{"id":16785,"date":"2025-08-28T13:15:36","date_gmt":"2025-08-28T17:15:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/studentactivities\/?page_id=16785"},"modified":"2026-06-23T12:06:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T16:06:19","slug":"student-activities-business-office","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/studentactivities\/student-activities-business-office\/","title":{"rendered":"Student Activities Business Office"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What is the Student Activities Business Office (SABO)?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:720}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Student Activities Business Office (SABO) supports the financial and administrative needs of student organizations and university departments engaged in student programming. SABO acts as the central hub for processing payments, reimbursements, vendor contracts, purchasing, and travel for student-led initiatives. The office ensures compliance with university policies and helps student groups manage their allocated funds responsibly. In addition to financial services, SABO provides training, guidance, and oversight to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the use of student activity fees.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:720}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Who Can Access SABO Services?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:720}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All student groups, that are recognized by the university and in good standing with the Student Leadership &amp; Impact Center\/Student Leadership &amp; Impact Center.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:720}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>How Can We Help You?<\/h3>\n<h5>Check out the <a href=\"\/studentactivities\/files\/2025\/09\/Treasurer-Training-09.14.25.pdf\">Treasurer Training<\/a>!<\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/sourcing\/supplier-searchable-dashboard\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Approved Vendors<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/studentactivities\/files\/2025\/08\/SABO-Non-Reimburseable-Items.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Non-Reimbursable Expenses<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/studentactivities\/files\/2025\/08\/Payment-Procedures-08.25.25.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Payment Procedures<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/studentactivities\/files\/2026\/03\/Subject-Important-Guidelines-for-Your-Purchase-Requests-with.pdf\">Purchase Requests for Outside Vendors<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/studentactivities\/files\/2026\/03\/Attachment-1-Invoice-Requirements.png\">Sample Invoice w\/ Required Information<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/studentactivities\/files\/2026\/01\/SABO-Purchase-Requests-WEBSITE-TEMPLATE.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Purchase Requests<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/studentactivities\/files\/2026\/01\/SABO-Reimbursement-Process-WEBSITE-TEMPLATE.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Reimbursements<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ap\/ariba-guided-buying\/for-suppliers\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Vendors \u2013 Looking for Payment<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use of BU Logo \u2013 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/licensing\/internal-requests\/guide-to-selling-branded-goods-and-apparel\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Branding Goods &amp; Apparel<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/studentactivities\/files\/2026\/03\/SABO-Updated.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">W9 \u2013 Helpful Tips<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/studentactivities\/files\/2025\/09\/Fundraising-Materials-09.15.25.pdf\">Fundraising Materials<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Contact Information<\/h3>\n<p>Students who have any questions or concerns, please contact <a href=\"mailto:sabo@bu.edu\">sabo@bu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For vendors, please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ap\/ariba-guided-buying\/for-suppliers\/\">Guided Buying For Suppliers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>FAQs<\/h3>\n<h4>Budget &amp; Account Management<\/h4>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How do I check my student organization\u2019s account balance?<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>Login to your student organization&#8217;s Terrier Central account. Click the left side bar and scroll down to your group&#8217;s name and then select finance. Once you are on that page, on the top right click accounts and you can view your organization&#8217;s balance.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Do funds roll over from year to year?<\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/p>\n<p>Yes, for most organizations\u2019 funds roll over. Although this will not be the case for organizations that get direct allocations from Community Service Fee, which the funds will get swept at the end of the academic year.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What happens if our account balance is negative?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>If your account balance is negative, please make sure to have incoming funds deposited into your account to take out of deficit. You can write us a check (made out to Trustees of Boston University), and we can deposit the check for you. You can also do an online donation for your group. It is of great importance that you keep track of your finances to prevent this from happening as it can disrupt your budget approval with the Allocation Board.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h4>Compliance &amp; Restrictions<\/h4>\n<h5><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Contracts<\/span><\/h5>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Who is authorized to sign contracts for my student organization?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Students are <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>never<\/strong><\/span> allowed to sign. Depending on the scope it will either be the Director of Student Leadership &amp; Impact Center (SLIC) or BU Sourcing will complete this as part of your PR submission.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">When would I need a contract?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>There are three main instances when student organizations need a contract:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Your organization plans on paying a speaker or performer<\/li>\n<li>You are renting a venue off campus<\/li>\n<li>You are bringing a vendor to campus who will provide a service to your organization<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How far in advance do I need to submit a contract?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>You should submit these 6-8 weeks in advance via your Event Request in Terrier Central.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Why does this process take so long?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The contracts process includes multiple other offices on campus. Unfortunately, we are unable to speed up these parts of the processes.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How do contracted vendors get paid?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Once your event is over, you will need to submit a vendor payment request for all contracted vendors. Your service provider will not be paid without this step.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h5><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Fundraising &amp; Deposits<\/span><\/h5>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">I don't see my donations\/Eventbrite revenue reflected in our account?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Deposits are not real time. The funds are manually allocated, so this may take some time for you to see it reflected in your account.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How do I deposit cash or checks into my group\u2019s account?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Bring a check to SABO and complete a deposit slip. The check must be made payable to Trustees of Boston University. Please note, we can only accept checks with no cash.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h5><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Spending Money<\/span><\/h5>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What constitutes an invoice?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Invoices should include the vendor\u2019s name, vendor address, an invoice number, date, and itemized price breakdown including total amount. Quotes, pro forma invoices, and order confirmations are not accepted as invoices.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h5><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Payments to People<\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Please see our <a href=\"\/studentactivities\/files\/2025\/08\/Payment-Procedures-08.25.25-1.pdf\">Payment Procedures chart<\/a> to understand the payment process by category.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What is an honorarium?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>An honorarium is a token payment given to a guest speaker, performer, or expert to thank them for sharing their time or expertise \u2014 especially when they\u2019re not charging a fee. It\u2019s not salary or wage, but rather a gesture of appreciation for a guest participating in an event, panel, or activity.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h4>Purchase Requests (PR)<\/h4>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">When do I submit a PR?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Purchase Request (PR) is submitted via Terrier Central, when groups need pay from vendors or procure goods. This includes supplies, service subscriptions and membership dues.<\/p>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 2\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><span>This is submitted <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>after<\/strong><\/span> your Event Request has been approved.<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What\u2019s the timeline?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>You should submit the PR at least 14 business days ahead of your event. For planning purposes \u2013 please remember this is submitted after your Event Request has been approved. So please factor that into your timeline.<br \/>\n<span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 1\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol><\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How can I expedite my request?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>We cannot expedite any purchase requests as this is a first come first serve basis. Please plan accordingly, keeping in mind that we need at least 2 weeks to process PR&#8217;s depending on demand.<br \/>\n<span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Who can submit a PR?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Only the President or Treasurer can submit a PR.<br \/>\n<span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What do I need for my PR?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Please see our <a href=\"\/studentactivities\/files\/2025\/08\/Payment-Procedures-08.25.25-1.pdf\">Payment Procedures chart<\/a> with tailored directions for each type of purchase. The process of paying a vendor\/supplier differs depending on their status and will need specific documentation and information.<br \/>\n<span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How do I title my request?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"page\" title=\"Page 3\">\n<div class=\"layoutArea\">\n<div class=\"column\">\n<p><span>This is very important \u2013 please ensure your subject title is in the correct format:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span>For events \u2013 Event Name: Event Date: Vendor\/Payee\u2019s name so that would read \u2013 Splash: 09\/06\/24: Peak<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>For general business \u2013 General Business: Current Date: Vendor Name an example would be General business: 10\/10\/2025: Amazon<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>Date format MM\/DD\/YYY<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span>You need the \u201c:\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If the titles are not in this format, the PR will be denied and need to be resubmitted correctly.<br \/>\n<span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Why is my purchase request denied?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Please see the notes in the comment section of the PR. Once it is denied you will have to make the appropriate changes and resubmit.<br \/>\n<span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Reimbursements<\/h4>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Can I pay for things out of pocket and get reimbursed?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Student organizations are strongly discouraged from paying out of pocket. However, officers may make organization-related purchases and request reimbursement via Engage if they do so within 30 days of the itemized receipt.<br \/>\n<span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How do I request reimbursement?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Submit your reimbursement request via Engage, including an itemized receipt. Requests must be tied to a registered and approved event in Engage.<br \/>\n<span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h5 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How do I request reimbursement?<span><\/h5><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Once your reimbursement is approved, it may take up to 3 weeks for a check to be produced.<br \/>\n<span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is the Student Activities Business Office (SABO)?\u00a0 The Student Activities Business Office (SABO) supports the financial and administrative needs of student organizations and university departments engaged in student programming. SABO acts as the central hub for processing payments, reimbursements, vendor contracts, purchasing, and travel for student-led initiatives. The office ensures compliance with university policies [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22582,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":18,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/no-sidebars.php","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/studentactivities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16785"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/studentactivities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/studentactivities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/studentactivities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/22582"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/studentactivities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16785"}],"version-history":[{"count":37,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/studentactivities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16785\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16951,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/studentactivities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16785\/revisions\/16951"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/studentactivities\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16785"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}