Data Governance Framework

Learn how the University of Denver manages, protects, and leverages data. Our data governance framework promotes data integrity, security, and compliance while fostering a culture of stewardship and collaboration.

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Data Domains

A Data Domain is a logical grouping of data, referring to interrelated data pertaining to a common purpose, object, or concept. While Data Domains are aligned with data, they may be organized differently than our University organizational structure. Each Data Domain is overseen by a Data Domain Chair.

Each Data Domain is subdivided into Functional Areas to better share responsibilities and assign the appropriate data experts. Each Functional Area is overseen by a Data Steward.

Education (Student Records)

  • Functional Areas
    • Registrar
    • Office of Graduate Education (OGE)
    • Advancement
    • Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI)
    • Financial Aid
    • Health and Counseling (HCC)
    • Undergraduate Admission
    • University Financial Services (Student Accounts)
    • Student Affairs (SAIE)
    • Athletics
    • Institutional Research (IR)
    • Information Technology (IT)

Research Data, Services, and Ethics

  • Functional Areas
    • Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP)
    • University Libraries 
    • Academic Unit Research Representatives
    • Information Technology (IT)
    • Institutional Research (IR)     

Administrative/Finance

  • Functional Areas
    • Human Resources (HR)
    • University Financial Services
    • Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)
    • Business and Financial Affairs
    • Office of the Provost
    • Advancement
    • Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI)
    • Controller
    • Information Technology (IT)

External Partnerships

  • Functional Areas
    • Advancement
    • Marketing & Communications
    • Conferencing & Events Services (CES)
    • Athletics
    • Kennedy Mountain Campus (KMC)
    • Daniels College of Business (DCB)
    • Information Technology (IT)
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Governance Structure

Discover the organizational framework, roles, and procedures that keep our data management, security, and compliance in check. Explore how this structure fosters accountability and collaboration, guiding our data-driven initiatives.

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Institutional Research

The Office of Institutional Research & Analysis is the central source for information about the University of Denver. We serve the University's vision, values, mission, and goals by analyzing and reporting institutional data to inform University and unit-level planning and development.

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Steering Committee

Through the oversight of the Office of the Provost, the Steering Committee guides and directs the University of Denver's data governance structure.

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Information Technology

The Department of Information Technology strives to be a strategic partner in the successful completion of technology projects and programs that bring success and improved technology platforms, through strong communication, engagement, partnership, cooperation, and collaboration.

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  • Steering Committee

    Steering Committee

    Overall strategic direction and policy-making for data governance.

    Membership

    Office of the Provost, Information Technology, Compliance and Risk Management, University Finance, Office of Registrar, Advancement, Data Domain Chairs, and Institutional Research

    Decision-Making Authority

    Approve data governance policies, strategies, and major initiatives. Provide high-level guidance and oversight.

  • Data Domain Chairs

    Data Domain Chairs

    Establish data ownership, define data priorities, and ensure alignment with institutional goals.

    Membership

    Administrators, department heads, and representatives from key academic units

    Decision-Making Authority

    Define data priorities, approve data ownership assignments, and resolve data-related conflicts.

  • Data Stewards

    Data Stewards

    Implement data policies, standards, and guidelines. Ensure data quality, security, and compliance.

    Membership

    Data owners, administrators, and leaders representing various departments and academic units (e.g., Registrar, HR Director, Research Compliance Officer, Library Director etc.)

    Decision-Making Authority

    Develop and maintain data standards, policies, and guidelines. Review and approve data-related processes.

  • Data Custodians

    Data Custodians

    Manage the technical aspects of data storage, security, and access.

    Membership

    IT professionals responsible for database management, security, and infrastructure (e.g., Database Administrator, IT Security Specialist, etc.)

    Decision-Making Authority

    Implement data security measures, manage data storage, and enforce access controls.

  • Data Liaisons

    Data Liaisons

    Facilitate communication between data governance committees and academic/research units.

    Membership

    Representatives from various departments, academic units, and research centers.

    Decision-making Authority

    Convey department-specific data needs and issues to relevant committees

  • Data Users

    Data Users

    Responsible and ethical use of data for academic, research, and administrative purposes.

    Membership

    Faculty members, researchers, administrators, and staff who use institutional data.

    Decision-Making Authority

    Provide input on data needs, use cases, and requirements. Adhere to data usage policies and guidelines.

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