Why create another foundation separate from the SJSU Foundation?
The SJSU Foundation has changed its name to Research Foundation, which is more reflective of its role as the depository of grants, contracts and funds coming from campus programs. The Tower Foundation is dedicated solely to philanthropy, so all donations and fees related to fundraising are directed to Tower.
Our department still has a discretionary account at the Research Foundation. Why can't we transfer all of our Research Foundation accounts to the Tower Foundation?
Per Presidential Directive 2006-01, if your department's Research Foundation account is co-mingled (i.e., it contains both fees and donations), it has to stay with the Research Foundation. However, if the source of the funds in your department's Research Foundation account is solely donations, then it may be transferred to Tower.
How can I find out how much I have in my account?
Call Caesar Sevilla (4-1161), Chris Thompson (4-1779) or Leslie Rohn (4-1508). We can give you a balance over the phone.
We need to change the signer or add a new signer on our account. What do I do?
Please complete an account authorization form [PDF] and send it to Caesar Sevilla (extended zip 0184).
Can we hire employees through our account?
You can hire student assistants, faculty and staff if you have a discretionary account (i.e., your account number begins with 034 or 038). You will need to complete an appointment form for the new hire [PDF], and the employee will need to complete new hire paperwork (including a W-4 [PDF], application, I-9 form, etc.). Please contact Vera Hawkins at 4-1127 to get the hiring process started.
I didn't receive my reports. How do I get copies?
Call Leslie Rohn (4-1508) to get copies of your reports.
Can I get a report showing all the activity in my account for a certain period (year-to-date, quarterly, fiscal or calendar year)?
Yes, please call Leslie Rohn (4-1508) or Caesar Sevilla (4-1161).
I have some money in my Tower Foundation account, but not enough to pay an invoice I have. Can I take part of the money out of my Research Foundation account?
Yes, Tower Foundation and Research Foundation have both paid invoices on behalf of mutual account holders. Simply submit the invoice to Tower and let Leslie Rohn (4-1508) or Caesar Sevilla (4-1161) know. We'll take care of the rest.
I want to attend a banquet benefiting another college/department on campus. Can I pay for this out of my Tower account? Will I have to pay the 5% administrative fee?
Yes, you can pay this out of your discretionary account. You'll need to complete a requisition form [PDF]. Check the "reclassifications" box and give us information about the transfer in the "description" area. You won't have to pay the 5% fee as long as the funds are directed to a Tower Foundation or Research Foundation account.
A vendor has asked for Tower Foundation's W-9 form. How can I get one?
Please contact Leslie Rohn (4-1508) and she can provide a W-9 form [PDF].
I've lost my expense reimbursement check or a vendor didn't receive a check for an invoice. How can I get a replacement check?
Contact Caesar Sevilla (4-1161) or Chris Thompson (4-1779) and they will void the check and issue a replacement check.
I just submitted a requisition. How long will it take to get my check?
In most cases we can provide a check three or four days after we receive your requisition.
What kind of backup documentation do I need to provide for expense reimbursement? Do I need to provide original receipts?
You will need to provide an original invoice and/or original detailed receipt plus a credit card receipt, copy of a credit card statement, or cancelled check as proof of payment. We make exceptions to this rule if you have submitted your originals to state and are requesting partial reimbursement from Tower. For meal reimbursement, please also provide a list of attendees.
I submitted a scholarship or award request a week ago, but the student still hasn't received the money. Why is it taking so long?
All scholarship and award payments must be verified with Admissions and Records (to ensure the student is carrying a full load in the current semester). Once Tower receives confirmation the student is eligible for the scholarship or award, the student's tax status in the U.S. is determined in the event that taxes need to be withheld. Tower then issues a check to the Financial Aid and Scholarship office. Depending on the time of year and the number of requests, there may be a delay as Financial Aid considers the award in light of the student's total financial aid package.
Why do we have to submit original receipts and invoices?
As proof of payment and to avoid duplication of payment. In some cases, such as for airline tickets purchased online and for expenditures which are being partly covered by state, Tower is able to accept duplicate receipts.
How do I put someone on the Tower Foundation payroll?
For faculty and other university employees, complete the Tower Foundation's university employee appointment form [PDF]. Faculty appointments must be reviewed by Faculty Affairs before payroll processing is complete. University employees may not work more than a 25% overload from all auxiliary sources.
For all other "new hires," complete Tower Foundation's appointment form [PDF].
Newly hired employees must complete the I-9 form and other required documents.
How do I recruit for a position?
It is the policy of the Tower Foundation to recruit for all vacant and new positions unless the position is to be filled for less than four months. Recruitment may be waived under other business necessity circumstances. Student assistants may be hired without recruitment. Contact Vera Hawkins at (4-1127) for recruitment and advertisement.
Can I transfer an employee from the Research Foundation to the Tower Foundation?
Technically, there is no employee "transfer" policy between the Tower Foundation and Research Foundation, as we are separate legal entities. An employee currently working for the Research Foundation may be removed from their payroll and moved to the Tower Foundation payroll, but all new hire paperwork must be completed. Any service connected benefits earned cannot be moved to the Tower Foundation.
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