Wonder Plaza Relocation

Transforming Howard University’s Digital Future Together: We’re entering a new phase of our modernization effort. Transitioning critical systems, applications, and technology assets from our legacy data center to new state-of-the-art facility. We are excited to announce the upcoming operations of the Ralph Bunche Data Center. This initiative enhances network resilience, improves operational continuity, and ensures faster, more secure access to services across all campus buildings.

From libraries and dorms to labs, gyms, and classrooms, each site is being upgraded to align with new infrastructure standards. These updates include transitioning local services to the new data center environment, improving connectivity, and supporting future-ready digital operations. Together, these upgrades strengthen every part of our technology ecosystem—creating a faster, more reliable, and more resilient foundation for how we work, learn, and connect.

Project Key Milestones & Progress Tracker: This initiative has been carefully phased to minimize disruption and ensure every transition is successful. Below is an overview of key milestones from planning through completion.

5 Key Milestones:

1. Discovery Phase
2. Schedule Review Phase
3. Scheduled Confirmation & Finalization Phase
4. Bldg. Cutover & Testing Phase
5. Data Center Cutover Execution Phase

What to Expect for Affected Buildings: Each building will experience changes at different times. During your building’s transition window, please review instructions specific to your location. As part of this effort, buildings will undergo network and telecom transitions during a defined window in coordinated groups of 2–3, based on interconnected systems. This work is essential to ensure long-term reliability and performance of critical services. Our vendors are working proactively to reduce operational disruptions and ensure a smooth transition for all affected parties. 

What to Expect During Your Upgrade Window: 

• Phone service interruptions (VoIP and analog) for approx. 4–8 hours
• Potential network slowdowns or brief outages affecting wired and wireless services
• VoIP phones will be offline; Teams Voice may remain functional depending on network stability
• Essential phone lines (e.g., emergency or public-facing lines) should be transitioned to alternate/mobile solutions ahead of time 

Digital Transformation Schedule: The schedule is set to begin December 1, 2025 and conclude no later than January 8, 2026. Building personnel will be sent a copy of the proposed schedule and the finalized schedule will be updated by December 1, 2025 for all. 

Request a Schedule Adjustment: Have an event, major activity, or concern that may conflict with your scheduled transition date? You can submit a Schedule Change Request for review and coordination. Reschedules must occur within 5 business days of your assigned date.

Examples to consider:

Schedule adjustments must be initiated by the designated Building POC(s) or another authorized decision maker who has operational oversight of the facility. This ensures requests are made with a full understanding of the building’s schedule and priorities. All final schedule change requests must be submitted by November 28, 2025.

Bldg. POCs: Each building participating in this initiative has one or more designated Building Points of Contact (POCs). They are leaders entrusted to represent their facility during this strategic transition. These individuals, often building managers, deans, office managers, or operational leads, serve as the central voice for their building’s readiness and scheduling needs. POCs ensure that transitions occur with minimal disruption to critical operations, major events, or ongoing building activities. They bring deep insight into each facility’s rhythm, its recurring functions, seasonal programs, and key engagements, and help the project team anticipate, plan, and adapt with agility. In some cases, identified POCs may not yet be aware of their selection. Our project team has performed a comprehensive internal review using verified data from systems such as Workday and prior transition records to identify the most appropriate contacts for each building. Formal communications will be issued to these individuals outlining their role, next steps, and available resources.

Have questions or need support? Our project team is here to assist you throughout this transition.
Lead Project Manager – Andrea M. Black 
Executive Leadership 

• Tamara Edwards
• Richard Thomas

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