Active Projects
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Web Accessibility & WCAG Compliance Remediation
Digital Accessibility · ADA Compliance
High Priority
About this project
Northern Michigan University has an active Digital Accessibility Program with a mandated deadline to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards by April 2026. Failure to achieve compliance creates significant legal exposure under the ADA and reputational risk for the institution.
The opportunity
The April 2026 compliance deadline requires near-term action to avoid legal liability and ensure equitable digital access for all students and staff. Cooperative purchasing agreements provide fast, compliant procurement pathways that align with current fiscal-year planning cycles.
MIDEAL
Discuss this project →Institutional Credential Security & Password Management
Cybersecurity · IT Modernization
High Priority
About this project
NMU has established password and two-factor authentication policies but lacks an institutional password manager to enforce them, creating a direct compliance and operational security gap. This absence undermines the institution's own Enterprise Authentication & Password Security initiative and exposes staff, faculty, and student data to credential-based threats.
The opportunity
An active strategic initiative and documented policy gap signal clear, near-term procurement readiness. With over $1.3M in annual IT spend and access to cooperative purchasing vehicles, the institution is well-positioned to close this risk efficiently within the current fiscal cycle.
MIDEAL
Discuss this project →Emergency Management & Mass Notification Modernization
Emergency Management · Campus Public Safety
High Priority
About this project
NMU faces documented preparedness gaps including a non-public Emergency Operations Plan, limited exercise records, and an uncertain contract renewal status for its mass-notification system. Recent severe weather incidents have elevated risk to campus safety and operational continuity.
The opportunity
The FY26 Homeland Security Grant Program explicitly supports alert, warning, and emergency communications investments, offering a direct funding path with strong alignment to NMU's identified gaps. Acting within the current grant cycle and ahead of a potential contract expiration reduces both compliance risk and procurement timeline pressure.
FY26 HSGP
Discuss this project →Fleet Telematics & Transportation Safety Modernization
Fleet Management · Campus Public Safety
High Priority
About this project
NMU faces public scrutiny over shuttle driving safety and lacks documented vehicle camera or telematics evidence to demonstrate accountability. An active fleet electrification initiative signals strategic focus and budget intent in this area, creating a timely opening to address safety and oversight gaps.
The opportunity
The ongoing fleet modernization effort provides a natural, cost-efficient entry point to layer in safety and accountability tooling, potentially leveraging cooperative purchasing agreements already in place. Acting within the current fiscal cycle aligns with strategic momentum and reduces reputational and operational risk before scrutiny escalates.
MIDEAL
Discuss this project →Expanding IT Endpoint Visibility for Campus Growth
IT Modernization · Endpoint Management
High Priority
About this project
NMU currently relies on a remote access tool without a full RMM platform, leaving gaps in endpoint visibility, proactive monitoring, and IT support efficiency. Capital-funded facility expansions, including a new College of Business, will increase the managed IT footprint and strain existing operational capacity.
The opportunity
Capital investment in new facilities creates a clear, time-aligned trigger for scalable IT operations tooling, and NMU's established cooperative purchasing agreements support streamlined procurement. Addressing this gap now ensures IT teams can maintain service levels, reduce response times, and protect institutional assets as the campus footprint grows.
MIDEAL
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