From Caps to Course Catalogs: How In-Plant Print Teams Power Graduation and Prep Higher Ed for Summer

As spring semesters wrap up and mortarboards take flight, one often-overlooked team is working overtime to make sure higher ed institutions shine: the in-plant print shop.

May marks one of the busiest and most critical times of year for campus print teams — with a flurry of commencement activities, end-of-year reports, and a full slate of summer prep already underway. From diplomas to orientation packets, in-plant printing departments are the behind-the-scenes champions in keeping higher education running smoothly.

Graduation Season: The Peak Print Moment

Graduation isn’t just about pomp and circumstance — it’s also a high-volume, high-pressure print cycle. In-plant teams are responsible for:

• Diplomas and certificates 
  Custom-printed, often embossed, and always perfect. 
  
  
• Commencement programs  
  Last-minute edits? No problem — in-plants are built for quick turnaround. 
  
  
• Signage and wayfinding
  Wide format capabilities ensure every guest knows where to go.
  
  
• Special event materials
  Banners, posters, stage backdrops, and reserved seating signage.
  

When timing, accuracy, and quality all matter, having print capabilities on campus makes all the difference.

Prepping for Summer: The Next Wave Begins

Even as graduation materials are rolling off the press, in-plants are already thinking ahead to what’s next:

• Orientation kits for incoming students
• Course catalogs and syllabi for summer sessions
• Admissions print campaigns aimed at late enrollees or transfer students
• Development and alums outreach collateral for summer giving campaigns

With multiple departments relying on them, in-plant teams juggle various requests — all while ensuring materials align with institutional branding and compliance standards.

Agility and Efficiency: The In-Plant Advantage

In-plant teams leverage technology and strategy to keep up with demand, including:

• Print management software to streamline workflows and handle job intake
• Variable data printing to personalize communications for prospective students and alumni
• Digital and wide format presses for versatility and speed
• Secure workflows that safeguard student and donor data

Collaborating directly with departments gives in-plants a major edge — offering faster turnaround, fewer errors, and more creative control.

Why Keeping It In-House Pays Off

Higher education institutions that invest in their in-plant print shops reap significant benefits:

• Lower costs than outsourcing
• Greater control over quality and turnaround
• Brand consistency across all communications
  
• Data security and compliance with FERPA and other regulations

When deadlines are tight, and expectations are high, in-plant printing is the reliable, scalable engine that powers institutional success.

How SumnerOne Supports Higher Ed In-Plants

At SumnerOne, we specialize in helping higher education institutions optimize their in-plant print operations. From cutting-edge production equipment to workflow automation and print management consulting, our solutions are tailored to help campus print teams do more — faster, smarter, and with greater impact.

Need help modernizing your in-plant for next semester?

Let’s talk about how SumnerOne can help you gear up for summer, graduation, and everything in between. Contact us today.