Western Michigan University faculty and staff engage with a variety of outside entities on a daily basis to meet the needs of the University community. This activity requires entering into contracts with these goods and service providers. This web page is intended as a resource to assist in understanding and navigating the contract process. You will find a variety of helpful tools and resources regarding contracts and the process.
The contract review process is an interactive process between the unit, Purchasing, Business Services, and the Office of the General Counsel. It is the requesting unit's responsibility to make sure that each group is contacted and kept up-to-date on the progress of the contract.
WMU’s contract submission and legal review process is changing.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, all contracts, i.e., anything with Terms and Conditions (except Independent Contractor Agreements) between WMU and vendors should be submitted via COLT (Contract Organization and Lifecycle Tool). The WMU CMS (wmich.edu) submission link process will be permanently deleted on Dec. 31, 2022.
A dedicated team has been fine-tuning COLT for several years, however, its rollout was interrupted by the pandemic. It will now become the University’s source for reviewing, retaining, and reporting contracts. More information will be available as the deadline approaches. Contact your COLT contact person with questions or to gain access.
The Link below will guide you to the Information Technology page that will have an embedded link for you to find your COLT contact person (if needed).
- Contract Review Procedures
- IC Review Procedures
Useful Links
- Purchasing Policies and Procedures—includes information on:
- University bid policy
- Conflict of interest policy
- Leasing Policy Purchase Process
- Purchasing Forms
- Office of the Vice President for Research
Contracts and Subawards (Pre-Award)
Research Contracts Administrator
Grants and Contracts (Post-Award)