The University of Michigan’s wireless infrastructure and associated WiFi access points, managed by ITS, provide, monitor and maintain WiFi network connectivity for faculty, students, staff, and guests on the Ann Arbor campus.
As part of this work, the system collects basic location data as wireless devices (e.g., computers, phones, tablets, etc.) connect to different WiFi access points and as they move across campus. Information such as uniqname, device MAC address, and the name of the access point are captured and retained for a period of time (currently six months).
There is increasing interest on how location data might be used by individuals, in research, or by the university to advance its mission. For complete information, review how we handle your WiFi location data.
Your Personal WiFi Data
Your personal WiFi data is available to you upon request.
Review your personal WiFi data
The report will only show data for the last 30 days. Your personal WiFi data is not available to others at this time.
Our reporting environment does not permit individuals to access others’ WiFi data. Over time, we may add functionality for university community members to authorize faculty who wish to use location data for research purposes, but this is not currently available. If students wish to share their personal WiFi location data with a faculty member, they will need to download a CSV file containing their data and forward that information.
Learn how to Run Your WiFi Location Data Report.
U-M Aggregate WiFi Location Data
Aggregated and anonymized WiFi data may be used over time to improve the WiFi service, teaching, learning, or other university services.
We are working to build a system which provides aggregated and anonymized data (e.g. number of devices, locations, and general movement). This data will not contain personal identifiers such as uniqnames, client IP addresses, or MAC addresses. Possible uses for this type of data include activities such as space management, transportation planning, or wayfinding.