An over-expenditure occurs when actual expenditures and commitments exceed the budget available. Over-expenditures in research grant and contract cost centres are not allowed. The faculty dean can approve temporary funding (budget tolerance) until the next installment arrives and informs Research Accounting in writing. If the installment does not materialize the faculty is responsible for covering the deficit from operating cost centres.
Without approval the PI is accountable to reimburse the university for any deficit in a research cost centre.
PI's receive an automatic monthly e-mail listing cost centres in an over spent position and directions on how to resolve the deficit.