Printing Questions
Can I share my print quota with someone else for a project?
With the new campus wide printing system of PaperCut you can no longer transfer your quota to someone else.
How do I print in an engineering lab?
Each engineering lab is equipped with one or more printers that are connected to your account during the logon process.
To view printers available to you on a Microsoft Windows computer, go to 'Start->Printers'.
To print from an application, simply go to File->Print.
How much can I print?
Every semester students are allotted a quota for printing. Engineering majors receive a 2000 unit quota and non-engineering users receive a 300 unit quota. A black and white laser printer consumes one unit per printed side of paper, a color laster printer consumes 5 units per printed side, and plotters consume a varying amount equal to the size of the paper (see postings near the plotter for more information).
How can I tell how much I've printed?
During the logon process a small window is displayed that shows the remaining quota available. To see your history of printing, click the link at the bottom of the window. Alternatively, you may visit the following website from anywhere to view your print quota and history:
http://it.eng.iastate.edu/print
What if I run out of quota?
The new PaperCut system lets you use network printers in more places, provide a consistent printing experience, and make departmental printing allowances available for use with any PaperCut printer. While this new system will allow you to print in more places, it’s very important to note that most departments outside of the College of Engineering will charge a much higher unit per page rate than you’ll see in any engineering computer lab. The standard charge in the College of Engineering is 1 unit per page for black-and-white, and 5 units per page for color. Your print quota will go much further if you print in an engineering lab. If you should use all 2,000 units, you can opt to print up to an additional 5,000 units and have it automatically charge to your U-Bill (where 1 unit is equal to 1 cent).
I didn't use my quota, so how can I get the money?
The quota is not money, nor is it an allocation. In reality, the quota is a limit to prevent users from seriously abusing the system. The quota is a privilege for printing and requires users to exercise responsibility with a very expensive resource. A good professional will always exercise good stewardship with an expensive resource and this college encourages students to consider themselves as professionals.
