Printing Woes

I always say that printers are the worst part about computers. Just think about it: there are so many things that can go wrong when you're trying to print a document. Bad connections, paper jams, low ink, no paper, and more. The problem gets compounded when the printers are on a network and no one is quite sure how the system works.

This semester, EECS is switching over to a new print server setup. Now students are only given print quotas if they're taking a lab class. If you're not enrolled in a lab (like me), you have to pay out of pocket for your print jobs. Now, I'm not totally against the concept behind this new system. It's understandable that I should have to pay for the pages I print. I would support this system, except it doesn't work. I've found quite a few problems already, so I submitted a support request to the HelpDesk. Here's a copy of my message:

Hello, I've run into a few problems with the new printer server setup.

First, I was unable to find any documentation about how to add new printers. Please update the EECS website and post bulletins in the labs to explain this process.

Second, I have no print quota. Although I am not taking a lab course this semester, I am a TA for the EE 214 lab. I think I should be entitled to a print quota because I am providing an important service to EECS which will require me to print documents.

Third, I was unable to add any money to my printer account. I talked to the HelpDesk attendant and he was unable to help me do this. He was also unable to find anyone in the building who knew what to do. This should be a streamlined process. If you're expecting people to pay for print jobs, there needs to be a system in place that allows them to pay.

Fourth, you absolutely need to have a way to add money to your account online since the HelpDesk is not open 24 hours a day. What if I'm pulling an all-nighter and need to print something, but have run out of credit?

Fifth, am I losing the leftover account balance that I had from last semester? During last year, I paid to have my print quota extended. I should have nearly $5 left to use this year. Please transfer my outstanding balance to the new system or give me a refund.

Sixth, has the price-per-page increased since last year? I seem to remember that it used to be 2 cents per page. Now it looks like it is 5 cents per page. If this is in fact a price increase, what is the justification for 150% inflation?

Seventh, I'm concerned about the quality of service that will be provided for this new pay-to-print program. Last year there were plenty of times I could not print because of paper jams, low toner, or no paper. I ignored these inconveniences at the time because printing was essentially a free service. If I'm being asked to pay for my printed copies now, I will expect the printers to work whenever I need them to. Do you have a plan that will ensure this?

Thank you for your time, and thank you in advance for your efforts to resolve all of these issues.