Data Governance overview

Data Governance is the intentional and systematic overseeing of policies, procedures, structures, roles, and responsibilities related to data security, privacy, integrity, management, access, and utilization. LSU acknowledges that institutional data, both structured and unstructured, is a high-value asset, and its appropriate use is pivotal for data-informed decision making to support the overarching mission of the institution.

Our Approach

  • Comprised of Senior Leadership
    • President
    • Executive Vice President & Provost
    • Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer
    • VP Enrollment Management & Student Success
    • VP Legal Affairs & General Counsel
    • VP & Chief Data Officer
    • VP of Public Policy & Strategy
    • VP Research
    • VP Engagement, Civil Rights & Title IX
  • Sets vision and priorities for data governance that align with LSU's strategic goals

  • Chaired by the Vice President and Chief Data Officer 
  • Membership includes:
    • Assistant VP Strategic Analytics (ODSA)
    • Assistant VP Data & Institutional Research (ODSA)
    • Director of Enrollment Management Systems & Data Analytics (EMSS)
    • University Registrar
    • Assistant Vice President (HRM)
    • Executive Director, Office of Sponsored Programs
    • Associate Vice President for Finance & Administration & Chief of Staff
    • Assistant General Counsel​
    • Chief Information Officer
    • Dean of an Academic Unit​
  • Creates policies, standards, procedures, structures, roles, and responsibilities for data management and utilization to foster a sophisticated data culture
  • Utilizes two Working Groups for in-depth analysis: Data Management & Integrity and Data Security & Privacy

  • A community of assigned data trustees, functional owners, data stewards, and data custodians who are responsible for their respective data domains/subdomains.

The Office of Data and Strategic Analytics plays a pivotal role in leading and coordinating data governance initiatives, facilitating data-informed decision-making, and promoting data literacy.

Data Governance in Action

Key Accomplishments To Date

July: Creation of the Office of Data and Strategic Analytics 

  • Combination of Institutional Research and cutting-edge strategic analytics for data-informed decision-making. 

November: Establishment of the Data Governance Committee

  • Marks the formal initiation of LSU's comprehensive data governance strategy
  • Sets the foundation for improved data management and decision-making processes

December: Acquisition of Data Cookbook

  • Purchased enterprise data dictionary and governance tool
  • Initiated ongoing training sessions for effective utilization

January: Formation of the Data Management & Integrity Working Group

  • Focuses on ensuring data quality, consistency, and reliability across the institution
  • Develops strategies for effective data lifecycle management

March:

Ratification of the Data Governance Charter

  • Approved by the Executive Steering Committee
  • Outlines the principles, policies, and framework for institutional data governance
  • Establishes clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability measures

Integration of Data Systems into Data Cookbook

  • Enhances data visibility and management across the institution
  • Improves data lineage tracking and metadata management

October:

Creation of the Data Security & Privacy Working Group

  • Enhances our commitment to protecting sensitive information
  • Develops and implements robust data security protocols and privacy policies
  • Ensures compliance with relevant data protection regulations

Approval of the Official LSU Data Domain and Subdomain Listing

  • Data Governance Committee approves the comprehensive data classification structure
  • Provides a standardized framework for organizing and managing institutional data
  • Scheduled for review by the Executive Steering Committee in November

Finalization of API Integration from Data Cookbook to Tableau

  • Enables seamless data flow between Data Cookbook and Tableau
  • Enhances data visualization capabilities with up-to-date metadata
  • Improves data-driven decision-making processes

Note: This timeline represents key milestones in LSU's ongoing commitment to effective and responsible data governance.