The University of North Dakota (UND) is implementing a comprehensive data modernization initiative aimed at enhancing data management and ensuring reliable access for decision-making. During a meeting of the UND Senate on February 5, 2024, Madhavi Marasinghe, the associate vice president and chief information officer for University IT, emphasized the importance of utilizing data effectively to empower the university’s strategic objectives.
Marasinghe stated, “The mission is to empower the university for decision making, but making sure that we can rely on our data and it’s accessible to our people as well.” The initiative seeks to transform how data is collected, secured, integrated, analyzed, and utilized across the campus, with a strong focus on data governance.
Framework for Effective Data Governance
Data governance will establish a framework that defines data ownership, sets standards for collection, and promotes responsible usage and storage. Marasinghe highlighted that effective data governance is vital for the successful implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, as AI relies heavily on quality data.
Matt Berosik, the chief data officer for university analytics and planning, reinforced the initiative’s alignment with the core values of UND’s strategic plan, known as UND LEADS, which encompasses learning, equity, affinity, discovery, and service. He recognized that the term “governance” might evoke concerns about bureaucracy, stating, “The goal of it is not to take away control from data owners. The goal is to empower data owners to be able to better utilize their data within the context of the larger data vision across UND.”
Berosik assured that data owners would retain control over how their data is used and collected, stating, “The data owners are still going to be the owners. They’re still going to have the final say in terms of how their data is used and collected.” The introduction of a central unifying framework is intended to facilitate collaboration and coherence among various data stakeholders.
A workshop held in April 2023 with a third-party company marked the initial steps toward establishing a robust data governance strategy.
Additional Developments at UND
In other discussions during the February Senate meeting, various academic and administrative updates were shared. The Curriculum Committee reported on several program changes, including the inactivation of certificates in health and wellness coaching and instructional design in technology. Additionally, there were terminations of certificates in communication sciences and disorders, a Master of Arts in geology, and a second degree program in social work. On the positive side, five new programs were introduced, including two certificates for K-12 principal and K-12 superintendent roles, as well as three programs related to aerospace engineering.
The Senate also reviewed an Academic Policies and Admissions report for the 2024-2025 academic year, with an increase in activity projected for 2025-2026. Ongoing discussions regarding UND’s academic honors policy were noted. Furthermore, a report from the Community Engagement and Opportunity Committee highlighted activities such as monitoring legislation, addressing name changes, and engaging with organizations on relevant issues.
The University Library Committee reported on efforts to enhance engagement with campus libraries, including discussions about improving access to research articles and potential membership in the Association of Research Libraries.
Significant revisions to the Campus Safety Committee’s charge were introduced, proposing the inclusion of the director of safety on the committee. The revisions aim to streamline the committee’s responsibilities concerning compliance with North Dakota Century Code and State Board of Higher Education policies.
Vice Provost Eric Link informed the Senate that the State Board of Higher Education approved new versions of Policy 409 and Policy 409.1. These updates grant authority to several institutions to pilot a program offering up to two reduced credit Bachelor of Applied Science degrees for a duration of four years. Previously, UND lacked the authority to offer these degrees, but can now provide them through the pilot program if chosen.
Senate Chair Adam Matz addressed proposed bylaw revisions concerning UND Senate memberships and committees, aiming to clarify language and incorporate existing committee manual information. These revisions are set for a vote in the upcoming meeting.
Additionally, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Randi Tanglen discussed the potential expansion of Follett access programs on a course-by-course basis. The pilot program has already provided students access to primarily digital course materials on the first day of class for introductory courses in math and chemistry.
Finally, Student Body President Jonathan Blankenship reported that the Student Senate has passed a resolution aimed at enhancing accessibility to the University Counseling Center and another resolution regarding the upcoming Student Government elections set for April 15, 2024.
The ongoing initiatives at the University of North Dakota reflect a commitment to improving data management and academic offerings, positioning the institution to better serve its community and uphold its educational mission.
