To Print Without Printers?

After many hours of researching, writing, and editing I had finally completed my first essay exam. Today the exam was due and I had to give three copies of the essay to the history office by 2 pm. On each essay I had to include my identification number for the course and my name could not be present anywhere on the paper. In the Norwegian school system all work submitted by students must be anonymous. Therefore, teachers do not know who completed what and the grading is based only on content. This strategy is very logical; however, I have heard from teachers and students on campus that it is too anonymous and sometimes one student’s work becomes confused with another.

Before submitting my essay I had to print it off. Printing on campus is more restricted than at Concordia. I can only print from the 16 computers they have in the library. Since the library is closed on weekends I had to go to the library when it opened at 8am before my bioinformatics class to print off my paper. When I arrived I saw ‘No Printing’ signs all over the printing area. At this moment I became overwhelmed because I didn’t know where else to print my paper. Right away I asked the librarian where I could print and explained that I needed to turn in my exam. She responded by saying “that’s not my problem” and walked away. I was completely shocked by her response.

While walking away I realized I was presented with a challenge and I must remain calm. I had less than an hour before class to print my paper. On campus there are other printers, however, you must have a specific ID to print from them. To get the ID you must be considered a part of the department and then you have access to their printers. This wouldn’t be a problem, but since I am an international student I am not considered a part of any department, thus I do not access to other printers. Luckily, I came across a Norwegian who very graciously printed my essay for me. It was a huge relief to have my exam printed because this exam is worth 50% of my grade for the course.

With a huge weight lifted off my shoulder I headed to my bioinformatics class. After class I finally turned the paper in and went to Café Bodega to meet Callie. Unfortunately, the rest of the students in my history course were going through the same dilemma I had gone through this morning. A group of students including Callie ran around campus for over two hours trying to find a printer. Finally, they found one in the bottom of a basement in the Fisheries building that they could use. At 1:55 pm Callie and the group of students turned in their papers.

Now that the excitement is over with, I laugh at how the printers were broken on the day an exam was due. I wonder what will happen next time I have an essay exam to turn in. Overall, today was an eventful day for my history class and I am excited to relax these next couple of days.