Upcoming RealSource Downtime
To accommodate the FY26 fiscal year-end closure process, the RealSource system will be unavailable starting Monday, June 29, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The system will be restored on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 or once Banner is back online. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out. Business Solutions Team
Before Signing a Vendor Document
Departments may receive quotes, order forms, statements of work or other vendor documents that include a signature line. Please do not sign these documents unless you have delegated authority to sign on behalf of VCU. A signature may do more than confirm pricing. It may also accept vendor terms, renewal language, payment obligations, cancellation requirements […]
Know Before You Buy: New Restricted Manufacturer Lookup
A handful of federal lists restrict purchases of equipment from specific manufacturers — even when you’re buying through a familiar reseller like Amazon Business, B&H, or Grainger. Drones, network gear, video surveillance cameras, and certain lab equipment are the most common cases. To make these easier to catch before checkout, we’ve put together a quick […]
America To Go Catering Training Begins May 27!
In February, we announced VCU’s collaboration with America To Go (ATG) to streamline catering orders, improve compliance, and strengthen visibility into university catering spend. Since then, Procurement Services has been working closely with ATG to prepare the campus community for a smooth transition to the new RealSource e‑catalog. We are now ready to begin the […]
United Airlines Checked Bag Fee Increase (Domestic and International)
United Airlines has increased its checked baggage fees by $10 for tickets purchased on or after April 3, 2026. The fee increase applies to all domestic flights, short flights to Latin America, or flights from the US to Canada, Caribbean and Mexico. For most passengers, the first checked bag is now $50 when paid at […]
Mail Services Rate Update for Alternate Delivery Services
Effective July 1, 2026, the monthly cost for non-mandatory mail pickup and delivery services (alternate delivery) for VCU, VCU Health, and MCVP departments will increase to $66 per month. The current rate of $60 per month has remained unchanged since the service was first established through outsourcing in July 1996. This adjustment reflects operational cost […]
Invoice Submission Reminder: Use Trustflow for All Invoice Intake
For questions regarding invoices, payment status, or invoice-related support requests, RAMS Central remains the appropriate resource for departmental assistance and issue resolution. However, to support a more streamlined and efficient Accounts Payable review process, invoices should be submitted directly through AP’s centralized Trustflow intake process rather than attached to RAMS Central tickets. Please save the […]
Updates to the Emburse Rental Car Experience
Whether you’re heading to a conference across the state or visiting a partner institution, getting from point A to point B should be the easiest part of your trip. To support a smoother booking and reimbursement experience, we’ve enhanced the Rental Car Tile in Emburse with updated guidance and policy prompts. What’s New While the […]
Enhancing Safety: New International Travel Approval Process
At VCU, our commitment to our faculty, staff, and students extends far beyond the borders of our campus. We are dedicated to providing excellent Duty of Care—the moral and legal obligation to ensure your safety and well-being while you represent the University abroad. To further strengthen this commitment, we are introducing a key update to […]
🎯 Will It Hit This Fiscal Year? The Four-Step “Payable” Test
It’s the question we hear more than any other this time of year: “How do I make sure this hits the current fiscal year?” The answer isn’t “send the invoice early” or “submit the req in May.” It’s a four-step chain — and every link has to connect by the deadline on the Year-End Calendar. […]
