Paper Problems

This year we have seen a considerable increase in wasted paper as whole reams (hundreds of sheets a day) are left abandoned in the printers and copier. We've discussed this problem internally and we have gone through several options as possibilities, and in all likelihood it's a combination of circumstances.

In the last two years we have made it easier for students to print using personal devices. Though this ability is convenient, the connection is often unstable as students move around with their laptops. Laptops are also changeable as students install personal software and connect to home networks. Printing from these devices is also not prompt, relaying from several different devices, and so impatient students send a print "job" multiple times, resulting in extraneous copies that they then abandon or re-print in other places.

The Tech Team has been investigating some software options, but options like that can impede students from printing on their own, and could also add multiple steps to the printing process. Where possible, I prefer to look for cultural changes rather than ready technology answers, as "having the conversation" is often a first step in positive change.

We are still monitoring this issue, trying to balance cost and conservation with ease of use.