Institutional data are assets critical to the University’s mission to promote learning through scholarly inquiry, cultivate critical and creative thought, and to contribute to a sustainable common good.
Data governance is an institution-wide framework of principles and decision-making structures and roles to manage University data consistently, promote data integrity, and enable strategic integrations of information systems.
The Office of Institutional Research and Analysis and Office of Information Technology provide foundational support to the University's Data Governance efforts.
The University’s data governance framework adheres to the following principles:
- Data shall be easy to find, quick to understand, and simple to compare.
- Data shall be consistent and predictable, avoiding harm caused by conflicting versions.
- Data shall be maintained securely.
- Data shall be processed consistent with the University's Privacy Policy and applicable data privacy laws.
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Data is a Valued Asset
- Data has value as much as other assets such as buildings, vehicles, or money.
- Institutional data does not “belong” to individuals or units – rather it is managed by them on behalf of the University.
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Data is Managed
- Data shall be appropriately managed (i.e., collected, stored, protected and used) throughout its life cycle.
- Data management is an integral part of the University’s culture.
- Individual roles with specific responsibilities for the curation of data from data entry to archive or disposal should be identified and appropriately resourced (including training on specific responsibilities).
- The single, master source for each different type of data shall be identified and data systems and integrations structured to rely on that master source.
- Data is fit for its purpose(s).
- Data shall be accurate and complete, at the appropriate quality for its primary purpose and all other known legitimate uses.
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Data is Accessible, Comparable, and Reusable
- Data shall be made available where and when required, subject to appropriate security constraints.
- Standards will be consistently applied to encourage data reuse, and promote a common understanding of context, meaning, and comparability of data.
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Data is Secure and Compliant with Regulations
- Data shall be protected against unwanted, or unauthorized access. Appropriate confidentiality shall be maintained.
- Data shall be acquired, used, stored and disposed of in compliance with the law and applicable standards, regulations and contractual obligations.
- Data integrity protects the University from reputational, financial, and regulatory damage.