Frequently Asked Questions

We've compiled a list of answers to the questions we hear most often. If you don't find your question answered here, don't hesitate to contact the appropriate person on our contact page.

General Questions

What services does the PC offer?

We provide graphic design, event promotions, printing, photography and distribution to students, faculty and staff. We also provide media relations and website creation & maintenance for Associated Students programs. Additionally, the PC is the home of the AS Review, Western’s premier news source.

Here’s a list of what we do:
  • Graphic Design - for posters, t-shirts, brochures, etc.
  • Distribution – poster posting, table tents, mailbox stuffers, banner placement
  • Promotional products - including mugs, beverage openers, stickers, etc.
  • Printing – we provide professional quality large-format printing, up to 42” wide on a variety of media. We also do CD/DVD duplication and disc printing, lamination, and will arrange for printing of t-shirts, stickers, brochures, and just about anything else.
  • Public Relations – we write and send out press releases for all AS events to local media, as well as assuring calendar inclusion in various off-campus publications, the AS Review, KUGS 89.3 FM, and digital calendars available through WWU and the AS’s websites.
  • Photography – professional digital photography. We’ll shoot images of your group, event, or for organizational and personal promotions.
  • Web – Our web gurus keep the AS website looking and functioning fantastic. This service is available to AS programs only. For info on how to get a webpage for your club please make a request through ATUS.
Who can use the PC?

Any student of WWU, NW Indian College and Whatcom Community College, may use most of the services of the PC. We also serve the staff and faculty of WWU.

Please note: Public relations and web services are available to AS programs only.

Graphic Design

How long does it take to get something designed and printed?

We request three weeks to do the best design work for you. Color printing usually takes only a day or two. T-shirts, stickers and other promotional products may take longer. See an Account Executive for more info. If you don’t have three weeks, talk to us anyway, we may be able to “rush” something through.

I have a big event coming up. How many posters should I print for on-campus and downtown distribution?

We’ve found that, unless you have over a month lead time before your event, 80-100 posters will be sufficient.

Can I create my own design and have you print it?

Absolutely, we just ask you to provide us with a PDF to be printed and we require that the recycle symbol and the AS Logo (for AS programs) be present in your design. You can download copies of these below. If your design is promoting an event, WWU requires that you include a statement of disability accommodation including a phone number where someone can contact your office to make the request.

Sample Disability Accommodation: “For disability accommodations, please call xxx-xxxx”

How do I create a PDF from Microsoft Publisher?

It's important that you adjust your document properties for printing dimensions before you start laying out your page. The process of doing this from a new file is as follows:

  • Go to File → Page Setup and click on the "Printer and Paper" tab
  • Select "CutePDF Writer" as the Printer
  • Click Properties next to the printer selection
  • Click Advanced in the bottom right of the new window
  • Select "PostScript Custom Page Size" as the Paper Size
  • Specify the dimensions of your document in inches and click OK on each open window.
  • To create a PDF of your completed document, simply go to File → Print and make sure CutePDF Writer is selected as the printer before clicking OK.

Note: these directions assume you have the CutePDF Writer installed, but other PDF print drivers should work too, such as the free PDFCreator

Distribution

How many posters can I get distributed for free?

We can only distribute posters from WWU departments and non-profit organizations. Sorry, but we cannot post your band flyers no matter how cool your band is.

If your poster is from an Associated Students or Western affiliated club or program: Drop off 32 copies in VU547. 10 copies will be posted on the glassed-in bulletin boards in the Viking Union and around campus. 22 copies will be delivered to Residence Life for distribution in the residence halls. Note: Residence Life will not accept less than 22 copies.

If your poster is from a non-University related non-profit organization: Drop off 5 copies in VU547. 5 copies will be posted on the glassed-in bulletin boards in the Viking Union and around campus.

Media Specialist

How do I get our event listed on the AS website, Western’s website and in the AS Review?

AS event listings can be emailed to our Public Relations Coordinator or submitted online by logging in with your AS email address and password. Your event will be posted on both the WWU and AS websites as well as in the Flash section of the AS Review. You may also pick up a Media Request Form from the PC and submit your event via hard copy.

Web Development

How do I update our AS program’s website?

AS program websites are managed by our web crew. Changes to content may be made by emailing the Web Developer with your specific request. Changes to the look of your website may be made by working with our Web Designer to come up with a solution to tickle your fancy. If you'd just like to add an event to the events calendar, you can simply fill out a standard Media Request Form in the Publicity Center or right here on our website.

How long does it take to get my update or site design completed?

For minor updates, a few days. We ask that you allow approximately 4 weeks for a new site design. This time is subject to change, depending on the complexity of the project, and the webmasters' schedules and workload.

Can I create my own web site?

Yes and no. If you would like to create your own site, there are certain guidelines you must adhere to, such as an appropriate creation tool, content guidelines, etc. Please set up a meeting with the current web developers to discuss your ideas, prior to working on a site for your organization.