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Cornell University

Cornell Experience Modernization Initiative

As common as possible, as different as necessary

Identity Management: Readiness Initiative

Identity management is how Cornell verifies who someone is and what they should have access to across the university’s digital services and systems. Think of it like a digital passport. Currently, Cornell uses two different types (NetID for Ithaca and Cornell Tech, CWID for Weill Cornell Medicine), making it complicated or impossible for our community to access resources and collaborate across campuses.

The goal is to enable students, faculty, and staff to seamlessly access the resources they need, regardless of location—whether it’s a Cornell Tech student taking a course at Weill Cornell Medicine or colleagues collaborating between Ithaca and Qatar. This initiative supports CEMI’s goal of removing barriers while maintaining essential security.

Approach

The challenge is complex because Cornell must preserve our strong security measures while maintaining critical partnerships with organizations such as NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center. The team is documenting how each campus manages identity and access, looking for ways to bridge these systems without compromising security or existing partnerships.

Next Steps

By understanding current practices and requirements across all campuses, the team will develop a unified approach that:

  • Simplifies access while maintaining security
  • Supports seamless cross-campus collaboration
  • Preserves important medical partnerships and use of shared healthcare systems

 

As common as possible, as different as necessary.

collage of two very similar sedans and a tractor

“As common as possible, as different as necessary” is the guiding principle to reflect the CEMI vision for administrative and financial systems across our campuses in Ithaca, New York City, and Doha. Common solutions will allow information to flow seamlessly among campuses, enabling everyone to easily get the answers they need. We’ll maintain unique solutions only where truly necessary.

Shaped by the Cornell Community: Get Involved

Contribute your skills and experience to CEMI (“See Me”). Community members know the current processes and systems best—and what it’s going to take to change how we do things. Please submit the form for your campus to be added to the contributors list and receive quarterly updates:

 

Veterinary Medicine student writes on a whiteboard

Visit the Program Teams page to meet more of the Cornell community members shaping the CEMI program.