Data Governance at WSU
What is Data Governance?
Data Governance is the framework we use to ensure that information is secure, accurate, and available to the right people at the right time. It’s simply the 'who, what, where, and how' of managing our shared data responsibly.
Purpose
The WSU Data Governance Program is dedicated to ensuring that our institutional data is a trusted, accurate, accessible, and secure strategic asset. Our mission is to increase the accessibility and usability of our data while minimizing risk to the university. This program directly supports WSU’s mission, strategic goals, and student success initiatives by embedding accountability, transparency, accessibility, and ethical use into all our data practices.
Values & Principles
Our Data Governance Program is grounded in the following values, which are aligned with WSU’s mission and institutional data policy:
-
Shared Resource: Institutional data is a university asset managed collectively to support teaching, learning, and operations.
-
Quality: Data is accurate, consistent, and reliable for decision-making.
-
Stewardship: Roles and responsibilities are clear, with accountability for privacy, security, and integrity.
-
Transparency: Governance activities, policies, and standards are communicated openly.
-
Privacy & Security: Data practices comply with legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements.
-
Access & Usability: Data is identified, documented, accessible through clear pathways, and understandable to authorized users.
-
Improvement: Governance evolves with institutional needs, technology, and regulations.
-
Culture & Literacy: Training and support foster a culture of responsible data use across campus.
Program Structure
The WSU Data Governance Program is built on a tiered structure of governing bodies, ensuring strategic oversight, institutional coordination, operational execution, and broad engagement across the university.
