Frequently Asked Questions
What is MyPrint?
- MyPrint is a print service managed by Information Services & Technology (IS&T).
How can I begin using MyPrint?
What are the benefits of using MyPrint?
- You are able to print from any computer connected to the BU campus network as long as you have an active BU login name and Kerberos password.
- You can release the print request at any of the MyPrint Printers via swiping your BU ID. As such, your print request will not be sitting unattended until you can arrive at the desired printer.
- The charge associated with each print request will be displayed before and after you release it. MyPrint will debit your Convenience Points account if you exceed your BU print allocation or if you release a color print job.
How does MyPrint work for students?
- You are able to submit print requests from any computer connected to the campus network, including your own.
- Each undergraduate student is allocated 100 black and white sheets of paper per semester.
- Most graduate students are allocated 500 black and white sheets per semester.
- Allocations will be reset each semester. Please note that unused allocations from the previous semester will not carry over.
- Once your allocation has been exhausted, a per sheet charge will be applied via the University Convenience Points system.
- Color prints will be charged via the University Convenience Points system.
How does the queue and release system work?
- When you submit a print request, it is placed in a queue awaiting your authorization to release it for printing. You may release a print request as follows:
- Go to any of the MyPrint Printers.
- Swipe your BU ID (if you do not have your BU ID you can enter your BU username and Kerberos password via the device’s touchscreen).
- Select the items you wish to release for printing; MyPrint will display what if any charges apply to print the jobs you release.
- Unreleased print requests will be held in the MyPrint system for 6 hours.
What types of printing/size of paper are available?
- Black and white printing on 8½” x 11″ paper.
- Color printing on 8½” x 11″ paper.
- Both double-sided (duplex) and single-sided (simplex) printing are available; duplex is the default when printing from public stations located in the BU Common @ Mugar.
- Note: Only the supplied plain paper may be used. All requests for printing on special paper such as resume, bond, and card stock are referred to the oncampus FedEx Office Print & Ship Center at 115 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215.
Can I make a copy on a MyPrint printer?
- Yes, using one of our Multi-Function Devices.
- You can use this BU Maps page to find the nearest printer which will let you make copies (Look under “Device Capabilities”).
- Copies are charged at the same rate as print jobs.
- To make a copy,
- Swipe your ID or login
- Choose Device Functions
- Where it lists your name, just click OK
- On the next screen, you’ll see what is in the picture below. Note that you can switch between b&w or color using the buttons on the left. You can choose whether it is a text copy or a photo copy. You can also change page orientation and your duplexing options here
- When you have your choices set, use the keypad to enter how many copies you would like and then tap Start.
Can departments fund additional quota?
- Expanded allocations can be established via Internal Service Request (ISR). The ISR should be made out to “IS&T – Systems Operations” and should include the following:
- the number of additional sheets being requested
- the total amount being transferred
- the login name(s) to which the additional sheet allocation should
be assigned
- See Finance Help Resources for information on submitting an ISR
What about printing for guests, retirees or alums?
Will the University provide MyPrint allocations for summer students?
- Summer allocations on the Charles River Campus will be granted to faculty, staff, and students registered for Summer Term courses. Continuing students who are not registered for Summer Term courses will not receive Summer Term allocations. Medical Campus allocations will vary depending on the academic calendar. Sheets are allocated once at the beginning of the Summer Term for both summer sessions.
How can students print beyond their allocations?
- Once your allocation has been exhausted, per-sheet charge will be applied via the University Convenience Points system.
- Convenience Points accounts are not available for non-degree summer term students.
- See How to purchase Convenience Points
Why didn't my job appear when I swiped my ID card?
- If you print to MyPrintColor, you can only release those jobs on a color printer. You can check each printer’s location and its capabilities on our Maps page.
Why didn't my job print after I released it on the printer?
- Try changing the document size to 8 1/2 X 11″, since that is the only size compatible with the MyPrint printers.
- If you’re printing a PDF, try choosing the option to “print as image” (usually in File->Print, Advanced.)
- If you ‘re printing a non PDF file (Photoshop, Indesign…) first print as a PDF file, confirm the job is how you would like it then print the PDF using the setting above as well.
How can I request a refund for a bad/failed print job?
- If your print job fails to print or prints incorrectly due to a mechanical failure (paper jam, tear), refunds can be requested by following the steps below.
- Note: Before issuing a refund, we may ask you to provide evidence of the reported issue. Please do not discard the failed print job until after the refund is approved.
Requesting a print refund
