Following is information about purchasing goods used for UC business that are paid for using UC funds. Some goods can be purchased using the campus purchasing system BearBuy.
Travel can be booked via ConnexUC and in some cases flights can be paid for directly.
Purchasing items directly obviates the need for reimbursements and allows the department to ensure that purchases are compliant with UC policies.
BearBuy
BearBuy is used to make direct purchases of e.g. office supplies, computer equipment, and books. BearBuy enables employees to avoid using personal funds to make purchases.
You can shop for goods from contracted vendors using BearBuy by adding items you would like to purchase into your cart. Once you’re finished shopping, you can assign your cart to Grace De Guzman, who will process and submit it. Please note that if you are not on campus, you need to connect to a VPN in order to use BearBuy.
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While you can only shop from one vendor (Amazon Business, CDW electronics, Blaisdells etc.) at a time, your shopping cart can include items from multiple vendors.
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Although a bit dated, this video provides an overview of some of the ways that you can shop using BearBuy.
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This guide provides a step-by-step tutorial on how to shop and assign a cart in BearBuy.
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Since all purchases made with UC funds are the property of UC Berkeley, the department tracks some items such as higher value items, furniture, and technology (e.g. computers, tablets). Some items, such as furniture, are only allowed to support work on campus. All purchased items must be returned upon separation from UC Berkeley.
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Items over $5000 need to be inventoried by the Property Management Office.
Campus Ergonomic Matching Fund Program
The UCB Computer Ergonomics Matching Funds Program offers up to $1,000 per employee* in matching funds to modify on-site and remote computer workstations according to campus ergonomic guidelines. Funding for this program is limited. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Funding reimbursement will be delayed or denied for applications that are incomplete or provide insufficient supporting documentation. *Must be a UC Berkeley employee with an active appointment of 50% or greater at the time the workstation evaluation and recommended products are purchased.
To apply for matching funds, please follow the following steps.
1) Take the online version of Computer Health Matters, a free training promoting safe and healthy work practices and the effective use of workstation furniture and accessories. Enrollment for both workshops is online at the Ergonomics Workshops webpage or UCB Learning Center.
2) Schedule a workstation evaluation; email Grace De Guzman to schedule an appointment and she will perform the evaluation.
3) Review this information about pre-approved furniture and equipment that is eligible for fund-matching. Delivery times vary and will depend in part on what's in stock. You can arrange an appointment for a chair fitting in UCB's showroom by calling 1-877-722-9090 or by emailing Greg Ryan (gryan@berkeley.edu).
4) Make sure Grace has the names of products you would like to buy, the date of your ergonomic assessment, and the funds you plan to use for the purchase. She will assist you in submitting your Ergonomics Matching Funds Application Form and supporting documentation. She can also assist in making arrangements to remove old furniture and equipment from your office.
ConnexUC
ConnexUC (formerly Connexxus) is the UC systemwide online travel portal for arranging business-related travel for faculty, students, staff, and hosted guests. Business travel booked through ConnexUC is automatically registered with the UC Travel Insurance program.
The system allows certain travel expenses to be booked directly onto a chartstring. If you are planning to travel and would like to use a Direct Bill ID and ConnexUC to book your transportation, please be in touch with Grace De Guzman in advance of your trip.