In preparation for the incoming storm, the Office of Information Technology (IT) is implementing precautionary measures to protect our digital infrastructure and hardware. Please follow the guidelines below to ensure your data and equipment remain secure.

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Important: Colleague System Downtime

To protect our core databases from potential power fluctuations, Colleague will be brought offline at 2:00 PM on Sunday. It will remain unavailable until the government officially declares COR 3.

Action Required: If you need access to your W-2 statements or other critical personnel records over the next few days, please download and print them before 2:00 PM Sunday.

Workstation & Hardware Safety

Before you leave your office for the weekend, please complete the following steps to prevent damage from power surges or water leaks:

• Shutdown All Workstations: Properly close all applications and shut down your computer through the operating system.
  
  
• Unplug All Electronics: Physically disconnect power cords from wall outlets for computers, monitors, printers, and scanners. Even surge protectors can fail during direct lightning strikes or major grid fluctuations.
  
  
• Clear the Windows: Move expensive hardware (laptops, monitors, specialized equipment) and important physical documents away from windows and off the floor to prevent damage from potential glass breakage or water seepage. 
  
  

Data Backup

Ensure that all critical files are synced to your cloud storage (OneDrive/Google Drive) or backed up to an external encrypted drive. Do not rely on files saved locally to a desktop during a major weather event.

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Please note that while Colleague will be offline, the campus network, Wi-Fi, and email systems are expected to remain operational as long as conditions permit. You can continue to access your email and cloud files remotely via personal devices. We will use these active channels to send official updates as the situation evolves.

 

— Office of Information Technology