Hands-on Print Education at ASU's Print and Imaging Lab

Cathy Skoglund, Director of Arizona State University's (ASU's) Print and Imaging Lab in Mesa, Arizona, has a huge job.  The Print Lab is the only in-house print facility serving ASU's 83,000 students, as well as its numerous academic and athletic departments, campus organizations and alumni groups.

A self-funded unit, The Print Lab is run almost entirely by students; the only non-student employees are Skoglund and the production manager, Chris Myers.  Together, they oversee 30 students who handle all aspects of customer service, graphic design, production and installation. 

To handle its digital production, The Print Lab recently brought in Roland's SOLJET Pro 4 XR-640 64-inch wide-format printer.  “We love the fact that with the XR you can print and contour cut any shape you need all in one workflow,” said Skoglund.  “The Roland has been a great instruction and production device for our students.”

“We love the fact that with the XR you can print and contour cut any shape you need all in one workflow,” said Skoglund.  “The Roland has been a great instruction and production device for our students.”

The Print Lab staff uses its XR to produce wall graphics, pole wraps, banners and posters to announce celebrations like Homecoming.  They also print and cut thousands of decals to hand out to the 20,000+ visitors who tour the facility each year.

Operationally, large format printing is the most profitable service offered by the Lab.  “The speed of the Roland SOLJET really ramped up our productivity in large format work, which helps our bottom line,” said Skoglund. 

Print Lab experience helps students find employment after graduation.  “Our students are very sought after by companies such as Blue Media, Leo Burnett, Shutterfly and RR Donnelley,” said Skoglund.

The Print Lab students' work is being recognized. In 2015, they received a Best in Category and Best in Show award from the Association of College and University Printers, and a Premier Print Award of Recognition, for a building and interior graphics project.

“Having Roland's XR as part of our production environment makes my job easier,” said Skoglund.