New System-Wide Policy Sets Clear Standards for Data Governance
Release Date: July 14, 2025
A new policy aimed at strengthening how data is managed and protected has been rolled out across the CSU System.
The System-Wide Data Governance Policy, announced by the Data Governance Committee establishes consistent standards for how students, faculty, staff, contractors, and affiliates handle and safeguard information at all institutions.
Under the new framework, all administrative data will be classified into four levels—Public, Internal, Confidential, and Restricted—based on sensitivity and risk. Access to non-public data will require a clear business need and mandatory training, which is now in development.
Key roles and responsibilities for Data Trustees, Stewards, and Users are also clearly defined in the policy to ensure accountability.
“The new policy is a major step toward building a strong, sustainable culture of responsible data use,” said Dr. Laura Jensen, Data Governance Committee Co-Chair and Vice Provost for Planning and Effectiveness.
Dr. Peggy McCready, Data Governance Co-Chair and Interim Assistant Vice President for Enterprise Applications & Integrated Services added that “It will help create consistency across the System in how we protect sensitive information, improve data quality, and support our mission.”
The committee also announced plans to expand training and launch a broader Data Governance Program that will guide how data is accessed, stored, shared, and reported.
Additional resources and training materials will be released in the coming weeks. More information is available on the Data Governance Website.
