Students will no longer have the luxury of hitting the print button and having their assignment waiting for them in the printer tray.
Ottawa University has put in place new rules for printing from school computers called “Gibby’s Green Copy/Print Program.” In an e-mail sent to students, the new program is aimed at being environmentally friendly.
“The purpose of this program is to encourage efficient printing, conserve environmental resources and control printing costs,” the e-mail said.
Some students recognize the school’s efforts, but have other issues with the new program and suggest changes.
“I understand that they are trying to cut back on wasteful printing” junior Courtney Mabe said. “I am in favor of the general idea but there could be some changes.”
Mabe suggests some amendments such as having professors set a certain number of pages to be used per class instead of everyone having the same allocation.
All students start with an initial balance to print of $20.00 for each semester. The money allotted will allow around 250 prints and/or copies.
“I understand that they are concerned about the environment,” Brittany Fain, junior, said. “But we spend so much money on tuition, it’s ridiculous that they are charging us if we go over the amount and they limit our pages.”
Some students who have their own printers may not see the effect of this new program but still have concerns.
“I think it is a good waste prevention program, but it doesn’t really affect me because I have my own printer,” Alex Soper, freshman said. “I can see how it could affect people who don’t have their own printer, especially English majors.”
To be able to print, students have to input their student ID number at the computer after hitting the print button. Students must then put in the last four digits of their social security number at the printer to get their page to print.
According to the e-mail, students will get a notification e-mail when they are almost out of allocated money.
Student will be able to purchase more prints in five dollar increments in the business office.