Buying and paying for goods and services involves identifying appropriate suppliers and purchasing methods that meet the operating needs of Columbia schools, programs, and projects, as well as processing University payments for expenses and awards.
To order Staples office supplies, McKesson medical/surgical supplies, or Fisher Scientific research supplies, please use the following links:
Common Tasks
More Tasks
Getting Started
Are you new to buying and paying at Columbia University? Start here to learn the basics.
- Procurement Processes and Key (AP) Terms
- University-Wide Purchasing Agreements (UwPA)
- Purchasing Training – Part 1 (instructor-led)
- Upload Documents for ARC Transactions (job aid)
- Purchasing Methods
- Concur Travel and Expense System
Learn About Purchasing Categories
- Capital Equipment Leasing
- Construction and Facilities (Also Includes Furniture, Appliances, Uniforms, Moving Services, and Waste Management, and Cleaning)
- Medical and Laboratory
- Services, Software, and Consultant Agreements
- Technology, Travel, and Business Products Sourcing
Shopping for Goods and Services
The first step in shopping for the goods or services your department needs is to identify or create a supplier/vendor using Columbia's purchasing tools and procedures.
- Request or Modify a New Supplier or Payee
- Request New Facilities Supplier or Payee
- Track a Supplier/Payee Request (web form)
- Goods and Services Catalog (previously known as the Purchasing Guide)
Placing an Order
How you place a Columbia University order depends on what you are buying, how much it costs, and when you need it.
Cards
- P-Card Setup and Modification
- Using the P-Card (Reconciling and Approving Transactions)
- P-Card Hard Close and Monthly Audit Process
- P-Card Hard Close Dates
- Using the Travel and Expense Corporate Card
- Using the Pay Card for Human Subject Studies
Requisitions
- Create a Requisition
- Manage or Modify a Requisition (job aid)
- Status of a Purchasing Request (webform)
- Payment Methods for Goods and Services (procurement mechanism)
SpeedCharts
Information for Suppliers
Are you a Columbia University supplier or interested in becoming one? Use the following resources to help you do business with Columbia smoothly and efficiently.
- Supplier Gift Letter
- Supplier Types
- Becoming a Columbia Supplier
- Direct Deposit Sign Up
- Tax Forms
- Help for Suppliers / Vendors (ServiceNow form)
Submit Information
- Submit an Invoice
- Submit Required Documentation (web form)
Public Bid Opportunities
Making a Payment Request
With a few simple steps, you can ensure proper recordkeeping and timely payments within your department.
- Track a Payment
- Pay a Sponsored Project
- Reimbursement Request for a Travel or Business Expense
- Rush Payment Request (ServiceNow)
- Stop Payment Request (ServiceNow)
- International Wire Transfer Payment Request
Vouchers
- Adjustment Vouchers (job aid)
- Journal Vouchers (job aid)
- Track Voucher Status or Submit Documentation (web form)
- Non-P.O. (Purchase Order) Vouchers
- Purchase Order (P.O.) Vouchers
Finding Guidance
Foreign Payments
- Foreign Payment Basics
- Foreign Payment Tax Considerations
- Visa Status and Authorization
- Allowable Payments by Visa Type
Sponsored Funds Procurement
Taxes
Receiving
- The Receiving Process
- Go to the ARC Portal to login to ARC to create a Receipt
Handling Payments
- Check Pick-Up Special Handling Requests
- Create a Check / Wire Request
- Status of a Payment Inquiry (web form)
- Request a Copy of a Cashed Check (ServiceNow form)