Success Factors of Higher Education Data Governance
Data governance in higher education ensures data accuracy, integrity, and security. It enables data-driven decision-making and enhances operational efficiency. A robust framework includes key components like data stewardship and quality management.

by Joe Sabado

Framework Components
Data Stewardship
Ensures data accuracy and compliance across projects.
Data Quality Management
Establishes processes for error-free and accurate data.
Data Integration
Combines data from various sources for unified analysis.
Stakeholder Engagement

1

Define Roles
Establish clear responsibilities for governance, management, and technical support.

2

Build Trust
Foster a collaborative environment by engaging non-IT stakeholders initially.

3

Understand Culture
Observe institutional dynamics to inform governance implementation strategies.
Implementation Challenges

1

Organizational Resistance
Overcoming perceptions of data governance as bureaucratic and complicated.

2

Leadership Gaps
Lack of dedicated leadership can hinder prioritization and accountability.

3

Resource Constraints
Limited time, personnel, and funding can impede governance initiatives.
Technology and Tools
Data Frameworks
Establish standards for data quality, privacy, and usage.
Analytics and AI
Leverage advanced technologies for enrollment management and student retention.
Integration Tools
Ensure interoperability among various systems and applications.
Best Practices
Collaboration
Align governance with existing job activities of subject matter experts.
Standardization
Establish standards for data definitions and quality best practices.
Centralization
Create centralized teams for data integration and warehousing.
Analytics
Develop a business intelligence team to streamline analytical tool development.
Future of Data Governance
1
AI Integration
Incorporating artificial intelligence for advanced data analysis and decision-making.
2
Ethical Considerations
Addressing privacy concerns and ethical use of student data.
3
Continuous Improvement
Adapting governance practices to evolving technological and educational landscapes.
Reference:
Produced by STORM (Stanford University)