As part of our commitment to sustainability and operational effectiveness, Canisius University is transitioning to a Paper-Lite campus. This initiative will reduce the number of printers across campus, introduce more efficient equipment and aim to decrease overall printing by 50 percent over the next several years.
The Paper-Lite initiative reflects a university-wide effort—shaped by the Institutional Sustainability Task Force, endorsed by the Board of Trustees and informed by faculty and staff—to better align our practices with our mission. By streamlining printing resources and encouraging more thoughtful use, we are reducing waste, improving efficiency and living our Jesuit call to care for our common home in the spirit of Laudato Si’.
What is the Paper-Lite initiative?
The Paper-Lite initiative is a university-wide effort to reduce Canisius’ printing footprint by decreasing the number of printers on campus and cutting overall printing by 50 percent over the next several years.
Why is Canisius implementing this change?
This initiative supports the university’s sustainability goals and reflects our responsibility, as a Jesuit institution, to care for our common home. It also stems directly from the top recommendation of the Institutional Sustainability Task Force.
Who made the decision to move to a Paper-Lite campus?
The initiative was recommended by the Institutional Sustainability Task Force (comprised of faculty, staff and students), adopted by the Board of Trustees, and guided in implementation by an advisory council of faculty and staff.
When will the Paper-Lite transition take place?
The transition begins the week of March 23 and will continue through the remainder of the spring semester.
When will the new printers be installed?
New printers will be installed beginning the week of March 23, with full implementation expected by March 31, 2026.
What is happening to the current printers?
All current printers across campus will be removed and replaced with new, more efficient devices as part of a reduced fleet contract with a new vendor.
Will printing work differently?
No. Printing will continue to work the same way—simply swipe your ID at the printer to release your print job.
Will the printers all be the same model and do they all have the same capabilities?
Most campus printers will offer the same core functionality, including black-and-white and color printing, copying and scanning. There are a few different models in use, with some larger devices offering additional features such as finishing options (e.g., stapling) and larger paper sizes.
Will we need to install a new print client on our computers to communicate with the new printers?
No. The university is using the same Papercut server so the transition will be seamless to the user.
What should I do if I find a printer that is out of paper?
If a printer is out of paper, contact the ITS help desk at @email. (Signage at each printer location will also include support contact information.)
ITS will monitor and restock paper for public printers and coordinate to support printers located in offices.
Will there still be printers in every building?
Yes. Every building will have at least one conveniently located printer and several buildings will have multiple devices across floors.
How were printer locations determined?
Printer placement was designed to maintain convenient access across campus while reducing redundancy.
How will I find the nearest printer?
Signs will be posted at current printer locations directing users to the nearest available device.
Where are the new printers located?
Printers are located in the following areas across campus:
Andrew L. Bouwhuis, SJ, Library, 1st floor
Bagen Administration Building, 1st floor
Bagen Administration Building, 2nd floor
Bagen Administration Building, lower level - Facilities Office
Golisano Center for Student Success
Churchill Academic Tower, 9th Floor
Dugan Hall, lower level
Frisch Hall, lower level
George Martin Hall
Health Science Building, foyer - to be moved to academic space in summer 2026
Horan-O’Donnell Science Building, lower level
Koessler Athletic Center, main office
Koessler Athletic Center, coaches’ suite
Koessler Athletic Center, training room
Old Main, lower level - Controller’s Office
Old Main, 2nd floor - near connector to Churchill Tower
Richard E. Winter ‘42 Student Center, 1st floor
Science Hall, 1st floor
Science Hall, 3rd floor
Science Hall, lower level
What changes are coming to large print jobs?
Beginning in late April or early May, large print jobs will be redirected to the campus Print Shop. This change is designed to reserve departmental printers for smaller, everyday use while ensuring large projects are handled more efficiently.
Why should I use the Print Shop instead of a departmental printer?
Using the Print Shop - whether for large or small jobs - helps reduce overall printing costs for the university. The Print Shop is equipped to handle high-volume requests more efficiently and cost-effectively, supporting our broader commitment to operational efficiency and responsible resource use.
Where is the Print Shop located?
The Print Shop is located in the lower level of the Bagen Administrative Building.
How do I submit a print job through the Print Shop?
Print jobs can be submitted online by clicking here or visiting webcrd.canisius.edu. (Users must be signed in to the MyCanisius Portal.) The site will guide users through uploading files, selecting print options and placing job requests.
When will more details about Print Shop processes and guidelines be available?
Additional information about the Print Shop process - including job submission, turnaround times, file requirements and printing guidelines - will be shared in late April to provide the campus community with clear direction ahead of the transition.
What is changing with faxing?
Canisius will transition from physical fax machines to e-fax.
How will e-fax work?
Incoming faxes will be routed to a shared mailbox or distribution list. Outbound faxes will be sent via email.
When will more details about e-faxing processes be available?
Additional information about the e-faxing process will be shared in late April to provide the campus community with clear direction ahead of the transition.