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PCard Policy and Procedure Links

  • Table of Contents

  • PCard Program Overview

  • Authorized Uses of the PCard

  • Restrictions & Prohibited Uses of the PCard

  • Areas of Responsibility

  • Procedures for Becoming a Cardholder

  • Distribution and Activation of PCards

  • General Instructions for Making Purchases

  • Accountability and Internal Controls

  • Unauthorized Use, Security and Protection

  • Lost or Stolen PCards, Fraudulent & Disputed Transactions

  • Returns and Credits

  • Cardholder Account Maintenance

  • Addendum - PCard Travel Form Instructions - T1 Travel Prior Approval Request Form

SDSURF › Home (Purchasing) › Procurement Card › PCard Policy & Procedure Manual ›  Authorized Uses of the PCard

Authorized Uses of the PCard

Cardholders must follow CSU, SDSU and SDSURF purchasing guidelines and strive to obtain the maximum value for each dollar of expenditure. The PCard may be used to purchase many of the goods and services used for SDSURF business. All PCard purchases are subject to the limitations in Section 3. and any applicable grant/contract terms and conditions. The PCard may be used to purchase items including:


  • Books
  • Office supplies
  • Non-inventory equipment (items under $1,499)
  • Lab, research supplies
  • Registration for conferences (Must complete SDSURF T1 Travel Authorization Form and have a trip number assigned if other travel reimbursements are being made)
  • Memberships
  • Publications – hardcopies must be delivered to SDSU business address
  • Subscriptions
  • Office furniture (chairs, bookshelves, etc.)
  • Services, including maintenance and repair
  • Computer parts and supplies (e.g. memory, flash drives, mouse, keyboard, monitors, thumb drives, etc.)
  • Software licenses are allowed for both the initial and subsequent renewals. Cardholder or Approving Manager (AM) must consult with their IT support team before making any software purchases to ensure system compatibility.
  • Webinars
  • Advertisements. Cardholder or Approving Manager must contact SDSURF Human Resources for employment advertisements.

Some PCards may also be used for travel incurred while on SDSU/SDSURF business. See Addendum (PCard Travel Form Instructions)


If you would like to purchase an item with your PCard that is not listed on the Authorized or Restricted/Prohibited Use lists, please contact your SRA administrator or the SDSURF PCard administrator for assistance. For questions or assistance with selecting the best method of procurement of goods or services please contact the SDSURF’s purchasing department at (619) 594-6891.

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  • SDSU Research Foundation
    Gateway Center
    5250 Campanile Drive
    San Diego, CA 92182
  • Email: sdsurffeedback@sdsu.edu
  • Phone: (619) 594-1900

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