesting department.  All University approved accounts must adhere to the PCI DSS including the performance of the Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), annual attestation, and successful University computer and network scans, as applicable.

ENFORCEMENT

The Office of the Controller may at any time terminate the department’s merchant account for a policy/procedure violation. In addition, payment card industry compliance violations may result in fines from the payment brands (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, JCB, BC Card, DinaCard and Diner’s Club) to the acquiring bank, at their discretion, from $5,000 to $100,000 per month which may be charged back to the department in noncompliance. Fines are dependent on volume of credit cards breached and remediation efforts required.

Violations of this policy and any related procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Conduct Code.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

Detailed procedures and resource documents may be found on the Office of the Bursar website at: https://bursar.uconn.edu/cash-operations/ .  

POLICY HISTORY

Created: 08/19/2014

Reviewed with no revisions: 01/14/2022

Revised: 09/29/2025 (Approved by the University’s Senior Policy Council and President)

Non-Student Receivables Invoicing Policy

Title: Non-Student Receivables Invoicing Policy
Policy Owner: Office of the Bursar
Applies to: Faculty, Staff
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Approval Date: August 8, 2025
Effective Date: August 8, 2025
For More Information, Contact: Office of the Bursar
Contact Information: 860-486-5995
Official Website: https://bursar.uconn.edu/departments/accounts-receivable/

PURPOSE

University departments provide goods and/or services to the general public and organizations world-wide.  In accordance with the State of Connecticut Office of the State Comptroller Management of Receivables, it is the responsibility of the University to invoice customers and notify them of their financial obligation to the University.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to departments, faculty, and staff that provide goods and/or services to customers on credit.

POLICY STATEMENT

University departments and units must invoice customers at the time goods and/or services are rendered using the Kuali Financial System (KFS).  The Office of the Bursar may grant exceptions to this policy after assessing the department or unit’s alternative billing methods for adherence to proper internal control procedures.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy and any related procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

PROCEDURES

For additional information, access the KFS Cash and Accounts Receivable Procedure Guide at: https://bursar.uconn.edu/departments/accounts-receivable/.

REFERENCES

State of Connecticut Office of the State Comptroller Management of Receivables

POLICY HISTORY

Policy created: 08/18/2014

Revisions:
08/08/2025 (Approved by the Senior Policy Council)
01/24/2022 (Editorial revision)

 

Cash Collection and Deposit

Title: Cash Collection and Deposit
Policy Owner: Office of the Bursar
Applies to: Faculty, Staff
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Approval Date: August 8, 2025
Effective Date: August 8, 2025
For More Information, Contact: Office of the Bursar
Contact Information: cashoperations@uconn.edu
Official Website: https://bursar.uconn.edu/departments/cash-operations/

PURPOSE

To ensure compliance with Title 4 Chapter 47 Section 4-32 of the Connecticut General Statutes for accounting and depositing of any Cash received by the University.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to any University department receiving Cash.

DEFINITIONS

Cash: Includes currency, checks, money orders, electronic payments, and all other negotiable instruments.

POLICY STATEMENT

Any department or unit at the University receiving Cash must deposit funds within 24 hours of receipt if the total amount is $500 or more; lesser amounts may be held until total receipts reach $500 but not for a period of more than seven calendar days.  All cash must be deposited into a University bank account.  Funds must be accounted for daily in the University’s general ledger system, regardless of total amount collected.

Any missing funds must be immediately reported to the University Police Department and the Office of the Controller. The results of the investigation will determine the subsequent actions. See also the Policy on the Prevention and Reporting of Fraud and Fiscal Irregularities.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy and any related procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

PROCEDURES

Consult the Cash Operations and Accounts Receivable procedures in KnowledgeBase for proper cash handling controls for your department. Additional information is available on the Office of the Bursar website.

REFERENCES

Connecticut General State Statute Title 4 Chapter 47 Section 4-32. State Revenue Accounting

POLICY HISTORY

Revisions:
08/08/2025 (Approved by the Senior Policy Council)
01/14/2022
08/19/2014

Service Center Policy

Title: Service Center Policy
Policy Owner: Accounting Office
Applies to: Faculty, Staff and Designated Affiliates
Campus Applicability: UConn Storrs and Regionals
Effective Date: December 26, 2014
For More Information, Contact Associate Controller & Director of Accounting
Contact Information: (860) 486-1366
Official Website: https://accountingoffice.uconn.edu/

PURPOSE

To ensure that the University is in compliance with the cost principles and accounting standards set forth by the federal government.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to faculty, staff and designated affiliates of the University of Connecticut, Storrs and Regional Campuses.

DEFINITIONS

Service Center: a unit which charges a rate to recover the full allowable cost of goods or services provided.  This differs from a unit which charges another area for the cost of the goods or services only, without consideration of other recoverable costs such as overhead costs.  A unit of this type is defined as a “Recharge Center”.

OMB Uniform Guidance: publication of the Office of Management and Budget titled “Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.”

Governmental Cost Accounting Standards (CAS): standards and rules administered by the federal government for use in achieving uniformity and consistency under federal contracts.

Service Center and Cost Recovery Committee (SCCRC): a University committee responsible for approving the establishment of and rates charged by University Service Centers.

POLICY STATEMENT

The Office of Cost Analysis (OCA), a unit within the University’s Accounting Office, is responsible for ensuring that the establishment of and the rates charged  by  University Service Centers are approved by the SCCRC in accordance with OMB Uniform Guidance.  The Office of Cost Analysis reviews the rates charged by Service Centers, and ensures that the rates are consistent with good business practice and comply with all applicable regulatory and legal requirements, including those outlined in OMB Uniform Guidance and the Governmental Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).  The OCA will ensure that federal grants and contracts are not charged a rate that is higher than what any other internal or external customer may be charged for goods and services.  External rates include indirect costs or overhead, whereas internal rates include only direct costs.  Departments operating Service Centers must have the Center and the rates used by the Center, approved by the SCCRC in advance of commencing operations.

Additional information on Service Centers and cost accounting principles at the University can be found in the Cost Accounting Disclosure Statements (CADS):

Direct and Indirect Costs of Federal Grants and Contracts https://accountingoffice.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/143/2018/04/CADS1-Uconn-policies-updated-for-UG.pdf

Cost Sharing https://accountingoffice.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/143/2015/08/CADS2.pdf

Financial Management of Service Centers https://accountingoffice.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/143/2015/08/University-of-Connecticut.pdf

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Conduct Code.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

For more information on OMB Uniform Guidance, please see

https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/

POLICY HISTORY

Revisions:  Review and editorial revisions August 27, 2021

Personal Services Fringe Rate Calculation for Grants/Research

Title: Personal Services Fringe Rate Calculation for Grants/Research
Policy Owner: Accounting Office
Applies to: Faculty, staff and designated University affiliates
Campus Applicability: Storrs and Regional Campuses
Effective Date: December 26, 2014
For More Information, Contact Associate Controller & Director of Accounting
Contact Information: (860) 486-1366
Official Website: https://accountingoffice.uconn.edu/

PURPOSE

To ensure that the University is in compliance with the cost principles and accounting standards set forth by the federal government.

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to faculty, staff and designated affiliates of the University of Connecticut, Storrs and Regional Campuses.

DEFINITIONS

Personal Services Fringe Rates are calculated to cover the cost of employer-paid contributions for retirement, health care, life insurance and other fringe benefits on grants.  The rates vary because the calculation is based on a percentage of salaries for different categories of personnel.

OMB Uniform Guidance – publication of the Office of Management and Budget titled “Cost Principles and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.”

Governmental Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) – standards and rules administered by the federal Government for use in achieving uniformity and consistency under federal contracts.

POLICY STATEMENT

The Office of Cost Analysis (OCA), a unit within the University’s Accounting Office, is responsible for calculating personal services fringe rates that are charged to research grants in accordance with OMB Uniform Guidance and the Government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).  Federal grants may not be charged personal services fringe rates unless approved by the Department of Health and Human Services, our cognizant federal agency. University departments charging personal services to grants must use the approved fringe rates.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy or associated procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

PROCEDURES/FORMS

The rates are calculated by the OCA based on current financial information and then adjusted annually in the future rates, based on actual costs.

For more information on OMB Uniform Guidance, please see

http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/

POLICY HISTORY

Revisions:  Review and editorial revisions August 27, 2021