Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce the official launch of the University of Vermont Data Governance Council, a key component of our broader institutional commitment to data-informed decision-making and responsible data stewardship. As UVM continues to evolve in a data-centered and accountability-focused era, the Data Governance Program has been established to ensure the quality, security, compliance, and effective management of data across the university. The Council will play a central role in guiding this program and shaping the future of data governance at UVM.  

Council Purpose and Vision 

The Data Governance Council is a cross-functional body that will: 

  • Provide strategic guidance and oversight for university-wide data governance initiatives
  • Establish and uphold data policies, standards, and best practices
  • Promote data quality, consistency, and ethical use
  • Foster collaboration across departments and units
  • Support the university’s strategic goals through data-informed decision-making 

Data Governance Program Overview 

The Council will support a series of coordinated projects under the Data Governance Program, including the initial projects below: 

  • Project 1: Data Glossary – Creating a shared vocabulary for employee and student data
  • Project 2: Policies, Standards, and Security – Reviewing and developing comprehensive data governance policies
  • Project 3: Identity Data Governance for Lived Identity – Ensuring accurate and inclusive identity data management 

These efforts are grounded in UVM’s values of protection, quality, agility, communication, ethics, and collective responsibility. 

 

Council Membership 

Council members represent a broad spectrum of university units and governance bodies. A list of members is included on a webpage that is being set up for the Council (to be released this summer). Their active participation will be critical to the success of this initiative. Members will meet regularly, contribute to project work, and help shape a sustainable and inclusive data governance framework. 

 

Next Steps 

  • The Council held its kickoff meeting on June 12, 2025
  • Monthly meetings will begin in July
  • Council members will be engaged in the Data Glossary project and other initiatives in the coming months 

We are excited to embark on this journey together and appreciate your support in fostering a culture of data stewardship and collaboration at UVM. 

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Council or the Data Governance Program, please feel free to reach out to: 

Thank you for your continued partnership in advancing UVM’s data capabilities. 

Warm regards, 

 

Kellie Campbell 

Chief Information Officer   

Jay Garvey 

Executive Director, Office of Institutional Research and Assessment 

Friedman-Hipps Green and Gold Associate Professor of Education