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 […]
2026 Fiscal Year End Calendar
Greetings! As we approach the end of the fiscal year, let’s ensure a smooth wrap-up for 2026. Please take note of the key dates and tasks in the procurement closing schedule located in the document library on the Procurement Service website. Year End Activities FY26 VCU Procurement Services
Why the PO Date Matters for Early Payment Discounts
Early Payment Discounts (EPDs) help VCU stretch its purchasing dollars by allowing certain vendors to accept slightly reduced payments in exchange for faster payment than the standard 35-day terms. The program usually runs smoothly, but questions often arise during vendor transitions—when a vendor is added to or removed from the program. EPD terms follow the […]
Receiving in RealSource: A Small Step That Makes a Big Difference 📦
System receiving in RealSource is more than just a formality—it confirms that goods or services have actually been delivered before payment is released. When receiving is delayed, payments often stall, which can affect vendor relationships and cash flow. Why it matters: Timely system receiving supports Early Payment Discounts (EPD) and ensures compliance with the Prompt […]
Personalizing Your Experience on RealSource
Your digital workspace should adapt to you. Whether you’re coordinating across time zones or require specific accessibility features, adjusting your settings in RealSource only takes a few clicks. How to Update Your Preferences Follow these steps to customize your account: Why Customize? Updating these settings ensures your project deadlines align with your local time and […]
New Software Release & RealSource Downtime
RealSource 26.1 Update Planned Downtime & Form Request Refresh RealSource will be unavailable beginning Friday, March 27 at 9:00 PM through Sunday, March 29 at 12:00 PM while we deploy software release 26.1. This release includes a visual refresh to the Form Request interface, bringing a cleaner layout, improved navigation, and a more consistent experience across the […]
Procurement Refresh: Flipping the Script on “Flippers”
Over the years, some departments used a legacy workaround commonly called a “Flipper” in RealSource. We’ve shared guidance on this before, but we still see some usage and questions come up. Whether you’re new to the university or just need a quick refresher, here’s why flippers are officially retired and how you can handle your […]
Keeping POs Clean: Best Practices in RealSource
We’ve all been there: you’re reviewing your department’s accounts and notice a lingering $1.50 balance on a closed PO from an early payment discount, or you realize an index code was entered incorrectly on a line that has already been paid. In the procurement world, we call the practice of keeping these records accurate and […]
Timely Receiving: Keep Payments Moving (and Capture Discounts)
Completing receiving in RealSource as soon as goods arrive or services are performed is one of the easiest ways to prevent invoice delays. If receiving isn’t completed, invoices may be unable to process for payment—even when everything else is correct. Why it matters Timely receiving helps VCU: Common myths (and the facts) Myth Fact “I […]
Winter Weather Travel Recommendations
Flight disruptions can occur unexpectedly due to factors such as weather conditions, airline scheduling issues, or government-related operations. These situations can develop rapidly and may impact both domestic and international travel. To help reduce inconvenience and minimize long wait times resulting from travel disruptions and delays, VCU’s Travel Services Team, through partnership with Collegiate Travel […]