Håfa Adai UOG Community,

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Internet Access
   While campus Wi-Fi, network, and email services should remain active, on-campus access may become unstable if the storm worsens. However, you can still access your email and cloud files remotely from personal devices. We will use these channels to send official IT updates as the situation evolves.

4. Important: Potential Colleague and Related Systems Downtime
   To protect core databases from power fluctuations, the following services will be temporarily unavailable starting at 5:00 PM today, October 16, or earlier if COR 2 is declared:

   • Colleague UI
   • Self-Service
   • Aopw.uog.edu
   • CashNet
   • CROA

   • Softdocs

5. Security Reminder
   Storm-related events often lead to increased phishing and scam activity. Be cautious of unexpected emails, texts, or websites claiming to provide emergency updates, account recovery, or service restoration information. OIT will never ask for your password or MFA verification code.

Stay safe, and we will provide updates regarding system availability as the situation evolves.

— Office of Information Technology