The University requires that employees use the proper designated purchasing path to purchase supplies and equipment. An employee may occasionally have to incur expenses for an emergency purchase of supplies or equipment when CU purchasing mechanisms are not available.  The employee will be reimbursed for these necessary emergency expenditures under $500.  Expenditures in excess of $500 will not be reimbursed unless the employee obtains Supplemental Approval. Expenditures in excess of $2500 that ordinarily require a Purchase Order will not be reimbursed without approval from Purchasing.

The University is exempt from sales tax. If taxes are paid on an emergency purchases, the employee will be reimbursed.  As a reminder, tax exemption certificates are available for Columbia University purchases and should be requested.