Norris Center: SOFO

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HOURS: Regular Hours: Mon-Fri 9 AM to 4 PM
Academic Break: Mon-Fri 9 AM to 1 PM
(847) 491-2328 • sofo@northwestern.edu
First Floor

STUDENT ORGS: TAKE THE SOFO QUIZ

The Student Organization Finance Office (SOFO) serves as the banking center for all student groups recognized by Northwestern University. As such, it facilitates financial transactions and offers an independent and verifiable record of all the activity that occurs on these organizational accounts.

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.

SOFO Forms

Forms to Download:

New Account Application Form	Transfer Notification Form
Check Advance Reconciliations Form	Ledger Book
Motor Pool Form	Account Reconciliation Form
Contract Agreement

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 Training Dates

SOFO Training is required for all student organization treasurers and highly recommended for presidents. Treasurers who were trained in a previous year as an officer of another organization, do not need to undergo additional training. However, we do encourage officers to sign up if a refresher is needed.

Registration requests for training should be sent by e-mail to sofo@northwestern.edu at least 2 business days in advance of the session. Please be aware that you will not be admitted to a session if you have not pre-registered for it.

Trainings are generally 45 minutes to an hour in length and start promptly at the listed time.

Thursday, April 03 • 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 204 Scholars Room
Tuesday, April 08 • 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 101B Wildcat Room
Monday, April 14 • 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 101B Wildcat Room
Wednesday, April 30 • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Time change), 103 Chicago Room
Thursday, May 15 • 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 204 Scholars Room
Wednesday May 28 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM, 102 Evans Room

SOFO OFFICER QUIZ

This quiz is "Open Book", the purpose is to insure that the handbook is read and that the SOFO Policies and Procedures are understood. You must achieve 100% before you may transact with SOFO.

Email address ^*

First name ^*

Last name ^*

Organization name ^*

Your position ^*

President Treasurer

Who has authorization to pick up tax exempt forms? ^*

A. Treasurers only B. Presidents or treasurers
C. Anyone in the organization D. Advisors only

Who is the Coordinator for the Student Organization Finance Office? ^*

A. Gigi Greene B. Judy McHugh
C. Frank Zambrano D. Sarah Thompson

Which of the following is an acceptable form of proof of payment? ^*

A. Credit card statement B. Carbon copy of a personal check
C. Credit card receipt w/ itemized receipt D. Invoice marked "PAID"
E. A & B F. C & D

What is the maximum amount one check advance may be made out for? ^*

A. $300.00 B. $500.00
C. $1,000.00 D. $200.00

SOFO can reimburse for services paid out of pocket. ^*

True False

All checks take 2-3 days to process. An Emergency check may be issued for the next business day. What is the amount of the Emergency Check Fee? ^*

A. $30.00 B. $10.00
C. $28.00 D. $15.00

SOFO will accept receipts for reimbursement within how many days of the purchase date? ^*

A. 30 days B. 60 days
C. 90 days

At the beginning of every quarter, the President or Treasurer must balance the organization�s ledger book with the Student Organization Finance Office. ^*

True False

Your Organization's Advisor's signature is not required on receipts for reimbursement. ^*

True False

Students are allowed to sign as the University Representative on a contract. ^*

True False

Vouchers may be turned in by the President or Treasurer in person, left at the Main Desk, and sent by mail. ^*

True False

All checks to be deposited in to your account must be made payable to Northwestern University. ^*

True False

^* is a required answer

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