Message from the VPIT-CIO
New generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) resources are available for campus, along with a new website to support teaching, Academic Technology@Michigan.
Category Archives: Top Stories
Building the world’s first accessible AI chat interface
On August 21, 2023, the University of Michigan launched what we believe to be the first accessible web chat interface to send prompts to GPT-4 and other large language models — U-M GPT. This application is designed for accessibility according to international standards, optimized for usability with common assistive technology, and built without the barriers found in some… Read More »
Make the most out of your career in technology with the Michigan IT Mentor Program
The Michigan IT Mentor Program has fostered a vibrant community of technology enthusiasts at the University of Michigan for the past five years. With a steadfast commitment to connecting individuals passionate about technology, the program continues to expand its reach to various groups across the university. Offering year-round, diverse mentorship options, including short-term, long-term, and group mentoring, this… Read More »
U-M requiring password reset for all UMICH (Level-1) accounts
The University of Michigan has mandated that passwords for all UMICH (Level-1) accounts be changed by the end of Sept. 12. An email informing faculty, staff and students across the Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses, as well as Michigan Medicine, was sent from Ravi Pendse, vice president for information technology, and Sol Bermann, chief information security officer.… Read More »
Cellular service enhancements at the Big House: A bridge to what’s next
Michigan Stadium has had a busy summer preparing for a new season of Michigan Football. From scoreboards to Buddy’s Pizza, there are new experiences awaiting fans, including improved cellular service. Two carriers worked with Information & Technology Services (ITS), Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC), Environment, Health & Safety (EHS), Facilities and Operations (F&O), and Michigan Athletics IT to… Read More »
Profiles in IT: Ray Khamo–Microsoft maestro
Ray Khamo, senior technical business systems analyst at HITS, works to ensure that Michigan Medicine’s default communication software runs smoothly. On his days off, you might find him on the green aiming for the perfect shot or cooking a feast for friends and family–his trusty friend, Beau, not far behind.
Message from the VPIT-CIO
Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is poised to provide vast opportunities and substantive changes to how we teach, learn, research, and conduct business at U-M. Soon, key resources will be available for campus in preparation for an unprecedented Fall semester.
Profiles in IT: Abbey Roelofs—Remarkable research support
Abbey Roelofs is a research software programming lead for LSA Technology Services. In her role, leads a team that does custom software and hardware development for researchers within LSA. She enjoys reading, making stuff, and being outdoors (which usually involves walking, biking, gardening or kayaking).
Shumaker is new STAC chair, officer elections
On June 20, STAC-Core reviewed and approved the STAC Charter FY24. After serving as chair for one year and vice chair for one year, Cassandra Callaghan, chief information officer, School of Dentistry, passed the chair leadership position to vice chair Carrie Shumaker, Dearborn chief information officer. Cathy Curley, chief information officer, College of Literature, Science and the Arts,… Read More »
Free HighEdWeb membership for faculty, staff, and students
Student Life and CAEN (College of Engineering IT) are co-sponsoring an institutional membership in the HighEdWeb Association for the next year. As the name suggests, the HighEdWeb mission is “to educate digital professionals who work at higher education institutions.” It is an international organization that includes many of our peer institutions, including those in the Big Ten. Some… Read More »
Message from the VPIT-CIO
I know many in the university community have been keeping a close eye on the implications of generative AI on higher education, particularly because the new students we will be welcoming to campus this fall will be one of our first classes ever that is intimately familiar with using AI to assist with aspects of their course work.
Online Safety for the LGBTQ Community
Though there has been much progress towards LGBTQ equality, this community has inherent risks online that other communities do not face. As experts in Cybersecurity, and strong LGBTQ allies, ITS Information Assurance wants to ensure those at risk of online harassment and crime have the information they need to protect themselves.
Profiles in IT: Pat Steffes—Trans advocate
Pat Steffes is a senior software programmer analyst with ITS Information Assurance (IA). They are UM-Dearborn alumni and a passionate advocate for the transgender community in cybersecurity. They also enjoy supporting feminists and queer artists in the Metro Detroit area.
Five years with the GDPR
The European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) went into effect on May 25, 2018. In five years, it has affected changes to business processes and technology around the world and has paved the way for the adoption of privacy legislation in many countries and a number of U.S. states.
Museum of Natural History exhibits soar with LSA TS Support
From viruses and ecology to soil and the planet, LSA Technology Services has helped the U-M Museum of Natural History create exhibits that connect with visitors and empower community science. Since its grand opening in 2019, the U-M Museum of Natural History has increasingly worked with LSA Technology Services to deliver exhibits and programming that connect with the… Read More »
Message from the VPIT-CIO
Congratulations to the Class of 2023, and to the parents of new graduates! It is humbling to have played a part in their educational experience by providing technology support and tools used to equip their journey at the University of Michigan.
PFAS research in the Michigan mother-infant pairs study, supported by ITS, SPH, MM, AGC
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of chemicals that have been around since the 1940s and became more broadly used in the post-war 1960s era. PFAS are in our homes, offices, water, and even our food and blood. PFAS break down slowly and are difficult to process, both in the environment and our bodies. Scientific studies… Read More »
Profiles in IT: Skyler West—Spectacular SUL
Skyler West is a data security analyst on the U-M Flint campus. In his role as a security unit liaison (SUL), he partners with ITS Information Assurance to promote security awareness, education, monitoring, and compliance, while enabling UM-Flint’s missions. In his free time, he likes to camp, cook, game, and garden.
Cellular 5G upgrades accelerate across campus
ITS is accelerating efforts to deliver improved 5G cellular service on the U-M Ann Arbor campus. Over the past few months ITS project teams, collaborating with numerous campus departments and integration partners, have delivered significant advancements for the ITS Cellular Service Improvements Project. These include: These latest improvements follow the 5G upgrade at Crisler Center in November 2022… Read More »
Physician-aided AI improves detection of acute respiratory distress syndrome
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a deadly critical illness that has a high mortality. However, recognition and diagnosis of ARDS is often missed or delayed, and patients do not receive evidenced-based care when ARDS goes unrecognized. To help physicians identify ARDS faster and more reliably, researchers at U-M’s Max Harry Weil Institute for Critical Care Research and… Read More »