"We are using our print shop as a training ground for students," explains Justin Tetley, coordinator of Mail and Copy Solutions for Webster University in St. Louis, MO. "Students have become an integral part of our operation."

 

Each semester 6-10 work study students are recruited to fill important roles ranging from graphic design to marketing to copywriting. "Ours is one of the key departments that offer training for students and a lot of valuable hands on experience. We usually receive about a dozen applicants for each position," he explains.

 

"...important real-world skills that can be taken into the job market after graduation."

 

In addition to graphic design and marketing skills, students can gain practical office experience such as running postage machines and other equipment. "Although that general day-to-day experience may not be applicable to their majors, they are important real-world skills that can be taken into the job market after graduation." 

 

Sometimes the training received during work study assignments can serve as a springboard to permanent, full time positions with the university. "Work study can be a priceless opportunity for students!" 

 

 "Work study can be a priceless opportunity."

 

Thanks to the extra help, the bustling 7-person in-plant team, located a mile away from the St. Louis campus, is able to offer a wide range of printed materials for its home campus, as well as 80 additional campuses worldwide, many of which are located on military bases. 

 

The 20 year old in-plant significantly increased its capabilities three years ago by leasing two industrial digital printers, a Xerox 700 and 4112,  and tripled its office space.  By increasing equipment capabilities and building relationships, they are working to bring more of the outsourced printing in-house.

 

"The Xerox 700 and 4112 have significantly boosted those efforts to capture more of the university's printing," he says. "We are currently using our wide format printer to scan and digitize a wide range of documents, as well as blueprints of each of our buildings."

 

"Today's college students, most faculty and staff are more prone to respond to a QR code survey versus a traditional survey."

 

To help in their marketing efforts, QR codes are included on customer survey cards which accompany every job. "QR codes have provided a convenient opportunity for customers to communicate their feedback. We have learned that today's college students and most faculty and staff are more prone to respond to a QR code survey versus a traditional survey." 

 

Hot New Item -- Polyester Parking Signs

 

Tetley says the use of polyester paper has been especially useful in producing items that require a higher degree of durability such as travel cards, postcards and even parking signs.

 

"Because of the limited parking space available on campus, when special events are held, we create removable parking signs using polyester paper.  It's cheaper than creating laminated signs, but still provides a durable sign for protection from the elements."

 

The mailing segment of the in-plant, which just recently added a Pitney Bowes Connect 3000 postage machine, manages approximately 250,000 pieces of mail annually.  

 

Tetley is looking forward to broadening their services and reaching even more customers in the months ahead. "We continue to seek new ways to build relationships with our campus and the community by offering a wide range of services."