Recent Searches

Close

History

Close

Recent Pages

Recent Searches

EIU Office of Internal Auditing

#163 - University Personal Property Control


Approved: April 13, 2026

Monitor: President


This policy provides guidelines and procedures to assure that University personal property is used only for the educational, research or public service purposes of the University and in accordance with the requirements of the State Property Control Act and other applicable laws and regulations governing State property.

Property belonging to Eastern Illinois University is state-owned property and, as provided under the State Property Control Act, is subject to the regulations of the Department of Central Management Services (CMS) as administrator of the Act. These regulations are codified in Section 5010 of the Illinois Administrative Code. The President of the University is accountable to CMS for the supervision, control, and inventory of all personal property in the custody of Eastern Illinois University. These custodianship duties and responsibilities are delegated as outlined below.

The Vice President for Business Affairs has been delegated the authority to develop and issue necessary procedures and to provide general supervision of the property control function. The Business Office is primarily responsible for the maintenance of property control records, identification of equipment by department and location, overseeing the annual equipment inventory, and the annual equipment inventory reporting to CMS. Facilities Planning and Management is responsible for the moving, holding of surplus equipment, and disposal of equipment.

Private Use of University Property

The private use of University property is not permitted except as may be provided for in certain Board of Trustees employer-employee contractual arrangements. No one connected with the University in any capacity may use any University property for any personal purposes. It is a misuse of University property to:

  1. give it to, permit its use or consumption by, or to use or consume it for the benefit of any person, group or organization within or outside the University except in pursuit of the public purpose of the University.
  2. waste, abuse or neglect University property causing its damage, destruction, or impairment of function or useful life.

Financial Managers/Custodian Duties and Responsibilities

Financial managers/custodians are delegated the responsibility of maintaining proper accountability and control of the equipment within their jurisdiction. Financial managers/custodians shall have the following specific responsibilities regarding University equipment:

  1. know the location of all equipment inventoried to them and assure that such equipment is reasonably secure from possible theft and other hazards;
  2. assure that assigned equipment is being used and maintained in the best interests of the University;
  3. complete an annual verification of the status of departmental equipment on a timely basis and complete required forms provided by the Business Office;
  4. discourage theft and loss of University equipment by fixing responsibility for its maintenance and proper use.

Addition of University Property

An item that costs $100.01 or greater and has a useful life of one year or longer is considered equipment. Equipment costing between $100.01 and $2,499.99 and not considered a high theft item is tagged with a blue tag, provided by the Business Office, marking it as property of Eastern Illinois University.

Equipment that costs $2,500.00 or greater and equipment that is considered a high theft item are tagged with a pre-numbered RFID tag, provided by the Business Office, with records maintained in the University's fixed assets system. These items are added to the fixed asset system after payment, procurement card posting, gift processing, department request, or transfer.

Departments are responsible for providing information to complete property control records.

Equipment purchased with grant funds will follow the applicable federal regulations and approved grant documents.

Equipment Considered to be High Theft Items

Certain types of equipment are considered by the University to be high theft items. These items are tagged regardless of cost. These include:

  1. Video equipment, including televisions
  2. Digital cameras
  3. External hard drives
  4. Cellular phones and mobile devices
  5. Computers, tablets, and hand-held devices
  6. Firearms
  7. Certain types of networking equipment
  8. Video gaming machines
  9. Credit card processing equipment
  10. Equipment purchased to be checked out to students

Relocation of University Property within the University

An item on a department's inventory may be moved by following these steps:

  1. Complete an online Moving Request form for each item.
  2. Attach a printed copy of the form to each item.
  3. Property Management will coordinate scheduling.
  4. The Business Office will update inventory records after the move.

Temporary Removal of University Property

University property may be temporarily removed when it advances University programs. The assigned party is responsible for any damage or loss.

  1. Short Term Temporary Removal: Overnight or weekend removal must be approved in writing. Other requests up to one month require a Temporary Removal of Property form.
  2. Extended Removal: May be authorized for up to one year for university-related activities.
  3. Contractual Agreements: Property may be loaned under formal agreements approved by the Vice President for Business Affairs.

Transfer of University Property

When an item is no longer needed, it must be removed from inventory through the online Moving Request form. Disposal requires prior approval.

Items may be cannibalized or traded in only after CMS approval and proper documentation.

Tagging of University Property

All property valued at $2,500 or more, or considered high theft, must have an RFID tag. Items between $100.01 and $2,499.99 use blue tags. Departments must maintain controls over these items.

Lost tags must be replaced through the Business Office.

Inventory of University Property

An annual inventory is required by CMS. The process includes verification, reporting discrepancies, and submission of certification.

Theft of University Property

If property is stolen:

  1. Notify University Police immediately.
  2. Submit a written report with item details and inventory numbers.

Ramifications of Non-adherence

Failure to comply may result in escalation to leadership and potential cost recovery from the responsible department.

Related Pages


Take the next step

apply now
schedule a visit