DocuSign at KAUST

DocuSign is an electronic signature platform used at KAUST to send, sign, and manage documents digitally. It allows documents to be securely reviewed and signed online without printing, scanning, or emailing attachments.

DocuSign also provides a clear audit trail showing who signed the document and when it was completed.

When should you use DocuSign?

Use DocuSign when you need a formal digital signature or approval on a document.

Good uses for DocuSign

  • HR onboarding forms and acknowledgements
  • Procurement agreements and approvals
  • Research collaboration or compliance documents
  • Finance approvals
  • Legal agreements or contracts

Do not use DocuSign when

  • A simple email approval is enough
  • The document is still being edited
  • The process needs a form or workflow tool rather than document signatures
  • The document needs long-term storage or collaboration in SharePoint

Common DocuSign use cases at KAUST

DocuSign is commonly used for:

  • Employment or onboarding documentation
  • Internal approval forms that require signatures
  • Vendor or procurement agreements
  • Research documentation requiring signatures
  • Acknowledgements and consent forms

How to access DocuSign

DocuSign uses KAUST Single Sign-On (SSO).

To sign in

  1. Open the DocuSign login page
  2. Enter your KAUST email address
  3. Complete sign-in using your KAUST credentials

You can access DocuSign here:

https://account.docusign.com

Multi-factor authentication may be required when signing in from outside the KAUST network.

VPN or a KAUST-managed device is not required.

Requesting access to DocuSign

DocuSign access must be requested through the IT Service Desk.

If you need a DocuSign account, submit a request through the IT support portal.

Be ready to provide:

  • Your department
  • Your business purpose for using DocuSign
  • The appropriate cost center or WBS number if required

Before you send a document

Before sending a document for signature, confirm the following:

  • The document is the final version
  • The correct recipients are listed
  • The signing order is correct if multiple people must sign
  • Signature fields are placed correctly
  • Instructions to recipients are clear

Taking a moment to check these items prevents delays and the joyless ritual of resending documents later.

How to send a document for signature

  1. Sign in to DocuSign
  2. Select New or Send an envelope
  3. Upload your document
  4. Add the recipients who must sign the document
  5. Place signature and other required fields in the document
  6. Add a message explaining the request
  7. Send the document

DocuSign will notify recipients by email.

How recipients sign a document

Recipients generally do not need a DocuSign account to sign.

Signing process

  1. Open the email from DocuSign
  2. Select Review Document
  3. Follow the prompts to complete the required fields and signature
  4. Confirm and finish the signing process

Once all required signatures are completed, the document will be finalized.

Tracking document status

DocuSign allows you to track the progress of documents you send.

Possible StatusWhat It Means
SentThe document has been sent to recipients
DeliveredThe document has reached the recipient
ViewedThe recipient has opened the document
SignedOne or more signatures have been completed
CompletedAll required signatures are complete

You can also open the document history to see the full timeline of activity. This helps identify whether follow-up is needed.

Using reusable templates

If you send the same document regularly, you can create a reusable template.

Templates can save:

  • The document structure
  • Signature fields
  • Recipient roles
  • Instructions

Templates are especially useful for recurring approvals, HR documentation, and operational forms.

What recipients need to know

Recipients generally do not need a DocuSign account to sign a document.

  • Open the email invitation
  • Review the document
  • Sign electronically by following the prompts

DocuSign guides recipients through each required field, which is refreshingly civilized.

Best practices

Do

  • Ensure documents are finalized before sending
  • Use clear email messages when sending documents
  • Verify recipient email addresses carefully
  • Use templates for repeatable processes
  • Monitor document status until signing is complete

Avoid

  • Sending incomplete or draft documents
  • Forgetting to include all required signers
  • Placing signature fields incorrectly
  • Sending documents without clear instructions
  • Ignoring document status after sending

Common mistakes to avoid

Some common issues when using DocuSign include:

  • Sending the wrong version of a document
  • Forgetting to add a required signer
  • Placing signature fields in the wrong location
  • Assuming recipients need a DocuSign account
  • Not reviewing the document history when troubleshooting

Careful preparation usually prevents these issues, which is annoyingly sensible but true.

Related resources

Additional learning resources are available through the DocuSign Support Center.

https://support.docusign.com

signature
How do I sign a DocuSign document?

You'll receive an email from DocuSign on behalf of the sender. Click to review and complete your signature.

Learn more
mail
How do I send a DocuSign document?

Use DocuSign eSignature to upload a file, set recipients, and send it for signature in just a few easy steps.

Learn more

 

 

coaching
Do you have training videos?

Yes, visit the DocuSign training page to explore step-by-step video tutorials on how to send and sign documents.

Learn more
knowledge
Where can I learn more?

Explore all training guides, FAQs, and how-to resources on the DocuSign support page to get started quickly.

Learn more