Overview
In this article, you'll learn about printing in campus computer labs. We cover general information, printing guidelines, allotments, costs, tips, and what to do if you run into printing problems.
General Information & Acceptable Use Guidelines
Much of the printing you find in computer labs is funded by student Technology Access Fees (TAF). Though TAF pays for a great deal more than just printing, a portion of these funds go toward printing supplies like paper, toner, and other printer maintenance items.
Tennessee Tech strives to spend student fees in ways that help students succeed. Printing is no exception. So that student funds are not wasted on frivolous printing, we advise that you print only those items related to coursework or scholarly research. Examples of acceptable documents include:
- theses & dissertations
- presentation materials
- class master materials
- plots
- reports
- publications
- resumes
Printing Allotments
Students whose tuition includes the Technology Access Fee are granted a printing allotment at the beginning of each semester they are currently enrolled. Students do not pay a specific "printing fee", so the allotment you receive is essentially "free" printing. You'll only pay directly for printing if you exceed your allotment amount.
Students whose tuition includes the Technology Access Fee receive an allotment of $30.00 per currently enrolled semester. This allotment is non-refundable at the end of the semester.
Students whose tuition does not include the Technology Access Fee will not receive an allotment. These students are still eligible to print at their own expense using their student account.
Printing Costs
Printing costs are presented per job at the time of printing. Students will be presented with a prompt to accept the charges for the job submitted before the student's account is charged. Students will be charged to their student account for any balance charged exceeding their printing allotment.
Printing Tips
To ensure a positive printing experience, please remember:
- You must use you Eagle Card to print in TN Tech labs.
- Be sure to use print preview to check your document before printing, stapling, and/or hole-punching.
- You must wait and accept the print charges on the computer after you have clicked "print" for your print jobs to be sent to the printer.
- Check your available balance. Remember your student account will be charged if you go over your allotted balance.
- When printing from iLearn or other websites, you must download the file you would like to print in order to actually print the file.
- If your printed materials are damaged by the printer or show poor print quality (low toner), take them to the IT Help Desk in the Volpe Library to request a refund.
Printing Problems?
If you're having problems retrieving your printed document(s), the most common mistake is forgetting to accept the print charges. When you submit your print job to the printer, you'll be presented with a prompt that asks if you're willing to accept the cost of the print job. This may take a couple seconds to pop up on your screen. Be sure to select "Yes" before you walk to the printer to tap your EagleCard. (NOTE: this prompt is not always instantaneous, so give it a moment to appear.)
Still having issues?
If you would like more assistance or have any further issues, the IT Help Desk is here to help you!
You can get in touch with us to request help using any of the three methods:
- Visit us at the Help Desk located on the Main Floor of the Volpe Library.
- Email helpdesk@tntech.edu to communicate via email.
- Call (931) 372-3975 to speak with a member of our team.
For Virtual and In-Person Help Desk hours, please see the "Contact Info | Hours" section on our Home Page.