500-page limit takes over computer labs

A new printing policy will make campus “greener.”

Beginning this semester, every Youngstown State University student will be subject to a printing limit from all campus computer labs. After 500 pages, each student must request more from his or her respective college. Each request must include the student’s name, Banner ID and reason for the request.

Randy Ziobert, associate director of Media and Academic Computing, said the limit could save the university up to 40 percent on paper and toner.

“At a minimum, lab fees cover the computers, software, toner, lab assistants and the maintenance of all equipment,” Ziobert said.

Most of YSU’s colleges already operate under the 500-page limit. The Beeghly College of Education and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences were the last holdouts.

Julia Gergits, chairwoman of the English department, said the university has wasted thousands of pages of paper.

“This is a good way to slow people down for resource control,” Gergits said. Sheila Maldonado, an English department administrative assistant, said the department spent $14,000 in paper and toner for two semesters, fall 2011 and spring 2012.

The English department could potentially save up to $5,600 with the new system in effect.

Under this system, a page count will follow students, as well as faculty members, to every lab on campus. When logging on to university computers, a window showing the page balance and energy cost of those they’ve already printed will appear in the corner.

The YSU Student Government Association decided to require the restriction before the start of the fall semester to become more mindful of the way the university uses its resources.

SGA President Cory Okular said he believes the limit is justified.

“I don’t know anyone personally that’s reached the limit, and no one has come to complain about it yet,” Okular said. “If people know they have a limit, they may not print things that are unnecessary and unrelated to academics.” The Media and Academic Computing staff sought to create the best system possible, and staff members are willing to fix any glitches that may be present.

“At first, I thought it was inconvenient, but then I realized how many trees are going to be saved in the process,” said sophomore Mary Brigid Quinn.