With the implementation of daylight-saving time on April 2, University Computing Services (UCS) is working to inform the Ball State community of the importance of adjusting computers, mobile devices and Outlook Web Access (OWA) to reflect the time change.

"This is a one-time effort, and every computer user on campus will need to make the change to reflect the new time zone," said Deb Howell, senior systems security communications manager. "There are no simple downloads or automatic Microsoft updates, so it's up to each computer user to make the necessary changes manually."

Howell said those who rely heavily on their electronic calendars may experience scheduling issues after April 2. This is because appointments are automatically date and time stamped when created.

Before changing the time zone on computers or in OWA, users should print out their calendars. After changing the time zone, users will have to manually change any appointments that occur after April 2, but were scheduled prior to changing the time zone.

To prevent problems with recurring appointments, Howell suggests ending the recurring appointment on April 1 and recreating it beginning April 2. A helpful tip is to put the appointment time in the subject line.

The steps to setting the time zone differ slightly between PCs and Macs. Instructions are available on the daylight-saving time web page at www.bsu.edu/ucs/dst.

Howell said UCS recognizes there may be persons on campus who want or need help in making the necessary changes. To address those concerns, the UCS Helpdesk will offer assistance at a Question and Answer Booth in two campus locations over the next two weeks.

The Q&A booth will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 29-30 in the Atrium of the Art and Journalism Building and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 3-4 in Bracken Library, room 105.

For more information on Indiana county time zones and necessary steps on changing time zones, as well as TechClips showing you how to make the changes, visit the UCS Web page at www.bsu.edu/ucs/dst. For additional help, contact the UCS Helpdesk at 285-1517 or toll-free at (866) 771-3276, or by e-mail at helpdesk@bsu.edu.