008.4 Long Distance Telephone Calls

008.4 Long Distance Telephone Calls Number only changed to 315.1

A. Background

Telephone communication has become an essential part of Furman's operation and a substantial amount of telephone equipment is in use. Long distance calls have been increasing, and it is recognized that these calls are sometimes the most effective and inexpensive method to accomplish a specific purpose. However, a policy on long distance calls is needed as an aid in maintaining control on costs.

B. Policy

Communication will use the lowest-cost appropriate method. Long distance telephone calls paid by Furman will be made only when speed is required, direct conversation with the other party is important, or other methods of communication are not in the university's best interest.

C. Guidelines

1. Budget unit heads are responsible for ensuring that calls for only the official business of Furman University are charged to their budget unit.

2. All persons authorized to make telephone calls on behalf of the university must apply for, and use, a Personal Authorization Code (PAC) and/or a long-distance calling card(for use when traveling off campus) for each budget to which calls are to be charged. Requests for codes and/or calling cards must be made to Computing and Information Services by the appropriate Budget Unit Head. Personal use of the PAC or calling card is at the discretion of the appropriate Budget Unit Head whose responsibility it is to ensure that the university is properly reimbursed for the cost of such calls.

3. Ordering and installation of telephone lines and services in off-campus facilities, or any telephone lines not connected to the university's telephone switch, must be coordinated by the office of Computing and Information Services, which is responsible for ensuring that all such services are in compliance with and may benefit from any contract that the university may have entered into.

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