The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s StudentPrint laid off all 23 of its student employees and transitioned into a self-service model as of September 1. This marks the end of the 25-year-old student-run printing service, which was previously a platform for students to manage a campus-wide business.

StudentPrint, a nonprofit owned by the Associated Students of Madison, catered to nearly all of the university’s printing needs, including merchandise for Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and campus essentials like bus passes. The Wisconsin Union Directorate acquired StudentPrint in 2021 after the business struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Former employees expressed surprise and frustration at the sudden decision to close. Corey Holl, former student manager, described the closure as a betrayal, especially after the Union had promised stability for StudentPrint following the buyout. “Everyone was in complete shock,” said Holl, who had been part of a transition team that believed the service was secure.

Michael Hepfinger, another former employee, criticized the decision as “cruel and incompetent,” noting that there were no warning signs about the layoffs or closure.

In a July email, the Wisconsin Union cited shifting academic trends, changes in consumer behavior, and StudentPrint’s financial performance as reasons for the restructuring. Communications coordinator Madeleine Carr added that printing needs on campus had evolved significantly in the digital age, prompting the Union to transition the service to a self-service print shop to better serve the community.

Financial Struggles

According to Holl, StudentPrint had not turned a profit since the pandemic but was generating more revenue than expected. The closure was announced while the service was in the process of hiring new employees and purchasing new equipment.

There were no prior discussions about cutting expenses or reducing staff, and the Union did not provide a plan for restoring profitability. The financial outlook and lack of communication have left former employees questioning the Union’s decision-making process.

Service Reductions and Transition

The new self-service model will offer limited options, including basic black-and-white printing, color printing, and document lamination. However, it will no longer handle more complex tasks like bulk orders, stickers, and t-shirt printing, which many RSOs relied on.

Former workers, including Hepfinger, expressed confusion about how the self-service system would operate, citing a lack of clear guidance on the transition. Customers are also finding it difficult to locate comparable services elsewhere on campus.

While the Union has offered other jobs within its system for displaced employees, many, like Holl and Hepfinger, lament the loss of a unique opportunity to manage a business, gaining hands-on experience in areas such as marketing, finances, and inventory management.