SOFO Policies and Procedures

Student organizations are financially accountable to their members and the student body at large. Though they are not recognized as legal entities outside of Northwestern, they do, at times, “represent” the University unofficially by the programs and activities they sponsor and make available to the general Evanston public. This association with the University brings them many benefits (e.g., exempt status from Illinois sales tax) and responsibilities (e.g., adherence to documentation requirements).

SOFO is committed to providing student organizations with a financial framework that helps student treasurers maintain accurate and detailed records while allowing them and student presidents the flexibility to pursue their organizations’ stated purposes and objectives.

Statement on Financial Integrity and Conflict of Interest

SOFO actively seeks to improve its operations with regard to service and financial integrity. All SOFO employees are trained according to very strict policies and guidelines. Of primary emphasis in this training is the role of the staff members as verifiers. SOFO employees do not authorize transactions; they simply verify that the transaction requests made at the service counter are congruous with respect to the SOFO Policies and Procedures

If a student employee is also an officer of a student organization, that student must interact with SOFO in the same exact manner as would any other student group officer. The person must initiate the transactions at the service counter outside of the office. Further, (s)he cannot assist in processing any transaction affecting her/his own group’s account.

SOFO Authorized

It is required that treasurers be SOFO authorized  in order to begin transacting with SOFO. If Presidents wish to make transactions with SOFO, it is necessary that they are authorized as well.

To do so, please follow the procedures below.

1. View the Prezis below.
2. Print and fill out the SOFO Quiz. All questions can be answered by reviewing the Prezis or our SOFO Policies and Procedures handbook.
3. Select three training dates listed on our website, in order of preference, and write the dates on your completed quiz. Note: you only need to attend one session.
4. Bring your quiz to SOFO and have it graded by an attendant.
5. You will be given your live presentation date after your quiz is graded. Training dates are filled on a first come, first serve basis.

The Cashier’s Office will be holding workshops on the cash bag process. The dates are listed on the Cashier’s Office website. If you would like to attend a workshop, please e-mail the Cashier’s Office at norris-cashier@northwestern.edu.

Training dates available

(select your top three and note them on your quiz):

• Thursday, Apr. 4th at 12:00 pM (206 Arch Room)
• Tuesday, Apr. 9th at 5:00 PM (Harris L06)
• Tuesday, Apr. 16th at 11:00 AM (207 Rock Room)
• Friday, Apr. 26th at 3:00 PM (202 Northwestern A)
• Tuesday, Apr. 30th at 11:00 AM (206 Arch Room)
• Tuesday, May. 7th at 5:00 PM (202 Northwestern A)
• Thursday, May. 16th at 2:00 PM (207 Rock Room)
• Friday, May 24th at 2:00 PM (207 Rock Room)
• Tuesday, May 28th at 11:00 AM (207 Rock Room)
• Friday, June 7th at 6:00 PM (206 Arch Room)

SOFO New Account Procedures