Chapter 7 Creating a Data Governance System

Question 1

What is the traditional view of data governance in academia?

Answer 1

A relatively static construct with data sets that few people explore.

Question 2

What has revealed that traditional data governance is no longer optimal?

Answer 2

Converging pressures, evolving nature of student bodies, and the effects of the pandemic.

Question 3

What opportunity has emerged from the current challenges in data governance?

Answer 3

To retune data governance into something more fluid, engaging, and inclusive.

Question 4

What can senior campus leaders use data governance to develop?

Answer 4

Stronger, more sustainable cultures of evidence.

Question 5

How can colleges and universities become more dynamic and resilient organizations?

Answer 5

By adopting a federated model of informed data users and using AI and machine learning.

Question 6

What is the importance of good governance in data management?

Answer 6

Ensures that data and analyses lead to trustworthy and meaningful findings.

Question 7

What areas have seen increased demands for data governance?

Answer 7

• Student success
• Equity
• Academic planning
• Strategic finance
• Student mental health
• Device and internet access
• Housing and food insecurity
• Deep learning analytics

Question 8

What is the definition of data governance according to the National Association of College and University Budget Officers?

Answer 8

An institution’s data strategy that outlines rights and responsibilities for how stakeholders manage and use data.

Question 9

What does Rana Glasgal and Valentina Nestor argue about good data governance?

Answer 9

It should anticipate opportunities and challenges related to data and be widespread across the organization.

Question 10

What is the foundation upon which sound analyses are built?

Answer 10

Data governance.

Question 11

What are the stages in developing a mature data governance system?

Answer 11

• Initial
• Emergent
• Structured
• Integrated
• Applied
• Sustained

Question 12

What common challenges can bog down the launch of a data governance system?

Answer 12

• Data skepticism
• Disconnected data
• Data privacy concerns
• Lack of a culture of evidence
• Insufficient training investment
• Inadequate processes and policies

Question 13

True or False: Most college and university leaders are trained data scientists.

Answer 13

False.

Question 14

What can trigger apprehension among senior leaders regarding data?

Answer 14

The realization that data can be untrustworthy.

Question 15

What are some major sources of campus data?

Answer 15

• Enterprise resource planning system
• Learning management system
• Library system
• Customer relationship management system
• Content management system
• Registration system
• Human resources system

Question 16

What is a significant vulnerability in higher education related to data?

Answer 16

The absence of a comprehensive view of data during volatile times.

Question 17

What does the lack of trust in institutional data lead to?

Answer 17

Organizational paralysis.

Question 18

What is necessary for creating a culture of evidence in colleges and universities?

Answer 18

Ensuring people have the skills and expertise needed to use data effectively.

Question 19

What is the impact of poorly connected data sources in colleges?

Answer 19

Creates a daunting task for building and sustaining successful data governance.

Question 20

What is a map of the universe of data important for?

Answer 20

Drawing a complete picture for staff who can benefit from using data from different sources.

Question 21

What are some complexities associated with information privacy and security?

Answer 21

The internal and external systems that produce and share data introduce risks.

Question 22

What is the universe of data?

Answer 22

An important component of drawing a complete picture for staff who can benefit from using data from different sources.

Question 23

Why is the universe of data in a constant state of flux?

Answer 23

Because it needs to be tended and shared continuously.

Question 24

What are the main privacy and security risks associated with data?

Answer 24

The proliferation of biometric data that hackers can use to access bank records, cell phone data, and internet browsing activity.

Question 25

How many publicly reported data breaches occurred in 2020?

Answer 25

3,932 publicly reported data breaches.

Question 26

What was the leading reason for records being exposed during data breaches?

Answer 26

Misconfigured databases and services.

Question 27

What are some internal threats to information privacy and security?

Answer 27

* Lax computer use (e.g., sharing login information) * Outdated information technology policies.

Question 28

What are two significant privacy and security laws mentioned?

Answer 28

* European General Data Protection Regulation * California Consumer Privacy Act.

Question 29

What must senior campus leaders do to ensure data breaches do not occur?

Answer 29

Modify data privacy and information security policies.

Question 30

What can arise when more stringent data policies are put in place?

Answer 30

Issues such as greater difficulty accessing data in a timely fashion.

Question 31

Who typically manages data governance on campuses?

Answer 31

Chief information officers and institutional research directors.

Question 32

What complicates the relationship between information technology and institutional research?

Answer 32

Conflicts over finite resources and ownership of data strategy.

Question 33

What do both information technology and institutional research typically have towards data access?

Answer 33

A conservative disposition.

Question 34

What is essential for effective data governance?

Answer 34

Collaboration between institutional research and technology departments.

Question 35

What is often lacking in campus conversations about data governance?

Answer 35

A representative body that integrates better data for broad campus use.

Question 36

What can be a barrier to an integrated approach to data governance?

Answer 36

The siloed nature of data ownership.

Question 37

What must be consistently attended to for effective data governance?

Answer 37

Creating and sustaining dedicated routines and platforms for ongoing discussion.

Question 38

What is a key factor in launching successful data governance efforts?

Answer 38

Developing a comprehensive data strategy that emphasizes data governance.

Question 39

What should be the first step in starting a robust data governance program?

Answer 39

Creating a vision and setting clear expectations about data usage.

Question 40

What was the goal of the 90 x 30 Challenge launched by José Luis Cruz?

Answer 40

To support greater educational attainment in the Bronx through improved data organization.

Question 41

What should a campus engagement plan articulate?

Answer 41

The institution’s data strategy and how it will be used.

Question 42

What principles guided the data governance process at the University of North Texas?

Answer 42

* No dashboards would be published without being fully documented and vetted * Campus data would be presented in its source form.

Question 43

What was created at UMBC to support data governance?

Answer 43

A data management committee with representatives from each college and administrative division.

Question 44

What is an important aspect of a data governance committee's responsibilities?

Answer 44

Reviewing data and analytics tools for potential biases.

Question 45

What is vital for sustaining data governance efforts?

Answer 45

Developing a coalition of data governance champions.

Question 46

What should be included in a measurement framework for data governance success?

Answer 46

* Key performance indicators * Cycles of assessment and refinement.

Question 47

What are some important metrics for assessing data governance success?

Answer 47

* Number of data owners * Number of data sources * Engagement in the data governance program.

Question 48

What qualitative data can help maintain focus on data governance?

Answer 48

Satisfaction rates and trust in the comprehensiveness and accessibility of data products.

Question 49

What is the purpose of creating comparable products such as analyses or dashboards?

Answer 49

To help identify whether data governance is becoming more efficient and effective. ## Footnote This includes qualitative data related to satisfaction rates and trust in data products.

Question 50

What types of qualitative data are important for maintaining focus on data governance?

Answer 50

Satisfaction rates, satisfaction with campus engagements, trust in comprehensiveness and accessibility of data products. ## Footnote These metrics help assess the quality and scalability of data governance.

Question 51

How do technological advancements impact data governance?

Answer 51

They enable senior campus leaders to develop a more complete record of the integrated nature of data. ## Footnote Understanding this impact helps in evaluating data governance effectiveness.

Question 52

What measures can help determine the breadth and depth of data governance?

Answer 52

Number of integrated data sources, presence of shadow systems, modernization of a data dictionary, automation of data collection and product creation. ## Footnote These factors indicate the effectiveness of data governance.

Question 53

Why is accuracy and reliability of insight products important for campus leaders?

Answer 53

It focuses on getting data into the hands of campus stakeholders in timely, accurate, and relevant ways. ## Footnote This is crucial for effective decision-making.

Question 54

What role does qualitative data from surveys and focus groups play in data governance?

Answer 54

It helps identify trends and monitor the health and sustainability of an institution-wide culture of evidence. ## Footnote Regular collection of this data supports ongoing improvement in governance.

Question 55

What is a critical need for colleges and universities in response to disruptive pressures?

Answer 55

Reliable access to quality data for all personnel. ## Footnote This need became particularly urgent during the pandemic.

Question 56

What are the key components of effective data governance?

Answer 56

Timeliness, accuracy, relevance, integration, and accessibility of data. ## Footnote These components are vital for better decision-making across the institution.

Question 57

What outcomes result from well-executed data governance?

Answer 57

Improved teaching, learning, advising, better student outcomes, and optimization of campus resources. ## Footnote Effective governance leads to enhanced institutional performance.

Question 58

What is required for successful data governance regimes?

Answer 58

Careful planning, effective design and implementation, clarity about processes, and tools for contextualized access. ## Footnote Forums for discussion and knowledge sharing are also essential.

Question 59

Who has an important role in addressing data governance on campus?

Answer 59

College executives. ## Footnote They are crucial for creating a positive climate that focuses on student success and equity.

Question 60

Fill in the blank: A commitment to data governance will increase the chances that a campus will succeed in an increasingly _______ environment.

Answer 60

volatile

Question 61

What foundation does a commitment to data governance lay for colleges and universities?

Answer 61

It lays the foundation for building more advanced analytics capabilities responsibly and ethically. ## Footnote This minimizes the chances of misuse of data.