Pharos Printing System
Why is OIT implementing this system?
For many years, the amount of printing on campus has been significantly increasing. This is attributed in a large part to the success of the Blackboard system on campus. Additionally, the faculty is providing more course materials online. Labs on campus can no longer absorb these increases without sacrificing core services or postponing the replacement of lab computers. This would dramatically affect the computing environment and could contribute to a negative computing experience for students.
This system will entirely eliminate this waste, and will provide an economic incentive for students to print only those materials that they really need to print.
Back to Top
Who can use this system?
This system can be used by anyone currently authorized to use computer labs on campus. Non-students will be able to purchase a separate guest card from a vending machine that they can use for printing. In the event of a lost ID card, students would be able to use a card like this as well.
Back to Top
How will this system affect the computing community?
During the Fall Semester there will be a learning period for students. This will take some patience. Once students learn how to use the system, the system benefits will be apparent. There will be a reduction in wait times for print jobs because there will be fewer jobs printed. The print jobs themselves will be cleaner because the printers will need cleaning and maintenance less frequently.
Back to Top
How much will it cost to print?
A black and white laser printed single sheet of 8 ½ x 11 paper at 10¢/page for one sided printing and 10¢/page for duplex (two sided) printing (This works out to 5 cents/page for front and back).
Color printing will cost 75¢/page for one-sided, 8 ½ x 11 paper.
Back to Top
Will the system be installed in all labs at UMBC?
The system will be rolled out to the computer labs in the Engineering building ONLY. UMBC Library administers their own Pharos printing system.
Back to Top
What if a student loses their card?
Students will be required to have a current UMBC ID card to print. If a student loses their ID card, they will need to replace it at the Campus Card office in the University Commons. If the card is lost after hours and the student needs to print before they can obtain a new card, they can purchase a card from "Diebold Stations" that is located in the Engineering, Library, and Commons.
Back to Top
What if a student exceed their OIT classroom printing subsidy?
A student that exceeds their OIT classroom printing subsidy during the semester will have to pay for the amount of printing that exceeds their allowance, at the rate appropriate for the printer being used.
Back to Top
Can students get a refund for the unused OIT classroom printing subsidy?
Certain classes may be eligible for a $10.00 per semester printing subsidy which is good for printing in ENGR 019 only. While the subsidy is represented in the Pharos system as a monetary value, it really represents a maximum number of print outs eligible to the student. No refunds will be given for any unused OIT printing subsidy and balances will not be forwarded to future semesters. All unused subsidy balances will be zeroed out at the end of each semester.
Back to Top
|
