Data Governance

What is Data Governance?

Data Governance is the exercise of authority, control, and shared decision-making (planning, monitoring, and enforcement) over the management of data assets.

Data Governance helps ensure the appropriateness of data sharing across the University, thus minimizing the risk of oversharing and/or misuse of university administrative data.

The Data Governance Office (DGO) implemented a process to help manage the expectations of both data providers (Data Stewards and Data Custodians) and data requestors, and ensure that data sharing between university departments complies with university policies related to privacy and use of university administrative data. 

Goals of Data Governance at GW

  • Enable GW to manage its institutional data as an asset.
  • Define, approve, communicate, and implement principles, policies, procedures, metrics, tools, and responsibilities for data management.  
  • Monitor and guide policy compliance, data usage, and management activities. 
     

  

Mission Enablement

GW DG supports high-priority projects or requests related to the mission of GW; may require complex data from multiple domains or require discussion and approval.   


  

Data Informed Decision-Making

Ensures data are of good quality, timely, accessible, and of known data lineage to result in the ability to make data informed decisions.  


  

Security & Compliance

GW DG provides essential guidance and recommendations for handling data that must adhere to specific compliance or regulatory standards. 


  

Process Efficiency

We make data available and accessible in a user-friendly format, supporting and improving processes to enhance operational efficiency.


  

Reduce Risks

The GW Data Governance (GW DG) team mitigates and reduces risks by ensuring high-risk data requests receive additional review and approval, supporting effective and secure data management strategies.  


  

Training & Awareness

The GW Data Governance (GW DG) team helps staff recognize data as a valuable asset that must be protected. By promoting transparency and providing resources, GW DG ensures proper data usage and compliance with governance standards.

 

Phone

202-994-4948
24 hours / 7 days a week

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