Data Governance Committee (DGC)

Data Governance Committee (DGC) Charter EXAMPLE

The following is an EXAMPLE of what a Data Governance Charter would look like, as well as examples of working data governance definitions.

Purpose

The Data Governance Committee (DGC) is responsible for instituting diligence and accountability around GCU’s institutional data. It does this by enabling intentional decision-making about GCU’s institutional data assets.

Structure and Membership

The Data Governance Committee (DGC) reports to the ITSC Committee on a quarterly basis. It is chaired by ____, who is the institutional lead for Data Governance. Each ___ designates one or more representatives to DGC. These individuals are senior members of the _____ and have a strong understanding of the data needs, infrastructure, and issues in their area. DGC meets monthly.

DGC oversees the work of a network of data stewards around the institution consistent with University’s [Data Governance Framework.] The data stewards meet as a group as often as necessary to fulfill their obligation under the Framework but not less than twice a year.

The DGC may from time to time create task forces to implement projects that it determines are a priority and that require deeper consideration. The DGC works closely with the _____ Committee to maintain awareness of ____ governance matters.

Key responsibilities

  • Develop, recommend, and periodically review policies, standards, principles, and guidelines pertaining to data governance matters, ensuring alignment with institutional policies, information security best practices, and risk management principles. Support adherence to these policies.
  • Oversee the implementation of University’s [Data Governance Framework] and strategic data-related decision-making.
  • Advise the ITSC on strategic infrastructure to support a modern data ecosystem (e.g., data warehousing, integration tools, etc.).
  • Create and support a culture of responsible data use, that values data and makes intentional decisions about its use and security.
  • Establish and oversee programs of communications and training about data and data governance.
  • Oversee a network of data owners and stewards, providing frameworks for decision-making and reviewing / signing off decisions about [data classification], retention, etc.
  • Review and resolve data governance questions that data stewards are not able to resolve independently.
  • Develop and implement guidelines and practices to protect data security and privacy and to enable appropriate data access.
  • Review systems implementations and advise ITSC about alignment with data governance principles.
  • Support the development of resources and documentation to facilitate responsible use of data.
  • Ensure institutional data decisions support the institutional goals and to enhance equity, diversity, and inclusion at GCU.

 

 

Roles and Responsibilities

Successful data governance requires the collaboration and contributions of individuals in various roles, including data owners, data custodians, data stewards, and data users.  These roles and responsibilities are described below.

Data Owners

Data owners are typically senior administrators appointed by the President, the Provost, or the EVP for Administration.  Data owners have ultimate authority and responsibility for the access, accuracy, classification, and security of the data within their delegations of authority.

Data Stewards

Data stewards are appointed by data owners, and are University officials who have direct operational-level authority and responsibility for the management of one or more types of institutional data.

Data Custodians

Data custodians are responsible for the operation and management of technology, systems, and servers that collect, store, process, manage, and provide access to University data.

Data Users

Data users are authorized individuals who have been granted access to institutional data in order to perform assigned duties or functions within the University.