Network upgrade to improve access, save millions

Central Michigan University is upgrading its wired and wireless network in ways that will improve coverage and reduce maintenance while also saving the university millions of dollars. 

Office of Information Technology team members and contractors started upgrading network access in residential, athletic and facility spaces promptly after the Board of Trustees gave final approval to the project in June. 

In support of the project, OIT launched a page so that members of the campus community can see where individual buildings fit on the schedule and that answers questions people might have. 

According to the work schedule, 100% of the network hardware in academic and administrative buildings on the Mount Pleasant and remote/satellite locations is on pace for completion by summer 2025. 

Additional access points are also scheduled for installation to improve overall indoor and outdoor network access. 

A multi-year financing agreement will result in savings of nearly $7 million over the next six years with no reduction in the quality of service. CMU will also benefit from improved vendor support. 

“The Board of Trustees approval of this resolution is a significant accomplishment for all of CMU and addresses a foundational IT investment needed to support  CMU's 2023-2028 Strategic Plan”, said Jim Bujaki, CMU’s Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer. “This project represents a significant step forward in modernizing CMU’s network infrastructure, providing reliable, high-speed connectivity that will support the university’s needs for years to come. The cost savings and enhanced performance underscore the strategic value of this investment.”