Printing Information and Instructions for Students

Updated 12/08/2019

Wilson College is using a system known as PaperCut to track printing with the goal of eliminating unnecessary printing to reduce our environmental impact across campus.

How does the PaperCut Printing Authentication system work?
You will prepare you documents as you normally would.
The only thing that changes is the appearance of some dialog boxes, prompting you for your credentials, before the document is released to the printer.

1. A few seconds after submitting your print job, a dialog box will pop up prompting you for your Wilson College username and password. (Do not include the "@wilson.edu")


2. For security purposes, your login will not be saved. If you need to print multiple files, you can choose to remember your login for up to 5 minutes to expedite the process.


3. Once you have submitted your credentials, another dialog will be displayed where you can confirm the details of your print job as well as see the cost.


4. Click on "Print" to confirm your page count and cost, and release it to the printer.

How will the accounting system work?
Each student at Wilson College will be given a printing "account".
On the 1st of each month, your printing account balance will be zeroed out, and reset to $5.00.
If you deplete the month's provided $5.00, and your balance goes negative, that negative balance will be submitted to the Business Office to be charged to your Student Account.

How much does it cost to print?
Each printed page costs 1 cent for a Black & White print, and 15 cents for a color print.
If both sides of the page are printed on, as with a duplex job, it is counted as two printed pages.
The $5.00 that Wilson College credits your account will allow you to print up to 500 pages in Black & White, or up to 33 pages in color, or any combination in between.

How do I check my balance?
You can check your balance by pointing your web browser to http://ps1.wilson.edu
After logging in you will be able to see your current balance as well as transaction history.

Do I have to pay for defective prints?
No, you do not.
Please keep any defective prints (e.g. those with poor print quality, streaks, lines, etc.) and bring them to the HelpDesk in the Library, where Staff can refund the costs to your account.
Printing "mistakes" are not considered "defective" prints, and will not be subject to a refund.
Additionally, if the printer that you are using is producing poor quality documents, please place an "Out Of Order" sign on it to inform others that it requires service, and inform the Helpdesk Staff by sending an email to helpdesk@wilson.edu so that we can remedy the problem as quickly as possible.
Service requests can be submitted online by pointing your web browser to: http://helpdesk.wilson.edu

What alternatives do I have to printing?
Responsible printing means printing only what you need.



Where can I print in color?

The printers in these locations are set to print in Black & White by default to lower your printing costs, but you can choose color.

How do I print in color?
To print a document in color, please follow these steps:
1. Open your document and select "print" as you normally would
2. From the "Print" window, click "Printer Properties".


3. Click the "Image Options" tab.


4. Uncheck the "Xerox Black and White Conversion" checkbox.