Jennifer Platt: Cardinal Print and Copy Offers an Array of Printing Services

Q: Jen, when did the ITS Print Shop move to the Usdan University Center and what were the benefits of this move?

A: The ITS Print Shop closed on July 16 and opened on July 17 with a new name. We are now Cardinal Print and Copy. We have enjoyed a very loyal following with many of the departments across campus but new customers always seemed surprised to discover who we were and what we could do. Our new location solves that problem and is more convenient for most members of the Wes community.

Q: What are your thoughts on the new space? Was it difficult to leave the fifth floor of ITS?

A: The Usdan Campus Center is entirely different from the fifth floor. I now share the service window with Wes Station and feel like I really am in the center of campus. It was hard to leave the 5th floor, especially my officemate Jerry Maguda but everyone at the Usdan Center has been so warm and welcoming I can hardly complain.

Q: Are printing services available to the entire Wesleyan Community? Do you prefer people stop by the Cardinal Print and Copy window or e-mail you jobs? Also, when is the shop open?

A: We are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. We print for faculty, staff, students and non profit organizations. I am currently a one person show and still do need to attend meetings so the best way to contact me is by email printing@wesleyan.edu or phone x2132. I would hate to have someone walk over to discuss a potential project and find that I am not here.

Q: What types of printing, and printing services does Cardinal Print and Copy offer?

A: We print posters, postcards and flyers in full color. We have high speed (85 ppm) black and white printing with the ability to print double sided, staple single or double on any side, as well as 3 hole punch and gbc punch (for wire bound booklets). We can produce booklets with saddle stitch or wire binding. If you are sending out a mailing and are using window envelopes or labels we can help. We have a machine that folds up to three sheets of paper and insert them into a number 10 envelope.

Q: What is a “typical” day like in the Print Shop?

A: I am a one person show with diverse duties. I open the window at 8 a.m. and sell stamps and envelopes until 11 a.m. when the post office personnel arrive. Then I process any waiting print jobs. I break for lunch and then come back to respond to emails, order supplies and continue processing jobs.

Q: If a student wants three copies of his or her thesis printed and wire-bound, what is the process?

A: Please send an email to printing@wesleyan.edu and include a phone number where I can reach you, the pdf and any instructions, such as single or double sided print, cover color, preferred delivery date. I will email you when it is ready for pickup.

Q: Can you site some pricing examples? And how does an individual, or a department, pay for these services?

A: A single-sided, black and white copy on 8.5×11″ paper is 6 cents, double sided is 8 cents. 11×17″ Color posters are $1.50, 4×5″ postcards are 20 cents each, 5×7″ postcards are 40 cents each. If you would like a price quote please send me an email. I love new projects! We accept cash, checks (made payable to Wesleyan), student account, Middletown Cash and Smartkeys.

Q: Does the Print Shop oversee campus mailings?

A: I assist with a few mailings for departments on campus. Email me your address file and electronic copy, send me the envelopes and any stationary. Let me know the date you need the mailing to go out.

Q: How many years have you worked at Wesleyan?

A: I joined Wesleyan in September 2001 as a printing and operations assistant. I knew right away that I had found a special place. I came in the same day as the freshman. As you can image it was an exciting time to be introduced to my new job and coworkers. I have never met such a great group of people. Even with all of the chaos everyone took time to make me feel welcome. This happened not just in ITS but across campus, people made a point of introducing themselves and welcoming me.

Q: Where did you go to college and what was your major?

A: I completed my associates degree at Middlesex Community College in general studies.

Q: What are you hobbies and interests? Family?

A: I have a wonderful family! My husband Ethan enjoyed his 15 seconds of fame as he was the first customer in line when O’Rourke’s reopened. My daughter, Sarah, turned 2 over the summer. She is bright, funny and beautiful and I am totally unbiased! I have lots of hobbies but am most excited about my two newest endeavors. I am taking a steel drum class and squash lessons. Both are fun in entirely different ways.

Q: Anything else we should know about Jen or Cardinal Print and Copy?

A: Every dollar spent with us remains on campus. That doesn’t happen when you send printing off campus. I will do all I can to help Cardinal Print and Copy continue to grow and evolve with the changing needs of the campus. We have done some beautiful work and I am very proud to be a part of it.

(Platt will be on vacation Oct. 12-16 and would be happy to discuss any new projects after Oct. 19)