Data Governance at Iowa State University

What is Data Governance?

Data governance formalizes and guides behavior over the definition, management and use of data as a strategic asset in service of Iowa State University's mission. 

Establishing a governance structure will enable the appropriate access to high quality, accurate data that is essential for informed decision making, institutional reporting, and legal compliance.

Why does Data Governance Matter? It…

• Clarifies who has responsibilities for institutional data
• Makes decisions about data access/use transparent
• Creates a taxonomy to classify the inventory of University data into domains
• Protects against unauthorized modification/disclosure of data
• Facilitates an "institutional view" for data decisions
• Ensures that data use/sharing follows institutional guiding principles
• Improves data quality and clarity

In January 2023, Iowa State began its pilot efforts for a more formal data governance structure focused on the data governance needs associated with the WorkCyte II Students/Receivables project. Rich Tener, Chief Information Security Officer and Karen Zunkel, Executive Director Institutional Research are leading the pilot. Questions about current data governance efforts can be directed to datagov@iastate.edu.

Coming soon:

Link to Data Governance Decisions and Resources

Links to ISU Policy Library data governance related policies