Dear Ontario Tech Students,

At the Ontario Tech Student Union (OTSU), our mission has always been to enhance your student experience. We strive to support your physical and mental well-being, provide spaces to pursue your passions, and advocate for the changes you want to see on campus.

I ran for the OTSU President position because I believe in these tenets and in the importance of supporting students. When I was elected by the student body, one aspect of my platform was organizational growth and to provide valuable services. To do this, I presented the OTSU Board of Directors with the idea of reducing merchandise costs and generating revenue by bringing printing capabilities in-house. The Board approved my proposal in June and we’ve been working to get this new service up-and-running.

Today, we're thrilled to announce the OTSU Custom Apparel Print Shop, an exciting new initiative that embodies this mission and brings even more value to our vibrant student community.

Why a Print Shop?

Every year, our amazing clubs and societies invest significant amounts in custom apparel—from hoodies to T-shirts—to promote their causes and build community. Earlier this year, one club spent $900 on just 18 hoodies from an external vendor. We realized there had to be a better way to support our student organizations while also enhancing the overall student experience. By bringing custom apparel printing in-house, we're not just cutting costs—we're empowering you. Here's how:

Benefits to You and the Student Body

• Affordable Custom Apparel
  • Lower Costs for Clubs and Societies: Printing in-house means significant savings. For example, the total cost to produce a high-quality T-shirt (excluding labor) is approximately $5.40. These shirts can be sold for around $25, leaving a profit of $19.60 per shirt to reinvest in other initiatives.
  • Savings Passed On to Students: Lower production costs mean you pay less for the apparel you love.

• Employment Opportunities
  • Part-time student jobs: Once the shop gains traction among clubs and the campus community, dedicated staff will be needed to operate it, creating employment opportunities for students.

• Convenience and Speed
  • On-Campus Access: No more dealing with third-party vendors or long shipping times. Get your custom apparel right here on campus.

• High-Quality Production
  • State-of-the-Art Equipment: The new Epson SureColor F1070 DTG/DTF Hybrid Printer delivers vibrant colors and incredible detail.
  • Versatility: Print on a wide variety of materials up to 1" thick, opening up possibilities beyond traditional apparel.

• Empowering Creativity
  • For All Students: The print shop isn't just for clubs and societies. Any student can bring their ideas to life—whether it's for a class project, a personal venture, or a campus event.

• Future Growth Opportunities
  • Expanded Services: We're starting with apparel, but the printer’s capabilities can allow us to expand to other items in the future.
  • Potential Partnerships: We've already caught the attention of the Ontario Tech athletics and university departments interested in collaborating with us.

Benefits to the OTSU and the Student Community

• Revenue Generation
  • Supporting Student Services: Profits from the print shop will be reinvested into student services, events, and initiatives, enhancing campus life for everyone.

• Organizational Growth
  • Strengthening the OTSU: By expanding our services, we increase our capacity to support and advocate for you.

• Cost Savings for the OTSU
  • In-House Printing: We'll save on marketing costs by producing our own merchandise, allowing us to allocate funds to other areas that benefit students.

Addressing Your Questions and Concerns

• Why did we invest in this printer?
  • Strategic Investment: The total cost, including the printer and accessories, is $13,016.68 after tax. This isn't just a purchase—it's an investment in a service that will generate revenue and provide long-term benefits to the student union.

• What about the printer's footprint and specifications?
  • Compact Design: The printer is 35 inches wide, 17 inches high, and 28 inches deep, weighing just over 150 pounds. It fits comfortably within our facilities without disrupting existing spaces.

• How much does the ink cost?
  • Cost-Efficient Printing: Each ink pack costs $178.95, with an average ink consumption of 2.5ml per T-shirt, costing approximately $1.75 for ink per shirt.

• Does the printer come with ink?
  • Yes: The printer comes with a full set of 250ml CMYK inks and two white inks—a $1,000 value included.

• How does this benefit individual students?
  • Accessible to All: Beyond clubs and societies, we plan to make the print shop available to all students to create custom apparel, fostering creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Our Commitment to You

This print shop is more than just a new service—it's a platform for student expression, innovation, and community building. We invite you to take full advantage of this opportunity.

We understand that transparency is crucial, especially when it involves significant investments. Rest assured, this initiative aligns with our commitment to support and enhance your university experience. By generating revenue through the print shop, we'll be able to fund more events, improve services, and advocate more effectively on your behalf.

Stay Tuned for the Official Launch!

The printer is on site and we are making arrangements for its set up and training staff on how to use it. We hope to roll this service out next term , along with details on how students can take advantage of the print shop.. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates!

Thank you for your continued support and for being the driving force behind everything we do. The OTSU is proud to serve such a dynamic and creative student body. Together, we'll make our campus even more vibrant and connected.

Here's to a future where your ideas aren't just heard—they're worn proudly across campus.

Sincerely,

Rai Ali

President, Ontario Tech Student Union