The end of free printing for students and handing in course assignments electronically
Since 1 January 2016, the University of Helsinki has no longer offered its students free printing. At the same time, every student with study rights at the University of Helsinki is entitled to write and hand in all written assignments electronically since 1 January 2016. Here, study rights means, besides the right to complete a degree, e.g. separate study rights, JOO rights, and study rights to the Open University.
The justification by the vice-rector (11/2015):
This resolution will promote the digitalisation of the work of students and instructors. Systematically reducing the number of paper print-outs is also in line with the principles of sustainability. The cost for free student printing has been 190,000-230,000 Euros per year, so reducing the number of paper print-outs is also part of the university’s financial adaptation programme.
The decision will bring changes to the routines of university units. Departments (and other similar units) can at first offer their students free printing or copying, if they consider the paper print-outs necessary for the course work. In such cases, the units will pay all the costs for printing or copying themselves.
In student administration, we will gradually convert to electronic services during spring 2016.
The teaching staff and IT centre will offer support for instructors, students, and staff in developing the electronic services.