The University of Texas at Dallas
The Office of Institutional Success and Decision Support

Data Governance Committee Charge

The Data Governance Committee (DGC) is a Standing Committee responsible for implementing the university data governance program as required by Section 2054.137 of the Texas Government Code.

The committee is charged with developing an institutional data catalog, maintaining a Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RACI) used to clarify roles in relation to data management, and overseeing process improvement initiatives to build a strong culture of access, literacy, quality, protection, and informed decision-making for university data assets.

The university Data Management Officer (DMO) serves as Chair of the Committee and will provide annual progress reports to the Executive Leadership Team, Academic Deans, and Audit Committee.

A network of data steward working groups will be established under the direction of the DGC to inventory data assets within the scope of the governance charter and review associated security policies, access control processes, storage, and data classifications. Projects to address issues are prioritized and implemented through the data governance framework. Common definitions are developed and refined to increase readability, usability, and accessibility.

Members are comprised of data leads across campus units involved in information management and have a strong understanding of the related data needs, challenges, and issues in their area.

The DGC will conduct a biennial data maturity assessment of the university data governance program consistent with guidance and best practices established by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) to identify areas for improvement and measure progress.

Guiding Principles

  • Establish a collaborate framework with shared objectives and a common glossary to ensure clear communication and mutual understanding.
  • Uphold the values of integrity and respect by building trust in institutional data through honesty, transparency, and authentic engagement with data stewards and stakeholders.
  • Support a culture of data stewardship and responsible data use for informed and actionable decision-making.
  • Promote an integrated view of data across organizational boundaries.
  • Promote the efficient use of resources to meet the data and information needs of the university community.
  • Increase transparency and accountability to internal and external stakeholders by promoting appropriate access to and use of relevant information.