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Data Governance establishes policies and processes to manage and protect institutional data. It ensures data quality, security, and compliance with regulations while enabling effective decision-making.
Data Governance at Vassar
Vassar College is committed to actively managing data governance alongside the implementation of data management best practices to ensure data integrity, security, and effective utilization across the institution. This dedication aims to empower informed decision-making, streamline operations, and uphold the highest standards of data stewardship in support of Vassar's educational mission. This is a shared responsibility among our campus coordinated through CIS, Institutional Research, and the Data Advisory Group.
Core Principles
Data governance is the framework we use to manage and protect our information. It's built on several core principles.
- Accountability
- Transparency
- Integrity
- Compliance
Key Elements of the Framework
Data Quality
Ensuring data is accurate, consistent, and fit for purpose.
Data Security
Protecting data with robust access controls.
Data Stewardship
Responsible management of data assets.
Metadata Management
Provides standardized descriptions for data discovery and usage.
Policies and Processes
Establishes guidelines for data handling and responsibilities.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensuring data handling complies with laws like FERPA.
Data Governance Policy
A data governance policy establishes a framework for managing data assets across an organization, defining roles, responsibilities, processes, and standards for data creation, storage, access, and use. At Vassar College, our data governance policy is essential for ensuring the integrity, security, and appropriate use of our institutional data. This policy helps us protect sensitive information, comply with relevant regulations (like FERPA), promote data-driven decision-making, and foster a culture of data responsibility across the College.
Data Classification and Data Handling
A data classification policy establishes a system for categorizing data based on its sensitivity and the potential impact of its unauthorized disclosure or modification. At Vassar College, this policy is crucial because it provides a structured approach to protecting our diverse data assets, which range from student records and financial information to research data and fundraising dashboards. By classifying data according to its level of sensitivity, the policy enables us to implement appropriate security controls and access restrictions, ensuring compliance with regulations like FERPA and safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Vassar's information. This, in turn, helps maintain the trust of our students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders.