The University of Michigan has launched a multi-year initiative to enhance campus safety across all three campuses by upgrading emergency communications, unifying building access controls and improving overall campus safety infrastructure.
The Security Technology Enhancement Project will upgrade key safety systems to improve emergency response, coordination and situational awareness. These upgrades are not just enhancements — they are essential tools in confronting critical incidents that could endanger lives on campus.
MORE INFORMATION
This initiative underscores the university’s unwavering commitment to safety while maintaining its principles of privacy and ethical use of technology. Plans include:
- Phased rollout to modernize and connect access control systems.
- Replacement and expansion of security cameras in public areas.
- Modernization of campus emergency blue-light phones.
- Integration of emergency alert technologies.
The project also includes planning and design for a 24/7 Security Operations Center that will serve as a centralized hub for monitoring safety systems and coordinating real-time responses. Active shooter events at other universities this year and in the recent past underscore the urgent need for enhanced real-time visibility and response.
All new and current technologies will continue to comply with university policy and applicable state and federal law.
Led by the Division of Public Safety and Security, in partnership with Information and Technology Services, and supported by university leadership, STEP reflects U-M’s ongoing commitment to the safety of its community.
“The safety and well-being of our campus community is a top institutional priority,” said Rick Arnold, interim executive director of DPSS. “These updates allow us to respond more effectively during emergencies while maintaining the privacy, civil liberties and civil rights that are fundamental to the university environment.”
Work is underway to unify security platforms across campus units using a common enterprise solution to improve usability and access to real-time safety data. Upgrades to blue-light phones are expected over the next several years.
Security cameras will be located at building entrances and exits across campus, supporting the ability for first responders to address emergency calls for service, panic-button alarms, motion analytics alarms, or other reported high-risk incidents.
Cameras are never placed in private spaces, including restrooms, residence hall rooms or lactation rooms.
A new standard practice guide is being developed to better reflect this comprehensive security plan. The new policy will underscore the university’s commitment to privacy, transparency and responsible technology use.
Existing policies reinforce this commitment — including SPG 601.11 (Privacy), 601.01 (Freedom of Speech and Artistic Expression), 601.27 (Information Security), and 601.12 (Institutional Data Stewardship, recently revised). They establish clear accountability standards for individuals and units across the institution.
DPSS will establish a STEP advisory committee composed of faculty, staff and students. The first meeting of the committee is expected to take place this fall.
The DPSS website provides more information about the project, including frequently asked questions and related policies.
Rebekah Modrak
My understanding is that the cameras in classrooms are managed by a group, such as ITS, and not by DPSS, and that classrooms are considered private spaces. Why are classrooms not included in this list in the article?: “Cameras are never placed in private spaces, including restrooms, residence hall rooms or lactation rooms.”