November 23, 1999

Dear Student:

As the millennium approaches, the administration and staff at Teachers College have been working diligently to ensure that computers and computer systems, equipment, facilities and outside service providers (banks, lenders, utilities, etc;) are Year 2000 (Y2K) compliant. The following is a brief overview of the Y2K Bug, project overview and our readiness, including some helpful hints to assist you in the unlikely event of a Y2K-related emergency.

Many computer systems track dates with only the last two numbers of the year, such as 97 instead of 1997. When 00 comes up for the year 2000, many computers will view it as 1900 instead, potentially leading to failures in business, transportation, utilities, and other services.

Teachers College systematically assessed the College’s critical equipment, software and outside service providers to determine the state of Y2K readiness. The College performed the following tasks:

1. Conducted an inventory assessment of all PCs, software, equipment & outside service providers;
2. Evaluated risk & assessed criticality;
3. Created a project plan for corrective action;
4. Corrected Year 2000 problems;
5. Tested conversions and solutions.

For a more detailed review of the College’s Y2K project, please visit our Year 2000 Web Page at:

As of November 1999, the state of Teachers College Y2K compliance is excellent.

1. All PC hardware and software have been inventoried and few non-compliant non-critical PCs remain.
2. We have received assurances of Y2K compliance for utilities, elevators, telecommunications, and security systems.
3. Extensive testing on our BANNER 2000 information system was completed with no significant Y2K errors.
4. An evaluation of financial service providers, including our banking and investment relationships, credit card servicers and lenders was performed concluding that there is no significant risk of non-delivery of services. In addition we have achieved "Honor Roll Status" with the Department of Education due to our successful completion of their testing requirements.
5. An evaluation of major suppliers and service providers (other than financial) was performed, concluding that there is no significant risk of non-delivery of goods and services.

Even though we have performed extensive assessments, testing and upgrades in order to ensure the safety of students and employees, as well as protect the resources of Teachers College, contingency planning is necessary to safeguard against the unlikely event of Y2K related disruptions.

To prepare for the unlikely event of a Y2K emergency resulting from a disruption in basic services we recommend you do the following prior to December 31, 1999:

• Contact your PC and Software vendor to determine if your PC and software are Y2K compliant. Upgrade or replace if necessary. Information about compliant software versions and links to the manufacturers are located on our Year 2000 Web Page.
• Backup all critical data to an external medium (floppy disk, zip disk, tape, etc). For instructions on how to backup your data refer to the Year 2000 Web Page mentioned above. Zip disks and diskettes may be purchased at the Microcomputer Center in 242 Horace Mann as well as at Duplicating Services in 34 Main Hall.
• Provide for several days of cash on hand – in the event of an ATM disruption.
• Provide for working flashlights and batteries – in the event of a utility disruption.
• Campus residents should contact the front desk in their residence or TC Security at x3333, if they need assistance. The normal snow day procedures would apply in case any unexpected situation requires closing the College on Monday, January 3. The following radio stations would carry the message:

In addition, a message would be provided on our main number, 678-3000.

• As more helpful hints and contingency plans are made available, they will be posted on the Year 2000 Web Page.

If you have any questions or concerns, they may be addressed by referring to our Year 2000 Web Page. However, if you need further clarification, please feel free to email us at:

y2k@exchange.tc.columbia.edu

We wish you much success in the New Year.

Sincerely,

Patrick Norton

Associate Controller and Y2K Project Coordinator