University Spending Guidelines

Per the March 25 letter from Provost Bob Jones and Chief Financial Officer Rick Petillo, Clemson University is taking a conservative approach to managing our financial resources in this uncertain economic environment.

The University’s Vice Presidents and Deans are accountable for the financial stewardship within their respective areas, and have been directed to focus on the most essential activities that directly impact the University’s operations and success. 

To provide time to prioritize essential needs and provide agility to meet the University’s needs, please adhere to the following guidelines:

• If an offer has already been extended and accepted, the offer stands.
• All other hiring and personnel actions should be paused until May 7 (30 business days). This includes any actions involving students and graduate students (UPIC internships for Fall 2025 can proceed). Limited exceptions may apply and will require approval by the Recommendation Committee.
• Beginning May 7, prioritized hiring and personnel action for FY25 and FY26 requests will be escalated for review by the Recommendation Committee.
  • The Recommendation Committee will consist of the Provost, Chief Financial Officer and the President’s Chief of Staff. Prioritized actions will be reviewed weekly.
• Hires on funded research or faculty startup funds: If a hire is required by a research contract or is critical to faculty startup, justification will need to be included in the escalated review process, which must include an endorsement by the dean of the college.
• Promotion and tenure for faculty will not be affected.

• Travel should be limited to essential University business as prioritized by the vice president or dean.
• Beginning March 25, all travel requests must be approved by the vice president or dean.

• Spending for non-essential supplies, contracts (to include consulting agreements and other items) should be paused until June 17 (60 business days). Limited exceptions may apply with vice president or dean approval.
• Funded research procurement: if equipment/supplies are required by the contract, the expense is permissible at this time.

• Facility projects, capital and non-capital projects will be subject to review and evaluation by senior leadership.
• Feasibility studies will be limited to prioritized projects only.

• Hospitality expenses should be limited to essential University business and must be approved by the vice president or dean.
• Purchase of food and beverages for internal meetings, trainings and retreats should be paused for 60 business days. Limited exceptions may apply with vice president or dean approval.
• Student-focused hospitality events are allowable but must comply with University guidelines and total cost approved by the vice president or dean prior to the event.

If you have any questions, please email finops@clemson.edu. We will provide an update to these guidelines on June 18 or earlier if needed.