Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions
What is the Print Center?

The Print Center has been a part of the auxiliary services at PCC for over 30 years. Starting as the Graphics Services department, we have evolved with technology into the full-service print shop we are today. The Print Center offers our services to the entire PCC district (including administration, faculty, staff, and students) as well as the neighboring community. Our services range from printing and finishing, to printing literary magazines and creating promotional materials, to managing and fulfilling printer/copier leases and purchases as well as paper and printer supplies for departments and groups around the district.

Who can use the Print Center services?

The Print Center services are available for everyone; PCC faculty/staff, administration, students, as well as external customers in the neighboring community. We can produce school related and personal projects.

What are the Print Center hours?

The Print Center operates Monday – Friday 7am – 4pm. We are closed on weekends, observed holidays, and during campus wide closures. Summer hours vary.

What is the turn-around on orders?

Turn-around times are determined by volume of orders in queue, timelines may be extended or decreased based on current workloads. To check current turn-around times or availability, please call before placing your order.

Everyday printing is typically 3-5 business days. Large quantity, wide-format, and complex orders require at least 5-10 business days.
Projects that require special order materials or need to be sent out for completion are at least 15-20 business days.
Turn-around times do not include time needed to transfer projects between campuses.
If you have a project with a quick turnaround, please call us to ask if we have the capacity for it. 977-722-4670

What is considered everyday printing?

Everyday printing is basic black ink or color prints, with simple finishing needs (staple/drill or cuts). They are usually for quantities of less than 1000 impressions. (number of originals in the document multiplied by needed copies = impressions)

Is there a Print Center location on all campuses? Where are you located?

There is only one Print Center. We are located at Sylvania Campus, CC building room 116 (entrance on the outside of the building). 

Who do I contact for Print Center questions?
  • General print questions. Call: 971.722.4670 or email: printcen@pcc.edu
  • Bookstore materials questions or requesting a new file number for materials. Email: Angela Bulsiewicz
  • Technical issues with printers, printer supplies, or questions regarding a Panther Print machine. Contact Ed Phillips: 503-929-5537
  • Copier ID issues, updates, creation, or removal. Contact: Tommy Bailey. Or visit our Copier ID page and submit the form matching your need.
    You may need to request your IAA or department Dean to submit these requests, to ensure the correct FOAP account is assigned to your code.
Is there a minimum order?

The Print Center’s minimum order is $1 (however, this may increase as cost of labor increases). $1 at this time covers a quantity of at least 12 impressions black ink only on 20# bond letter paper. Even though we have this minimum, we do recommend printing in office for these small projects, as these take more time for us to process than going to the printer.

How much will my project cost?

Review our current listed prices on our price guide. While we do not mind discussing projects over the phone or in person, it’s difficult to provide estimates while you wait (in either scenario). Please fill out an Estimate request so that we can provide you with the most accurate estimate.

How can I request an Estimate?

Submit an estimate request using our Project Estimate Form. Please provide as many details as possible for the project, and if available, attach a sample of your document, so that we can generate the most accurate estimate for you.

Should I request an Estimate before I submit my order, or can I ask for one with my order?

You may request an estimate alongside your project order; however, be aware that production delays may occur if you need to make adjustments to the file or to the print needs if the estimated costs are not what was expected. We recommend requesting an estimate during the design and planning phase, prior to placing a project order. This enables you to view the costs before finalizing your document and allows time for any necessary adjustments to align with your budget needs.

Does the Print Center offer design services?

We do not currently staff a graphic designer or offer graphic design services. The Marketing department should be contacted to handle your graphic design needs. Marketing and Communications at PCC

Can the Print Center complete my project while I wait?

This depends on what we currently have in queue and what you need. We are often working on large or multiple projects at various times. Typically, we are unable to stop production to complete an order while you wait. For a quick document print, it is more cost effective and quicker to use a self-service machine.

The Print Center is part of the college, does “Fair Use” apply to your services?

The Print Center is funded by the projects that we produce, many of which are external to the college, this makes the us a “For Profit” venue and disqualifies us from claiming Fair Use, even when printing for educational purposes. We are unable to make duplicates of works that are not in the public domain, or without a copy of an author’s permissions/license for the copies. For questions about copyright please visit the PCC Copyright Committee Website or direct your questions to copyright@pcc.edu.

I have a single license for a workbook/textbook, can I print copies from it?

Licensing for workbooks/textbooks is a tricky subject, especially digital licenses. A single license could be for personal use, or it could be for an instructor license. You will need to adhere to the conditions of the user agreement for that license. If it is a single use license for personal use, we might be able to print a single copy, for your personal use, but we cannot print multiple copies from it. Instructor licenses are not usually open licenses and may also have rules about quantity of reproductions, time span of use, and how the materials can be shared and altered. Please refer to the user agreement for the conditions connected to that license and provide us with a copy of the details for that release. 

Does the Print Center offer shredding services?

We do not. FMS offers secure shredding services.

Does the Print Center offer scanning services?

We do not have the capacity for large quantity scanning projects. We can scan smaller scale projects, i.e. 20-30 sheets. We are unable to scan anything larger than 11×17. Scanning has a $7.50 set up cost, then is $0.50/side for color or 0.05/side in black and white. We are unable to work on a scanning project while you wait. There are several self-service machines around campus that are capable of scanning to USB or email.

Does the Print Center have an on-site self-service area with an accessible computer?

We do not have a public access computer available for self-service in our location. There are several locations on every campus that allow public access, you will need a Copier ID to use these machines. Copier IDs and shared networked devices | Print Center at PCC

What is a Copier ID and how can I request one?

To use the networked Xerox devices, you will need a Copier ID that is linked to your department’s FOAP account. The Copier ID is assigned to each individual to use for PCC specific printing. For accountability and reduction of printing abuses, copy codes report billing to your department’s account manager. To avoid your account being audited for print abuse, please avoid sharing your Copier ID.

Since a Copier ID is linked to your department’s FOAP account. Your department IAA or Dean will need to make this request, to ensure the appropriate FOAP is assigned to your ID.

To look up a Copier ID, please contact Tommy Bailey

I have a copy of a book with no binding that I want to be bound, can you bind my book?

We are able to coil and perfect bind most books that have no binding, we have even had some customers request spines be cut off their books to have coil binding added. If a book is too large, we will request that you select a split point for your book to be bound in two or more parts. 

I have some posters or small papers that I want to have laminated or cut, can you do that?

We can laminate up to 24” wide. Our cutting machine can cut as small as 2” safely. Our laminator uses heat to fuse to the laminated sheets, to protect your materials, we will not laminate heat sensitive materials. We do not recommend laminating irreplaceable items or materials.

When is the new free academic calendar going to be available?

The academic calendar starts in June, the calendars are released in May.

Ordering
How can I place an order?

On our website pcc.edu/print go to “Order Forms” then select the form matching your needs.

Which order form do I need to complete for what?

For most projects, select the “Order a Project” form.
For “Business Cards” and “Name Tags”, select the order form for the item(s) needed.
For paper requests for printers in the Panther Print Program, select “
Request copy paper included in your print program”, the paper listed on the form is what is included in the program. For paper not included in the Panther Print Program, please use the “Purchase Custom Paper” request. 

What information do I need before placing my order?

You will need to know how many originals your document is, how many finished copies you need, what kind of paper you want, whether you want it printed grayscale or in color (or which pages you want in color if you want others in grayscale), and if you want any finishing done. It would not hurt to know what your budget is for your project as well, please submit an Estimate request prior to placing your order if you need to keep to a budget. If you are using budget funds, you will need the FOAP for that budget.

Can I email my print orders?

Unfortunately, no. We require an order form to be submitted for all orders. Completing the order form usually reduces how often we have to reach out for more information, when incomplete instructions have been given. Our order form requires the information we need to be able to complete most orders without further discussion. Also, the Print Center staff do not share emails, while we do have a central email for general questions, we do not accept orders via email. The online order forms help us to monitor our current production queue, allows us a record of the order, and helps us to bill more efficiently for the work completed.

Do I need to submit an order for every project, even re-orders?

An order is needed for us to be able to process, track progress, and bill once the project is completed. We need a new order to be placed for each re-order.

What do I put into the FOAP/Account field on the order form?

If you are using account funds from a department, you will need to put the FOAP number for us to bill. If you will be paying using a P-Card or the project is a personal order, please input “Personal” or “Paying with P-Card” into that field. These forms are not payment instrument secure, so please do not input any protected information such as your credit card, P-card, Copier Code, or your G-number.

Is there a way I can submit multiple documents with one order?

Are all your documents the same number of originals (pages), copies, and setup needs? Then yes, you can upload your files to a Google folder and share the link to the folder in the “Additional notes” section of the order form. You will need to provide us with the number of files, an itemized list (so we can verify we aren’t missing a file).

If each of your documents have different setup needs, print quantities, or page counts. You will need to send them separately. If you do not, you will accrue a processing fee for the time it takes us to download and itemize each file, these submissions do not qualify for quantity discounts.

Want to avoid the headache all together? Combine all your files into one, then submit as a packet. Combining files to make a print-ready document.

Is there a way I can submit one document to be resized for multiple finished products on one order?

Technically yes, if the projects are simple in nature. For instance, a 24×36 poster then the same file scaled down to quarter sheet fliers (4.25×5.5). You will accrue a processing fee for these orders. If you have more complex needs for your project(s), you will need to submit each project separately. Please understand, the Print Center will not distort prints to fit sizes they are not proportional to. If a large print does not size to fit a smaller size correctly, there will be uneven borders, additional trimming may be required.

I have physical copies of a project I want done; can I place an order when I drop it off?

We prefer that you fill in an online order, then drop off the physical copy. If you are unable to submit an online order, we can assist submitting the order at the main office. Make sure to use or bring your FOAP for the order.

I have several individuals needing business cards/name tags, do I have to submit each request separately?

While you do need to submit your batches using the appropriate form for the item you need. You do not need to submit separate orders for each individual. In fact, you will save your department money, and the print center a lot of time if you submit your identity materials in groups. What you need to do is download or create a copy of our multiple order form, matching the item you are ordering.

Multiple Business Cards  |  Multiple Name Tags

Fill in the spreadsheet with the information for all individuals, (please do not add additional columns). Make sure you proofread each line item to ensure the information is correct, we will send a proof, but it saves time when the information is correct from the start. When the spreadsheet is complete, place your order using the order form for the item(s) being requested, select “Multiple” when asked how many sets. Email the Excel spreadsheet to printcen@pcc.edu, or attach a link to the Google Spreadsheet, in the additional notes section (make sure you open sharing to “everyone with the link”).

I submitted a “multiple” business card/name tag order in the past. Can I send you the spreadsheet to re-order/order an additional batch, or do I need to submit a new order?

You need to submit a new order for each new batch of business cards or name tags. Each order form submitted is good for one order, whether it is an individual set of cards or a batch of identity materials. We will not duplicate order forms, because we use the ticket for records, billing, and tracking the progress of the order. Please submit a new form if you have a new set or reorder of identity materials.

Can I request a special paper or option that is not on the order form?

That depends on what is being requested. There are many products that we are unable to use on our machines, or the products are more costly or availability of the product with our vendors is unreliable. Please contact us first to discuss your options before placing your order.

I did not receive a confirmation email for my order, did it send?

Our order forms are set to automatically send a confirmation email when an order is received, however it is not infallible. Typically, if you do not receive an email, it means the form did not submit, the contact email that was input was either misspelled or a different email auto-populated (a PCC email is not required), or it could have been redirected to your spam folder. If you did not receive your confirmation email, first check your spam box. Then we recommend resubmitting the form (make sure you fill in all of the required fields on the form, they are marked) and make a note in the “Additional notes” section that “confirmation email was not received, cancel previous received order if this is a duplicate”.

The order form says it cannot upload my file, what should I do?

Complete the order form and submit it without the file attached, then email the document to us: printcen@pcc.edu. If you are sharing a document through Google Drive, you will need to make sure to open sharing to everyone with the link, this ensures that anyone on our team can access the document to download for printing.

Document Set Up
Is there a preferred file type I should submit?

We prefer print-ready PDF files, but we do accept many other formats. Please review our walkthrough for Creating Print-Ready Documents.

Why do you prefer PDF files?

PDF files retain a higher print quality and usually stabilizes the formatting of a document. Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Google Docs do not always retain the formatting when sent to another computer. The reason for this is that each computer may have different user settings or different assets on their machine, this causes the content to shift and change. It is always best practice to thoroughly review your file once you have changed it to a PDF, just to make sure things have not shifted in the conversion. Often this happens when margins are tight in the MS and Google suite of programs. 

I have an InDesign or Illustrator document; can I send that?

InDesign and Illustrator link assets and fonts for the file, rather than embedding them in the document. If we do not have access to those linked files or fonts, we cannot print or even open the file without damaging it. Please Export all these files into PDF format or package your file and send us the entire folder containing all assets that it creates. Please review our walkthrough for Creating Print-Ready Documents.

Can I use programs like Canva to make my files?

Yes, but please make sure that you are using American paper sizes as your document size. Canva is an international company and most of their templates are setup with international paper sizes, that are not proportional to the American paper sizes we carry. Make sure you edit your document’s page size to match an appropriate size we have in stock, otherwise the prints may cost you more. Canva Walkthrough

Do you have recommended page margins?

For standard prints (anything smaller than 11″x17″), we recommend at least 0.25″ to 0.5″ margins around the page. For posters, increase that to 1″ to 2″ margins (depending on the size of your print). 

How do I set up my document to have bleeds?

This is a setting within the document creator you are using. The bleed should be an extended measurement of at least 0.125″ around the whole page. This area will be trimmed off to create a borderless finished product. To ensure your text and images are clear of the cutting area, use the recommended margins as described in the last question. Please see our Pocket Guide for a graphic representation of a page bleed and margin.

Do I have to do something special when saving for a document with a bleed?

Yes, you need to make sure that you save the PDF to include the bleeds as they are set up on the document and include crop marks. Please review our walkthrough for Creating Print-Ready Documents.

What is the standard size for <insert project here>?

This is a complicated question, because there really are no standard sizes for anything. What one person calls a “Flier” can be different to another person. Please review this sizing chart for some ideas for your projects. Sizing Guide

What is the recommended paper for <insert project here>?

Text weight papers can be used for most printing orders; books, fliers, handouts, etc.…
Cover weight papers are thicker and should be used for projects that may be handled more roughly or often, and need to be durable; business cards, postcards, bookmarks, etc.…

I have multiple documents, but I want them printed together for one packet. Do you want all documents separately or is there a way to put them together?

If you could combine all the files into one print ready document that would be wonderful. If you have access to Adobe Acrobat, you should be able to combine multiple files into one document. If you do not have Acrobat, as a student/faculty/staff member of PCC you can receive access to the tool through IT: Adobe Creative Cloud | Information Technology at PCC. If you don’t know how to combine files in Acrobat or another application, please review these steps on Combining Files. Creating Print-Ready Documents.

Should I insert blank pages to my document as placeholders for the backs of covers, dividers, or section breaks?

Our machines are capable of setting up a document to have specific pages single-sided and others double-sided, or some pages to be in color, while other pages are grayscale. That being said, we understand that it can be a pain to keep track of all single sided pages, especially when you’re working on a big document. We do not need a blank page on the back of the front cover, but we recommend adding blank pages at the end of chapters, if it is needed to make the packet read properly. If you do decide to have some single-sided pages and opt to remove the blanks, please provide us with a list of the exact PDF pages you want to be single-sided.

Pickup & Delivery
Will you send a notice when my order is complete?

At this time, we do not have a system in place that sends notices when orders are completed. We recommend noting the deadline you place on the order, and we will do our best to meet that deadline. If you need a notice of completion, please let us know when you place your order.

Where do I go to pick up my order(s)?

The campus bookstore for the main campuses (Sylvania, Southeast, Cascade, Rock Creek). All other centers and locations will be sent through intercampus mail and will be delivered to the mail delivery locations.

Can I request my projects be delivered to my department?

We can send projects through intercampus mail, but that does not guarantee it will be delivered directly to your department. Please allow additional time for these requests.

Can I have my project mailed to me?

We can send some projects using UPS, the shipping will be billed with your project. If your department does not approve the shipping costs, the shipping cost will need to be paid out of pocket.

Do you have an afterhours pickup location?

We do not have an afterhours pickup location.

There used to be Print Pickup rooms on every campus, what happened to those?

We do not currently use those locations for project deliveries. At this time, they are primarily used for supplies storage.

What does “Will Call” mean?

We will hold your project at our location on Sylvania Campus, CC 116. The project will be held at our office for pickup.

Paying for Your Project
Can I use my student print account funds at the Print Center?

At this time, we do not have the ability to charge student print accounts.

Can you look up the FOAP/Account number I need to bill my project to?

We do not have the ability to look up which FOAP that you are permitted to use for print projects. Please speak with your department’s IAA or Dean. The number should look similar to this, 1000 – A12345 – 03523 – 21.

When will my project be billed to the account provided?

We bill most special fund invoiceable and FOAP billed orders in the following month, we process the orders as quickly as we are able, but they are usually processed by the middle of the following month (i.e. a project received in December, is usually processed in the first weeks of January). If the project is to be charged to a P-Card or out of pocket, it is processed as it is completed, and a payment link and invoice is sent to the email provided to us on the order.

We are trying to keep track of our account spending; can you provide us with costs for each order?

If you need to know the costs for each order, please make sure that the orders being placed have a note to send the cost for the order when completed. If you need a list of all orders placed for a specific account and timeframe, we will need the account number (FOAP) and timeframe so we can provide you with that report.

As an external institution/company. Are you able to invoice us for the project?

We can. You will need to provide us with the billing information for the invoice, including institution/company name, billing address, and billing contact name. As well as an email to send the invoice to, we do not mail invoices. Most invoices are Net 30. We will send a payment link in the email with the invoice. If you need to send payment via check, please contact us and we will discuss the process with you.

Bookstore Materials
What is the bookstore materials process?

A detailed walkthrough of the bookstore process can be viewed here: Bookstore Process

  1. Contact the Print Center to request a file number for your packet (the packet does not need to be print-ready at this time).
  2. Submit your adoption request to the bookstore.
  3. Submit your print-ready document to the print center.
What are the deadlines?

These deadlines are prior to the term the materials will be used.

  • Bookstore Adoption Requests – usually by the end of the second week of the term.
    Please note, the bookstore dates may shift based on annual purchasing deadlines and inventory. Please watch your email for notices from the bookstore about Materials Deadlines.
  • Print-ready Documents to the Print Center – Midterms.
Can I submit my adoption requests later in the term?

We recommend trying to meet the deadlines provided. These deadlines are set at these times to allow processing of textbook orders with publishers, machine set up for the print center, as well as reporting costs for students receiving federal grants/aid and scholarships. You do not need to request a file number on the term you will be adding a packet, get a head start and request your file number and begin the process a couple terms ahead if that helps. Also, you do not need to have a final list of CRN’s that will be using the materials right away, start the process and then add or remove the classes using the content as needed. It is always easier for us to cancel an order than to request one later in the term.

I have edits or a new edition of a packet, can I just update the document and keep the file?

The bookstore will often have extra copies in stock for the file numbers they have adoptions for, they will continue to sell all old copies before they request the new prints. Because of this, we request that if you have any edits or new editions of a packet, you will need to request a new file number.

I have a packet that has content from other publications (images and pages), can I offer it through the bookstore?

The Print Center is not permitted to duplicate content that is copyrighted without a copy of a written release for the content (even for publications that are out of print). The Print Center and Bookstore are “for-profit” entities and cannot claim fair-use for any materials we produce. It is best to use materials that are created by yourself or are OER.

I have an ISBN for a book that I want the bookstore to carry, how do I order for my classes?

If you have an ISBN for a book or materials packet, most likely it is already in the bookstore database, or it needs to be ordered from the publisher by the bookstore. You just need to place your adoptions through the bookstore. If it is not in the database, follow the steps on the adoptions page to request the item. Faculty adoptions | Bookstore at PCC

What are the best options for a low-cost packet for the students?

Here are some recommendations to help keep your packet costs low.

  1. If you have a multi-term class, assemble smaller packets, for each term. You never know if a student will take all the classes.
  2. Minimize color copies. For example, Black ink only prints may be $0.09/impression, versus $0.40 – 0.50/impression in color.
  3. Reduce add-ons. Tabs, index inserts, and acrylic covers add additional costs that do not decrease with quantity.
  4. Book padding and perfect binding are the cheapest bindery options.
Do I have to go through this process every term, or can I use the same packet for multiple terms?

If your materials packed does not change or need edits, you do not need to go through the process for your packet each term. Just set your existing packet as your adoption for all classes that will be using the content, for as long as you will be using the unchanged materials. You will need to submit your adoptions for each term you will be using the content.

What should I do if my department has a packet that multiple instructors use?

One individual should request a single file number for the entire group to use for the printing of the packet. By using a universal packet to be used for multiple classes, you help reduce costs and materials waste. If one class creates a custom cover for a packet containing the same inner pages of a packet being used in several other classes, it creates a singular packet that can only be used for that one class. Any unused copies of that custom packet will not be sold to students in the other classes using the same materials, rather the bookstore will order additional copies of the other packet. If the class with the custom packet is cancelled, those materials will most likely be considered waste. Please avoid custom covers and pages that can easily be provided as a handout in class. Please cooperate with your fellow instructors and create universal packets.

Does an adoption need to be set up for all CRNs or just one class?

If a group of classes will be using the same materials, you can arrange an adoption for all the CRNs under that class number to use the same packet. However, if you only arrange for one CRN to adopt the materials, the bookstore will only order based on enrollment of that CRN. If other CRNs do not request the materials, there will not be enough copies to cover the one class plus the additional students. Please ensure all needs are met by adopting for all classes using the materials.

Panther Print & Equipment Requests
How do I order a printer for my department?

Please fill out and submit the “Lease or Purchase a Printer” form on our website.

How do I add, remove, or change a printer from my department?

Please fill out and submit the “A.R.C. (Add, Remove, Change) Printer” form on our website.

Can I opt out of the Panther Print Program?

Unfortunately, no. This program is mandatory. The PCC Cabinet and Board of Directors have identified this program as a huge money-saving effort by the college which could be used to prevent future employee layoffs and tuition increases.

Note: While the program is expected to save the college a significant amount of money, some individual departments might not immediately experience cost reduction. Individual departments can mitigate their costs by implementing some of these energy-saving tips for printing.

How does this program save us money?

The Panther Print Program was put into place to give the college transparency and control over printing processes and costs. This program will ultimately save time and money by automating supply-ordering process, improving printing security, and increasing sustainability. By using a single vendor, PCC can predict costs for printing, service, and supplies, as well as free up valuable IT resources to focus on PCC’s overarching strategic goals.

To help sweeten the deal. Printing your small projects and regular everyday printing using your department, or a self-service printer can save you 10-50% per impression. For larger orders we do recommend using the Print Center whenever possible. Pricing differences can be reviewed on our Price-Guide.

What benefits are included in the program?

Benefits covered by the cost of making copies and prints include:

  • Quick service if your device breaks, regardless of make and model
  • All 8.5×11″ white and pastel copy paper
  • All toner and device parts
  • Delivery of all device supplies (toner, replacement parts, and paper)
  • A recycling program for used toner cartridges and device supplies
  • Lower self-service prices per impression
How do I order paper?

To order paper that is included, please complete the form: Request copy paper that is included in the cost of your program
The paper that is included is listed on the form. Paper included is Letter size (8.5″x11″) 20# bond, white and pastels only.

Papers that are not included in the program will need to be paid for by FOAP or p-card. Please complete the form: Purchase custom paper

What types of paper are included in the program?

The program covers Letter size (8.5″x11″), 20# bond. White & pastel-colored papers only.

What should I do with my used toner/ink cartridges?

Empty toner, ink cartridges, and waste bins should always be recycled. For ease of access, please store your empty cartridges in a safe location and request pickup by Ed Phillips: ed.phillips2@pcc.edu. The drop box on the Sylvania campus is located just outside the Print Center. The Centers have boxes located at the front desk.

Where are the public access printers located?

Sylvania: CC 110 [color capable], SS 201, CT 219

Cascade: PSEB 133, Terrell Hall (2nd Floor Hallway) [color capable], TEB 102 (copy room) [color capable], Jackson Hall (behind 210), Jackson Hall 209

Rock Creek: Bldg 2, Room 219 [color capable]

Southeast: Mt Scott 100 (copy room) [color capable], Student Commons (116 Hallway)

CLIMB Center: Room 112 [color capable]

OMIC: Staff Room/Copy Room [color capable]

Swan Island Trades Center: Room 106 [color capable]

Willow Creek Opportunity Center: 2nd floor 227 [color capable]

How much time does a new printer order take?

This is a difficult question to answer, there are many factors that may increase the turn-around fulfilling a printer request. Generally, the turnaround time depends on printer capabilities, price negotiations for lease/purchase, availability of printers matching your needs.  

Basic Printer Troubleshooting
Who should I call for help with a machine?

For the quickest and most efficient printer assistance, call Ed Phillips: 503-929-5537

The printer is not printing.

There are many reasons why a printer may not be printing. Here are a few things to check before calling for service.

  1. Check if the printer is on, or power off then back on (it takes some time to properly power down). I know this sounds like a cliché, but there is a reason IT prefers to ask this first.
  2. Check if the printer needs something. Paper, toner, waste cartridge?
  3. Make sure there isn’t a paper jam, usually it will have an error on the machine.
  4. Check the print queue (For printers that have multiple users, you need to check on the printer, not your computer queue). Most of the time it is one document that jams the whole queue.
  5. Is the machine giving you an error code or error message? Write down the message, including the error code, and call Ed Phillips: 503-929-5537.
The printer keeps jamming.

There are many reasons paper jams happen, most are user error. Here are some tips to avoid paper jams.

  1. Make sure you are using a paper that the printer is certified to use. Not all transparency or label papers are meant to be used on laser, do not use ink jet stock on a laser printer. We highly recommend not printing transparency film on a laser printer, they have a tendency to melt inside the machine then require a tech to fix the machine.
  2. Make sure you are using the correct trays: heavier paper and labels should use a bypass tray. Please note: There are limits to how heavy of a paper you can use safely.
  3. Make sure the paper is put in the paper tray neatly and that the guides are positioned against the paper, but not so tight you can’t remove a piece of paper.
  4. Make sure that the correct paper size and weight is selected for the tray. The machine adjusts to accommodate the paper that is input. These machines are not smart, it will try to run what it is programmed to run, if the wrong paper is selected, it may not run as intended.
The printer is not accepting my copy code.

Here are some potential causes for this issue.

  1. Double-check that you are using the correct code. You should have an email with the code that was assigned.
  2. If you have not used your code for a while (more than a term), it may have been deactivated. A new code request will need to be submitted by the IAA or dean of the department you are part of.
  3. If you moved departments recently. Your code may be deactivated, to avoid charges going to the wrong account. A new code or code reassignment will need to be submitted by the IAA of dean of your new department.
  4. If you are using a code that a colleague shared with you, that is no longer with the college or your department. Their code was probably deactivated, and sharing codes is technically against policy. Please do not share your CopyID.

Since a CopyID is linked to your department’s FOAP account. Your department IAA or Dean will need to make this request, to ensure the appropriate FOAP is assigned to your ID.

To look up a CopyID, please contact Tommy Bailey