The function of the Purchasing Department is to organize and administer procurement for all divisions of the school in accordance with responsibility and authority delegated by the Head of Schools and the Board of Directors. The total responsibility for procurement negotiations and administration of procurement policies and procedures is, with a few exceptions centralized and delegated to the Purchasing Department. This office is responsible for training a staff of people specializing in procurement practices, and for centralizing purchasing transactions so that the utmost in efficiency and monetary savings can be secured for the school. No individual has the authority to enter into purchase contracts or in any way to obligate Culver for procurement indebtedness unless specifically authorized to do so by the Head of Schools or the Purchasing Manager with the exception of food at the Dining Hall. Any such negotiations are considered as unauthorized purchases and the obligation is classified as a personal expense. Firms doing business with the school should be aware of this policy and are advised that all purchases chargeable to Culver must be authorized by an official Culver purchase order signed by an authorized individual.