New blue light kiosks will enhance campus safety, connectivity
The University of Michigan is modernizing its blue light emergency phones on the Ann Arbor campus, replacing old units and expanding coverage with new “Code Blue” assistance kiosks designed to support safety, wayfinding, connectivity, and campus communication.
The new maize-and-blue-branded kiosks will still allow users to place 9-1-1 calls directly to the University of Michigan Police Department. The upgraded units will also include:
- non-emergency calling for general assistance inquiries
- QR codes linking to campus maps
- enhanced dimmable area lighting and public safety messaging speakers
The QR codes will support wayfinding by connecting users to campus maps, while the added lighting will improve visibility in surrounding areas. In some locations, the kiosks will also include wireless access points to help improve outdoor Wi-Fi connectivity.
Approximately 25 new kiosks will be installed across Central Campus and North Campus, with completion anticipated by November. Additional kiosks will be deployed over the next four years as part of a broader effort to modernize the university’s blue light infrastructure and expand coverage in areas with gaps. During implementation, some existing blue light kiosks will be unavailable as they are swapped out. Any out-of-service units will be clearly marked.
The kiosks are also designed with accessibility and future needs in mind. Each unit will be ADA-compliant and include hearing loop technology. It is also being future-proofed for possible touchscreen functionality in the years ahead.
Security camera coverage associated with the kiosks will help identify emergencies and support public safety response, while speakers will provide another channel for public safety messaging when needed. Cameras are not monitored and are activated only when the kiosk is used to request emergency assistance.
While mobile phones are widely used, kiosks provide another way to request help when a personal device is unavailable, stolen, or out of battery power. Maintaining multiple pathways to assistance remains an important part of campus safety planning.
By combining emergency calling, non-emergency support, connectivity, wayfinding, and lighting, the new kiosks are intended to better serve the U-M community while strengthening the university’s public safety infrastructure.
They will also help more clearly identify university property through consistent maize-and-blue branding across campus.