FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the difference between approval and signature authority? Signature authority means the power to sign a contract or take an action that binds the University. Approval is consent. Approval authorities are shown on the Delegation of Authority record for each signature authority. Some approvals are required by law. For example, the Institutional Review Board (IRB) must approve grants for research involving human subjects. Some approvals are required by Regents policy such as the requirement that an OGC lawyer must approve a contract, which is required by Regents Legal Review of Contracts and Transactions policy. President Bruininks has established limitations on his delegations by approval authorities. For example, before he will submit a purchase request to the Board of Regents, the Chief Financial Officer must ensure that the funds are available by giving Funding Approval.