Data Governance

Data governance (DG) at Illinois Tech will be a continuous improvement program, with shared responsibility amongst subject matter experts, who’ll ensure we’re equipped to make informed decisions using accurate data and efficient processes. Our robust DG program will enable us to thoroughly manage the availability, usability, integrity and security of the organization’s data in order to serve the university community in support of its vision, mission and goals.

Governance Structure: Two Committees

  • Data Governance Council (DGC)
    The Data Governance Council provides strategic direction and oversight of the appropriate use, availability, quality, and security of university data assets. The committee’s objective is to facilitate appropriate access to data and information while safeguarding data privacy and protecting institutional data against misuse or dissemination without proper authorization.
  • Data Stewardship Council (DSC)
    A cross divisional/departmental council of Data Stewards and other senior management personnel (team leaders) is the Data Stewardship Council group (DSC). They aid in setting the direction for the Illinois Tech’s Data Governance Program to address data policies, business process enhancements, data security, and data quality management disciplines to ensure the availability and integrity of institutional data.

DSC Roles and Responsibilities

  • Propose, enhance, and establish data-related guidelines and policies
  • Create data standards, data definitions, calculations, business rules, concepts and terms
  • Ensure that important data assets are properly managed among the University’s official reporting environments through reviewing data definitions, calculations, summarizations, business rules, concepts and terms, and making decisions/taking actions on resolving data integration issues
  • Examine and enhance data security initiatives by leading efforts to improve, streamline, and clarity processes related to data access and enable these best practices in their area(s)
  • Advise on processes for resolving operational enterprise challenges that could affect the quality and availability of data and set thresholds for acceptance levels of data quality
  • Educate their functional area(s) on all the activities defined above and enforce implementation of approved guidelines and policies
  • Formalize roles and responsibilities in governing data and hold parties responsible
  • Dedicate approximately 2–4 hours a week to complete assigned tasks

Committee Contacts

Data Governance Council (DGC)

  • Sejal Vaishnav — Chair
  • Ken Christensen — Co-Chair

Data Stewardship Council (DSC)

  • Watasha Hall — Chair
  • George Lara — Co-Chair