Commitments/Obligations

Workday reserves budget funds for future purchases through two methods:

Commitments

A commitment is created when a purchase requisition is approved. It represents a financial intent to spend funds on a future purchase and is associated with the worktags listed on the requisition. The commitment is relieved once the related purchase order is created.

Obligations

An obligation is created when a purchase order is issued. It represents a financial liability that requires future payment and is associated with the worktags listed on the purchase order. The obligation remains in place until the purchase order is fully paid or formally closed.

If you need to close a commitment or obligation for any reason, submit a case in Workday using the case type Requisition or Purchase Order.

Year End Considerations

Commitments and obligations become especially important at fiscal year end, when departments are making final purchases using remaining university-allocated budgets. To ensure commitments and obligations are posted correctly before year end, the following deadlines apply:

• Requisitions: Submit requisitions early enough to allow approximately 10 days for Purchasing personnel to source the order and for departmental approvals to be completed.
• Catalog orders: Catalog orders require approval only from the department approver and must be fully approved by 5:00 p.m. on the final day of the fiscal year.

For budget requests or questions, contact the Budget office at (801) 422-3693.

Updated May 28, 2026