But even some professors who say they are skeptical of the hype subscribe to the mentality that it is better to be safe than sorry.

Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Computer Sciences Steven J. Gortler, a self-described joker, says he suspects very little will happen on New Year's Eve but he is, nevertheless, "preparing for the apocalypse."

"I'm buying bottled water, storing money in a secret place, and stocking up on flint and lighter fluid," he says, earnest despite his mock-serious tone. He advises others to be ready for the worst as well, despite his doubts that serious problems will occur.

And as for Gortler's New Year's Eve plans? "I'll be at home, probably sleeping. I'm not a big celebrator," he says.

Filling the Calendar Gap

Some Harvard organizations have taken a more celebratory attitude towards the new millennium, marking the occasion's academic significance.

In preparation for a possible apocalypse, Houghton Library is currently running an exhibit called "TEOTWAWKI: Futuristic Visions in Houghton's Collections."

TEOTWAWKI stands for The End Of The World As We Know It.