Fiscal Services

Program

The Program is about the Why

Required = Yes, for Revenue and Expense (Operating Ledger) transactions, otherwise optional

The Program segment of the FOAPAL represents the function of the University that the transaction supports.  Why expenses are incurred relates directly to the university’s mission and programs are used for external financial reporting and transactions to Cardinal for commonwealth reporting.  “Programs” in the context of the COA are not equivalent to “academic programs” such as degree programs or specific academic disciplines.  These are also “functional” expense categories for financial reporting. 

Programs include:

  • Instruction
  • Academic Support
  • Institutional Support
  • Various types of Research

Program codes directly support financial reporting requirements; therefore, programs will not be created unless there is a regulatory need.  Where possible, default Program codes will be assigned to Fund or Organization values to support consistent and meaningful reporting.  When differences exist between the default Program codes associated with the Fund and Organization on a transaction, the Fund default values generally take precedence.