May 28, 2026 update: The shift from shortcode to PCard at all restaurants for small and large group ordering will be enforced beginning January 1, 2027.
As part of our ongoing efforts to expand dining options, improve financial controls, and streamline payment processes, we’re transitioning to U-M Purchasing Cards (PCards) and Travel Cards for these transactions.
Under the new model, U-M will discontinue shortcode ordering with restaurants that have a university-wide contract to provide dine-in, carry-out, and drop-off delivery services in the Ann Arbor area. Beginning January 1, units should use PCards and Travel Cards for all restaurant purchases. Units can, however, begin using PCards/Travel Cards immediately, including at restaurants with a university-wide contract and any other restaurants outside these contracted suppliers. We’ve already advised restaurants with a university-wide contract of this change.
U-M currently maintains contracts with more than 50 restaurants. Allowing shortcode ordering with these suppliers introduces significant compliance risks while offering little in the way of discounts or pricing protections. The new model offers units a much larger range of options, since purchases will no longer be limited to only those restaurants holding university-wide contracts.
The shift to PCards and Travel Cards allows us to better align restaurant purchases with university standards for financial controls. Beyond June 30, 2026, U-M will not renew or extend existing restaurant contracts. We’ll continue maintaining university-wide contracts with our full-service caterers to support larger, more complex events.
As a part of this transition, the Travel Card will be renamed the Travel and Hosting Card to support units that prefer a more restricted card option for their employees as opposed to a PCard. The Travel and Hosting Card can be used for hosting expenses in addition to travel-related charges.
We encourage units to review their current PCard/Travel Card practices and policies and make any necessary adjustments to support a smooth transition to the new model. This includes ensuring internal workflows can accommodate the continued expansion of PCards for university purchases.
A variety of resources, including guidelines for restaurant ordering and U-M’s Travel and Business Hosting Expense Policy, are available on the Procurement Services website. And more information will be shared over the coming weeks to help units prepare for—and implement—this change. In the interim, please let us know if you have any questions.