Greenprint FAQ

Why did Roosevelt introduce GreenPrint?

We introduced GreenPrint to reduce our consumption of resources. Before GreenPrint, we printed nearly four million pages a year in the labs, libraries and computer classrooms. Most of that ended up in the trash. The experience of other universities taught us that asking users to pay to print their documents significantly lowers printing demand and reduces waste. Also, most of the neighboring universities and libraries already charged for this service, so we had become the area's primary source of free printing. Finally, this is part of an effort to encourage students to use electronic alternatives to printing (such as USB flash drives), which are inexpensive and convenient.

What else are we doing to reduce the environmental impact of printing?

ITS is replacing older printers with energy efficient models, migrating to the use of recycled paper and alternative toner inks, encouraging draft-resolution printing, and helping students, faculty and staff make better use of electronic alternatives to hard copy. We've also implemented two-sided printing.

How does the GreenPrint system work?

You will be asked to give your print job an identifying name when you send it to the printer. All print jobs that you send are queued at a nearby computer that serves as a "release station" for print jobs. To print your document, just take your copy card to the release station, select your document, and swipe your card. 

Do I have to go to the release station every time I print a new document?

No. You can send several different documents to the printer over a period of time and they are saved for you there until you are ready to print. This saves you time if you are printing multiple documents, and reduces congestion around the printer when demand is high. NOTE: This system is not designed for long-term document storage. Queued print jobs are deleted if not printed within a designated hold period.

Where is this system implemented?

GreenPrint is in all public computing areas, including computer labs, computer classrooms, and libraries. Printers in most academic and administrative offices are not part of this system. Printing at those locations continues to be free. For details, see the GreenPrint location list.

Where can I get a GreenPrint card?

Cards are available from GreenPrint Card Vending machines  at each campus location. You can use cash to purchase a card, or if you already have a card you can use these machines to add value to it.

How much does printing cost?

Two-sided (duplex) printing is $0.08 per page, or $0.16 for a two-sided sheet. The cost for single-sided printing is $0.10 per page. Color printing, available at the Auditorium and Schaumburg libraries, is $0.50 per page. Cards can be purchased for one dollar, half of which is the cost of the card itself and the other half of which is applied as initial value to the card.

Can I get a refund if my print job fails?

If the printer is not functioning properly, in most cases the release station does not process the print job and the copies are not charged to your card. On rare occasions, your job may fail after you've scanned your card and the file leaves the release station. When this happens, you may submit a request for a refund via the RU Help Desk (312.341.4357). Refunds are credited to your card. Refunds are not provided for issues controlled by the user, such as blank pages at the end of documents.

What if I lose my card? What if it stops working?

Every card has a unique number printed on the back. If you lose your card, or if it stops working, go to a vending station and purchase a new card, and then report the problem to the RU Help Desk (312.341.4357). We can transfer any remaining value on the lost or broken card to the new one. (The University cannot refund value lost if someone finds your card and uses it.)

Is there a risk of identity theft if I lose my card?

No. Since the GreenPrint copy cards contain no personal information, there's nothing at risk if you lose it (except of course the value left on the card).

Will students have to pay for printing required during class?

Sometimes printing is part of planned classroom activities. It is the decision of academic departments whether or not to subsidize this type of printing for students. Departments may order batches of prepaid copy cards for this purpose from ITS.

What about copy machines?

The University's public copiers have been retrofitted with card readers so you may photocopy documents using the same cards that are used with the GreenPrint system.