ELON COLLEGE – While the world wonders about the impact of the Year 2000 (Y2K), Elon College has taken steps to minimize its effects on academic and administrative activities.
Electrical, water, gas and other utility companies have assured the college that their systems are in Y2K compliance, and no unusual disruptions of services are expected.
“We don’t believe we will have a problem,” said Jim Johnson, director of administrative services. “We started working more than 18 months ago checking everything that might have a computer chip in it. All the computer systems have been upgraded and are Y2K compliant.”
The college’s safety committee has developed detailed contingency plans for safety and security, food service, residence halls, academic programs, business operations and physical plant operations.
Staff members will be on duty Dec. 31-Jan. 1 in the physical plant, security office and residence life to check all systems and identify any potential problems. The college’s emergency plan will be activated if significant problems arise.
A communications plan has been developed should any schedule changes occur or if there are significant Y2K effects to programs or operations. Students start returning to campus Jan. 2 after their holiday break. Winter term classes begin Jan. 4.
Bulletins and information will be posted on the college’s Web site at www.elon.edu/e-net. Pertinent information also will be sent via e-mail to all accounts. Details of any problems or schedule changes will be included in a pre-recorded message on the main switchboard number – 336-584-9711. The Web server, e-mail and telecommunications systems have backup power sources.
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