The Learning Lab experience is supported by both asynchronous and synchronous components. Each part includes a set of resources, an asynchronous discussion, and an interactive live session, all of which culminate in the development of a project to apply learning to local and specific contexts in support of the learning objectives.
Schedule
Part 1: Building Data Governance Foundations
April 7, 2025 | 12:00–1:30 p.m.ET
In Part 1, participants will discuss why data governance matters to organizations and individuals to support institutional strategy, prioritization, transparency and trust. Participants will:
- Understand how fostering a data-responsible culture and transparency can contribute to success;
- Identify key stakeholders involved in data governance within higher education institutions; and
- Analyze the significance of data governance.
Part 2: Building Coalitions and Influence to Support Data Governance
April 10, 2025 | 12:00–1:30 p.m.ET
Data governance is key to ensuring that institutional data is understood, treated as a strategic asset, managed ethically, and provides reliable information for decision-making. In Part 2, participants will:
- Discuss how to build coalitions and influence across the organization;
- Identify cultural and workforce challenges and opportunities;
- Explore the key elements of data governance; and
- Learn how to build partnership and consensus across the institution to help ensure a stable and solid foundation for governance.
Part 3: Exploring Data Governance Models and Building Coalitions
April 16, 2025 | 12:00–1:30 p.m.ET
Creating and sustaining a solid data governance framework allows you to address key data governance elements such as roles and responsibilities, access policies, data standards, and data definitions. A solid data foundation is essential and must include a plan for the processes and methods used to manage data. In Part 3, participants will:
- Be introduced to concepts of data management;
- Explore models that will aid in working with your institution to develop a roadmap that works for your community;
- Learn how to build relationships and culture into a roadmap; and
- Cultivate data and privacy ethics champions at every organizational level.
Part 4: Review & Reflect
April 23, 2025 | 12:00–1:30 p.m.ET
The Learning Lab will conclude with a final project (described below) and a closing live session to review and process the learning from the lab. In Part 4, participants will:
- Discuss possible approaches and questions around the final project;
- Reflect and discuss the concepts in the lab in groups;
- Discuss data catalogs and/or dictionaries; and
- Review additional examples and tools around data governance.
Lab Project/Assignments
Participants will draft an initial, high-level roadmap for developing or enhancing data governance at their institutions. The roadmap will include:
- Strategies for involving appropriate stakeholders and communicating with campus leaders;
- A structure around short, medium, and long-term actions grounded in the way the institution functions;
- Consideration for collaboration and organizational structures to support success.
This is not meant to be a detailed plan, but more of a roadmap to address processes and workforce within the culture of your institution.