The Panther Print Program at Portland Community College (PCC) is designed to streamline and manage printing services across all campuses. This initiative aims to provide transparency, cost savings, and improved efficiency in printing processes for the entire college. This guide answers common questions about the Panther Print Program to help PCC staff understand and utilize its services effectively.
Troubleshooting and Service for Your Printer
Facing issues with your copier or printer? The Panther Print program ensures comprehensive service for all enrolled devices, regardless of make or model.
How to Request Printer Service
To request service for your printer, simply reach out to Ed Phillips, PCC’s dedicated on-site Xerox representative. You can call him directly at 503-929-5537. When you contact Ed, please have the following information ready to expedite your service request:
- Printer Serial Number
- Campus Location
- Building Name
- Room Number
Remember, all machine servicing is fully covered under the Panther Print Program.
Paper Supplies Under Panther Print
The Panther Print Program includes standard copy paper to support your daily printing needs.
Ordering Included Copy Paper
As part of the program, 20 lb. white and pastel 8.5×11” copy paper is included in the service price. To order this included paper, please use the request included copy paper form.
Ordering Custom Paper
For paper types not included in the standard program, such as specialty or custom paper, you can place an order through the purchase custom paper form. Please note that custom paper orders are separate from the included paper service.
Delivery times for paper vary depending on the type and location. Included paper typically arrives within 3-5 business days. Specialty paper and deliveries to Hillsboro, Newberg, and OMIC locations may take 5–10 business days, depending on stock availability and delivery schedules.
Ordering and Receiving Printer Supplies (Toner, etc.)
Enrolled printers in the Panther Print Program are equipped with a sticker containing a printer-specific serial number and ID. This information is crucial for ordering supplies.
To order toner or other necessary supplies, locate the identifying sticker on your copier. Then, email Ed Phillips at [email protected] with the information from the sticker.
For departments managing multiple devices, each supply shipment label includes the asset name, which corresponds to the sticker on your device. This makes it easy to identify which supplies belong to which printer.
Recycling Used Printer Supplies
PCC is committed to sustainability. Empty toner cartridges, ink cartridges, and waste bins from Panther Print program devices should always be recycled.
For convenient recycling, store your used cartridges in a safe place and request a pickup by contacting Ed Phillips at [email protected]. Additionally, a drop box is available at the Sylvania campus just outside the Print Center. Centers at other campuses have designated boxes located at the front desks for recycling used supplies.
The Benefits of the Panther Print Program for PCC
PCC implemented the Panther Print Program to gain better oversight and management of printing processes and associated costs. The program offers several key advantages:
- Cost Savings: By centralizing print management and using a single vendor, PCC can negotiate better rates and predict printing expenses more accurately.
- Automated Supply Ordering: The program streamlines the supply ordering process, saving time and resources.
- Improved Printing Security: Centralized management can enhance security measures related to printing.
- Increased Sustainability: The program promotes efficient resource use and recycling.
- Efficient IT Resource Allocation: Outsourcing print management frees up valuable IT resources to focus on strategic college initiatives.
Partnering with CTX as a single service provider enables PCC to secure favorable service and supply rates. Furthermore, CTX provides essential reports and data that support PCC’s strategic goals through optimized print management.
Mandatory Participation in Panther Print
Participation in the Panther Print Program is mandatory across all PCC divisions. This decision, supported by the PCC Cabinet and Board of Directors, reflects the program’s significant potential for cost savings, which can help mitigate future employee layoffs and tuition increases. Only members of the Xerox Fleet Program are currently exempt from this mandatory print management initiative.
While the program is expected to generate substantial savings for the college overall, individual departments may not see immediate cost reductions. Departments can actively manage their printing costs by adopting energy-saving printing practices, as outlined in the energy-saving tips for printing document.
Panther Print vs. Xerox Fleet Program
While the Panther Print and Xerox Fleet Programs share similarities in service delivery and network integration, key differences exist:
- Xerox Fleet Program: Members lease or purchase Xerox multifunctional devices through the Print Center and pay a monthly lease fee or purchase price. This fee includes machine technical services, supplies, training, accounting via Copier ID, and standard white/pastel 8.5×11” copy paper.
- Panther Print Program: Members continue using their existing devices but pay a “per-click” cost (per printed page side). This per-click cost covers machine technical services, supplies, and standard white/pastel 8.5×11” copy paper.
Specialty Printers and Panther Print
Currently, the Panther Print Program does not include specialty printers such as plotters, 3D printers, and CAD printers. This program is focused on managing standard printing and copying devices across PCC.
