Purchasing

Before purchasing any item, a purchase request must be submitted and approved. An approved request is required regardless of the items or value of the purchase. To submit a purchase request, click the button below. The request will be routed for approval and an appropriate purchaser will be assigned to make the purchase. The requestor will be notified of the approval and the assigned purchaser via email. The requestor should work with the assigned purchaser to complete the purchase following university policy. All purchases should be made through approved university methods whenever possible. 

Quick Links

Request for PurchaseFood PurchasesGift Card PurchasesPrinting Purchases

 

Food Purchases

Many faculty, staff and students purchase food for events, guest speakers, club meetings, etc. Please review the instructions below for purchasing food in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. You should submit your request for purchase as early as possible. 

Purchasing Process
StepInstructions
Step 1: 

Submit Request for Purchase 

  • You will receive approval by email.  Keep a copy of your approval. 
  • Note: Classes (ADPR 489/889 and ADPR 429/829) must include a description of how the food relates to your campaign. Failure to include this will result in the denial of your request. 
Step 2: 

Select a Vendor from the list below and place your order following the instructions included. 

  • You must select from the vendor list below. 
Step 3: 

Schedule your delivery/pickup for the date and time of the meeting/event 

  • You should pick up your food or meet your delivery driver. If your food is coming to Andersen Hall, we recommend notifying the front desk so they know where to direct the delivery.  
Step 4: 

Keep an attendance list at the event  

  • You can use this template to keep your attendance list. This format is not required but you should track their name and if they are a UNL employee, a student or a guest. 
Step 5: Keep your agenda/invitation and/or promotional materials from your event 
Step 6: 

Submit your documentation for payment processing

  • You must include: 
    • A copy of your approved Request for Purchase
    • Itemized invoices or receipts
    • Attendee list
    • Documentation of the purpose of the event (agenda/invitation)
Step 7: Respond to any additional questions/instructions from the Big Red Business Center 

 

Special Instructions: 

Pepsi Campus: The University has an exclusive contract with Pepsi. Pepsi products must be purchased for all university events. Purchases of non-Pepsi products are not allowed and are considered personal purchases. For a list of Pepsi products, please visit https://www.pepsicobeveragefacts.com/home/find#/. 

Foam Free Campus: The University prohibits the purchasing, sale or distribution of foam or expanded polystyrene in food containers. Therefore, the purchase of styrofoam serving dishes (plates, cups, etc.) is prohibited. See the policy here. 

Taxes: The University is a tax-exempt organization. Unless otherwise noted below, all purchases are responsible for ensuring they do not pay taxes on purchases.  Exceptions to this rule include: 

  • When an employee is paying and seeking reimbursement for the purchase, 
  • When ALL the attendees of the event are employees of the university
Vendor List
VendorAddressPhoneEmailOrdering Instructions
HyVee5010 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68510402-483-7707N/A

Call the store and ask for catering. Tell catering you are placing an order for the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications.  Make sure you include everything you need in the catering order. Before you pick up the order, you need to get the college's HyVee card from Nicole Blackstock. Email Nicole at nblackstock2@unl.edu to make arrangements to pick up the card. When you pick up the order, be sure to get a receipt to submit for processing. 

You must return the card to Nicole within 24 hours of pick up, or sooner if needed for another order. 

Mr. Goodcents2665 Randolph Street, Lincoln, NE 68510402-438-3333MJ@yourvenue.netEmail MJ@yourvenue.net with your order and copy brbc@unl.edu. Make sure to tell them the order is for the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications. When your order is delivered, make sure you get a receipt to submit for processing. 
The Cookie Company138 N 12th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508402-475-0625 Call the store and place your order. Make sure to tell them the order is for the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications. When pick up your order, make sure you get a receipt to submit for processing. 
Valentino'sMultiple Locations lincolncatering@valscorp.comEmail lincolncatering@valscorp.com with your order and copy brbc@unl.edu. Make sure to tell them the order is for the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications. When your order is delivered, make sure you get a receipt to submit for processing. 
Russ's Market 130 N 66th Street402-466-8111 Call the store and place your order. Make sure to tell them the order is for the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications. When pick up your order, make sure you get a receipt to submit for processing. 
Davinci'sMultiple Locations402-434-3300catering@davincis.comCall the catering number or email catering@davincis.com to place your order. Make sure to tell them the order for the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications. When the order is delivered, make sure you get a receipt to submit for processing. 

 

Gift Card Purchases

You must determine the recipients of the gift cards before the purchase is made. You can determine the recipients in any manner that you see fit. However, you must have a complete list of the recipients before your purchasing appointment. Please download and complete this template with the recipients. (Please note that an NUID is required for students.) 

Gift Card Options
You have two options for gift cards. 

  1. Physical Gift Cards: VISA gift cards available through the UNL Book Store in varying denominations and with associated transaction fees, as indicated below.
  2. Digital Gift Cards: Purchase from popular online vendors like Amazon, Starbucks, or Walmart. You can then email the gift cards directly to recipients.

VISA Gift Cards

AmountFeeTotal Cost
$25$3.98$28.98
$50$4.95$54.95
$100$6.95$106.95

You will be asked to indicate your gift card preference when you make your purchasing appointment. 

Gift Gard Appointment

Please use the link below to make an appointment to complete your gift card purchase. You must either email or bring the following items to your appointment. 

  1. Copy of your approved request for purchase (this email)
  2. Complete list of gift card recipients (template)

Schedule an appointment 

 

Printing Purchases

Many of our courses purchase printing for invitations, campaign plan books, posters, etc. Please review the instructions below for purchasing printing services in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. You should submit your request for purchase as early as possible. 

Purchasing Process
Step 1: 

Submit Request for Purchase

  • You will get approval via email
  • Keep a copy of your approval
Step 2: 

Choose your vendor and place your order

Step 3: 

Pick up your items 

  • Make sure you get a receipt from the vendor 
Step 4: 

Submit your receipt for processing

  • You must include the following when you submit
    • A copy of your approved Request for Purchase
    • Itemized receipt for your purchase
Step 5: Respond to any questions or additional instructions from the Big Red Business Center

Faculty & Staff Resources