ITS announces new environmentally-friendly printer system

Emily Passey

While many students are away over reading period, Information Technology Services will be making environmentally friendly changes to the way printing works on campus.Announced in an e-mail from User Services Manager Dana Rose-Schmalz several weeks ago, the change will take place in residence halls with computer labs and in the library’s computer lab, the Information Technology Center.

ITS will install release stations at printers, which require students to go to the printer, log on, choose their document from a list, and print only what they really need.

Once a student hits “Print” the document print job will be available at printers in any residence hall and at the ITC, thus eliminating problems created by paper jams or lack of ink.

Steve Hirby, the Chief Information Officer, says that the change is planned because of concerns raised by Greenfire and taken up with the Student Welfare Committee that students often print more than they need.

Excessive printing not only wastes paper but also causes clutter and mess in the labs. According to Hirby, the plan has been in the development and testing stage since last spring and will now be officially put in place over reading period.