May 2026 update: the cutoff date for shortcode use with contracted restaurants has been extended from June 30, 2026 to January 1, 2027.
In response to feedback from the university community—and to accommodate the needs of student organization—the cutoff date for shortcode use with contracted restaurants has been extended.
While the date has been extended, we encourage faculty and staff to begin using PCards or Travel & Hosting Cards for purchases with current university-wide restaurant partners or with other restaurants outside our contracted suppliers We encourage departments to update ordering processes as soon as feasible. Beginning January 1, 2027, shortcodes will no longer be accepted as payment for dine-in, carry-out, and delivery services. Contracts with university-wide caterers will remain in place for large or complex events.
This extension will help ensure that units and student organizations have adequate time to adapt to the new process. Engaging and collaborating with the university community is a vital part of how we enhance procurement operations and provide outstanding customer service. On that note, I want to thank you for your feedback on this matter. We’ve also advised our restaurant suppliers of the new effective date.
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. We also encourage U-M departments to review their current PCard policies and update them to reflect the new university guidelines for PCards and Travel & Hosting Cards.
As you prepare for this change, please let us know if you have any questions and feel free to forward this message to any colleagues who would benefit from this information.