TAMU-OAL - Printing Frequently Asked Questions


Frequently Asked Questions

How can I charge a print to my department?

After you sign into a print kiosk, please select the appropriate departmental account for the print job to be charged to.

 

Is mobile printing available on all printers?

Yes.

 

I tried to print one of my documents, but an error came up and the print job disappeared. What happened?

It depends on the error type. This could most likely be caused by your document being an unsupported file type. Try converting this file to one of the supported file types. Another common error is trying to share a link to Pharos Print. The document must be located on your mobile device, and not kept externally in applications such as cloud storage.

 

How long do I have to pick up my print from a kiosk printer?

Once you print to a print kiosk, you have two hours to release the printout. After that, the print job will be deleted.

 

If you delete my print job, am I charged for it?

No, you are not charged until the job is released to the printer.

 

When do graduate students have Open Access Lab (OAL) access?

Graduate students are automatically authorized if they're enrolled in the previous, current or a future semester.

 

When do instructors have OAL access?

Instructors are automatically authorized if shown as the "Instructor of Record" for a class in the previous, current or a future semester.

 

When do undergraduate students have OAL access?

OAL access for a semester in which a student is enrolled will begin the Monday after the graduation weekend of the previous semester. Access for a semester ends the Monday after graduation for that semester if the student is not enrolled in the upcoming semester.

 

What can I do if I am having problems with my account?

Persons entitled to automatic authorization who are having access problems should ask an OAL employee for help or call Help Desk Central at 979.845.8300

 

Do student fees pay for printing?

Student fees support print allocations and Open Access Lab operations.

 

What happens if my print job fails?

If your print job becomes corrupted, or if the print quality is poor due to some malfunction of the OAL printers, you may request a refund for your print job. You will need to fill out a Print Refund Request form, which can be obtained online. Attach the printout to the credit request and turn it into the print counter staff. If you are requesting a credit because your print job did not print, you can use https://aggieprint.tamu.edu to determine the information needed on the credit request.

 

What happens if I accidentally print?

If you accidentally send a job to the printer, but no longer need it, log into aggieprint.tamu.edu and delete the job from the print job list.  You can also choose not to release the job at a printer and it will delete after 2 hours.

 

What is double-sided printing (duplexing) and why should I use it?

The charge for duplex black-and-white pages will be slightly lower than that for single-sided pages as duplex printing.

 

What is my printing allocation for the summer? Is it split out per summer session?

The summer printing allocation is $15, one-half of the normal semester allocation. Everyone taking a class during at least one summer semester will get the $15 allocation. Those taking a class in both summer sessions will still get $15, not double the allocation.

 

How can I make sure my plot will print correctly?

You cannot, but you can increase the probability of success by consulting a student worker at the SCC resource desk before you send a print job to the plotter.

 

What type of paper should I specify to plot my file?

There are two types of paper used by the plotter: Glossy or plain. The paper you choose is a personal preference.

 

How do I get my file to plot after I send it?

After you send your file, it will pause in the queue of the plotter you chose. You will need to ask the print operator at the Resource Desk to have your file released. Be sure to specify the paper you want to use.
 

Where can I print large (over 100 pages), color, or large format (11" x 17") print jobs?

All labs can print color documents as well as many locations across campus.  All lab locations can print letter, legal, and 11" x 17".   The Student Computing Center (SCC) is the only location that supports plotting.
 

Why does the MFP not recognize my USB?

If the MFP does not register your USB, the following message may appear: “Your USB drive must be formatted as FAT 32 in order for the scanner to read your device.” If you do not know how to format your USB, please consult the help desk.
 

Where can I provide feedback about the OALs?

You may send an email to suggest@tamu.edu. If you would like to speak with someone in person, see the lab supervisor in any of the Open Access Labs.


If you have any further questions or concerns, please email Help Desk Central at helpdesk@tamu.edu or call (979) 845-8300.

Was this helpful?
0 reviews