Frequently Asked Questions

Whom do I contact if I need to dispose of a piece of equipment?

Call 874-5468 before any transaction is made to process a work order. For disposal of Federal items (with a yellow tag accompanying the URI#) click on the Federal Property page for instructions.

Whom do I call for shredding of confidential paperwork?

The Warehouse staff picks up confidential shredding from all departments. To place a work order, call 874-5468.

Whom do I see about fabricating equipment for a research project?

Fabrication notices supported by a grant and costing over $1,000 to build, must be completed in the Grant & Contract Accounting Office on the second floor in the Research Building. Any item over $5,000 becomes Federal equipment and must adhere to the particular grants' guidelines.

Where can I find the address of a particular building or department?

If you need the address of any building or department on the Kingston campus or on the Narragansett Bay campus, click here.

I am looking for scientific equipment or desk for faculty/staff, whom do I contact?

The Federal Property Screener secures property for the University ranging from complex scientific equipment to all types of office furniture. Call 874-2574.

I am anticipating a donation, what is the procedure?

Contact the University's Development Office at 874-5569 for procedures.

I am transferring my research to another Institution, may I take my equipment with me?

Once authority is received from the funding agency, only grant-purchased equipment may be transferred. All other University-purchased equipment, including equipment purchased with URI Foundation monies, remain in the custody of the University/State of Rhode Island.

I have a piece of equipment I am not using. Am I allowed to sell it and put the funds into my department's account?

Contact the Coordinator of Property Acquisitions for questions regarding the sale of equipment.

Whom do I contact if a professor is moving from one building/office to another?

Call 874-5468 to process a work order for the move. Our office will provide boxes and tape, if needed.

How do I order tables, chairs, podiums, and/or ferns for an event?

Call 874-5468 to process a work order.

How do I send out University packages?

Please refer to the Postal website or call 874-2810 for more information.

If I want something printed, whom do I contact?

Call 874-4253 for information to process a work order.

Why does the Property Department need to conduct inventories? How do I request a copy of my department's inventory?

We are responsible for complying with the Office of Management & Budget Circular’s A-21 and A-110 to conduct department physical inventories every two years. For a copy of your department's inventory, call the Coordinator of Property Acquisitions at 874-5474.

What equipment needs to be tagged and why?

We are responsible for bar code tagging all items with cost greater than $1,000 (and all computers regardless of cost) to comply with the Office of Management & Budget Circulars A21 and A110.

What should I do if a room I used for an office is now used for storage?

Any room use or organizational changes made to a space, should be e-mailed to the Coordinator of Space so that records are kept updated.

How often are space surveys completed and why?

Space surveys are distributed biennially to departments (in compliance with the requirement of OMB A-21 guidelines). Individual departments are responsible for the accuracy of the space activity data it submits. The survey information is directly tied into the University’s Indirect Cost Recovery rate.

Whom do I call for a copy of floor plans for my building?

Floor plans are available upon request, contact the Coordinator of Space.