Starting today, students won’t have to wait in computer labs to print out their documents.
Information Technology Services is rolling out a new service for students with Carolina Computing Initiative laptops – the ability to use the campus’ wireless network to send printing jobs to any ITS computer lab.
“We really have no way to field test this (other) than out in the field,” said Charlie Green, assistant vice chancellor for teaching and learning. “Cross your fingers and hope.”
The printing initiative is part of ITS’ strategy for services that allow students to access wireless networking and printing from any location on campus, Green said.
Students first must download software to their laptops by accessing cci.unc.edu/pharos, then they can preview and print files at a print- release station at any ITS lab.
To pay for the Pharos software, there is a small, built-in fee in the 5 cents that it costs to print every page, Green said. There is no additional cost for students.
“We’re trying to ease the burden on student fees so they can be used in different ways,” he said.
Green said the system will work to reduce paper waste because fewer students will reprint their pages in the computer lab thinking their print jobs have not gone through.
A print job stays in an ITS printer’s database for 20 minutes. With the new operation, release stations hold print request data for an hour after the request is made, he said.
