Welcome to the Office of the General Counsel's annual Contract Training Program!
This training is designed to support members of the campus community who play a role in the contracting process, particularly:
- Contract Managers (formerly known as Contract Owners), who are responsible for managing contracts on behalf of the College; and
- Authorized Signatories , who have delegated authority to execute contracts on behalf of the College.
Faculty and staff whose roles do not involve managing or signing contracts are welcome to complete the training for professional development purposes, but participation is not required.
Annual Training Requirement
Completion of this training is required annually for all Contract Managers and Authorized Signatories. To maintain contract management and/or contract signing privileges, training must be completed no later than September 30th each year. Training is not considered complete until you have:
- Reviewed all required training materials.
- Typed and signed your name acknowledging completion of the training.
- Submitted the Training Completion Acknowledgment Form below.
Training Materials
The training consists of seven sessions, each focused on key aspects of the contracting process. The sessions are intended to help participants:
- Better understand contracting requirements and expectations.
- Improve communication throughout the review process.
- Increase efficiency when submitting and managing contracts.
- Develop a stronger understanding of risk, compliance, and contract administration.
- Build confidence in navigating the contract lifecycle from planning and review through execution, implementation, and ongoing management.
complete Training package (7 Sessions total)
- Session_1_Contract_Review_Training_NARRATED.mp4
- Session_2_Introduction_to_TDX_and_Review_Process.mp4
- Session_3_What Happens Next_Narrated.mp4
- Session_4_Manager_Role_and_Responsibilities.mp4
- Session_5_Signatory_Role_and_Responsibilities.mp4
- Session_6_Vendor_IS_and_Accessibility_Assessment.mp4
- Session_7_Insurance_and_Special_Insurance.mp4
Resource: Annual Training Slide Deck.pdf
After reviewing the complete training package, please submit your completed Training Acknowledgment Form.
Important Reminders
- Delegating contract-related activities to another employee does not satisfy this requirement.
- Contract Managers and Authorized Signatories must complete the training individually each year.
- Starting October 1, 2026, if a required participant has not completed the training, contract submissions associated with that individual will be returned without review until training requirements have been fulfilled.
- Completion records will be used to verify eligibility to manage and/or sign contracts.
These requirements help ensure a consistent, efficient, and well-informed contracting process across the College.
Why This Training Matters
Contracts are an essential part of how the College conducts business, manages risk, and supports its academic and operational goals. Effective contract management requires collaboration among departments, Procurement, Finance, Information Technology (IT), and the Office of the General Counsel. This training is intended to provide Contract Managers and Authorized Signatories with the knowledge and tools needed to:
- Navigate the contract lifecycle more effectively.
- Understand roles and responsibilities throughout the contracting process.
- Reduce delays caused by incomplete submissions.
- Make informed business decisions within their area of responsibility.
- Recognize when legal review and guidance are necessary.
- Support the College's commitment to efficient, compliant, and strategic contracting practices.
Our goal is not to add administrative burden. Rather, it is to ensure that the right decisions are made by the right people, at the right time, with the right resources.
What's ChangED
As part of our ongoing effort to strengthen contract management practices, we are asking Contract Managers and Authorized Signatories to take a more active and intentional role in the contracting process. This means:
- Departments are responsible for making business decisions related to their operations.
- Procurement is responsible for commercial and purchasing considerations.
- The Contract Review Team and Office of the General Counsel are responsible for legal analysis and legal guidance.
Not every question requires legal review, and not every decision belongs with Legal. Our objective is to empower business units with the knowledge needed to make decisions within their authority while ensuring that legal issues continue to receive appropriate review and attention. This approach creates a more efficient process for everyone and allows resources to be focused where they provide the greatest value.
Thank You!
Thank you for your partnership and commitment to responsible contract management. By completing this training, you help strengthen the College's contracting practices, improve operational efficiency, and ensure that institutional resources are focused where they are needed most.
We appreciate your collaboration and your role in protecting and advancing the interests of the College community.