Contract Signing Authority
Working with Agents/Campus Performers
If a student organization solicits the services of an agency, vendor, speaker, or entertainer and a contract is required for confirmation, any and all negotiations must be handled by a professional staff member in the Office of Student Life. Students may not make offers or sign contracts on behalf of the University.
Professional Services Contracts for on-campus events must be signed by a professional staff member in the Office of Student Life. You can request a copy of this contract by emailing [email protected]. The contract will be between the vendor/performer and the University on behalf of the RSO. The RSO must prove the financial and other means to honor the contract before it will be signed. Students will be held personally liable for any contracts they personally request or sign without authorization from the University. A misconduct review hearing may be requested for any RSO engaging in unauthorized contracts.
Agent Do's and Don'ts
|
Do |
Don't |
|---|---|
|
Represent GVSU in a positive manner |
Do not make an offer |
|
Ask for date availability and give the venue size |
Do not ask for a contract |
|
Keep a log of calls (date, time, notes) |
Do not tell the agent your budget amount |
|
Talk about block booking |
Do not provide personal contact information to the agent. Instead, provide the Office of Student Life number or your GVSU email address |
|
Ask about the "going rate" |
Do not be scared. Agents are our partners in putting on great events on campus |
|
Leave advisor's / OSL contact name as contact |
Do not lose sight that the agent is doing his/her job |
|
Inform your advisors and/or OSL contact that you have contacted an agent |
Do not be afraid to tell the agent no. If the act or the details are not fitting into your vision, politely decline |
Contracting Do's and Don'ts
|
Do |
Don't |
|---|---|
|
Have several dates in mind (your first choice may not be available) |
Do not make an offer |
|
Make it clear than an authorized GVSU representative must make an offer |
Do not ask for a contract |
|
Keep your advisor informed |
Do not tell the agent your budget amount |
|
Ask a lot of questions and do your research |
Do not agree to anything that is considered "unreasonable" in what the university should provide |
|
Ask for a contact name and number |