The University of North Dakota (UND) is embarking on a significant initiative to modernize its data management processes. This effort aims to enhance the reliability and accessibility of data, ultimately bridging the gap between data and decision-making. According to Madhavi Marasinghe, the associate vice president and chief information officer for University IT, the initiative is designed to ensure that data is utilized effectively across the institution.
During a meeting of the UND Senate on February 5, 2024, Marasinghe emphasized that the primary goal is to empower the university’s decision-making capabilities. “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,” she stated.
Framework for Data Governance
Marasinghe, alongside Matt Berosik, the chief data officer for university analytics and planning, outlined how data modernization will transform the university’s approach to data collection, security, integration, analysis, and utilization. This transformation will be guided by a framework of data governance that establishes clear ownership of data, standards for collection, and responsible usage and storage practices.
Marasinghe noted that effective data governance is crucial for the successful implementation of artificial intelligence, which heavily relies on data integrity. Berosik reassured attendees that the governance structure is not intended to diminish the control of data owners. “The data owners are still going to be the owners,” he said. “They’re still going to have the final say in terms of how their data is used and collected.”
Berosik also mentioned an initial workshop held in April with a third-party company to kick-start the data governance process, indicating that the initiative is already well underway.
Other Developments at UND
In addition to the data modernization discussion, the UND Senate reviewed a number of reports during the meeting. Notably, the Curriculum Committee reported several program inactivations, including certificates in health and wellness coaching and instructional design in technology. The committee also announced terminations for certificates in communication sciences and disorders, a Master of Arts in geology, and a second degree program in social work. In contrast, five new programs were introduced, including two certificates focused on K-12 principal and superintendent roles, along with three programs tied to aerospace engineering.
Furthermore, the Senate examined an Academic Policies and Admissions report for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year. Discussions are ongoing regarding revisions to UND’s academic honors policy, highlighting the institution’s commitment to continuous improvement in its academic offerings.
The Senate also reviewed a Community Engagement and Opportunity report, which included monitoring legislation and discussions with various organizations about potential concerns. Additionally, there was engagement regarding the university library, with discussions about making research articles publicly accessible and exploring membership with the Association of Research Libraries.
Changes to the Campus Safety Committee were proposed, including adding the director of safety to the committee. These changes aim to ensure compliance with the North Dakota Century Code and State Board of Higher Education policies related to safety.
Vice Provost Eric Link informed the Senate that the State Board of Higher Education approved new versions of Policy 409 and Policy 409.1, granting authority to several institutions, including UND, to pilot a program offering up to two reduced credit Bachelor of Applied Science degrees over the next four years. This new capability allows UND to offer these degrees, which were previously not authorized.
Senate Chair Adam Matz discussed proposed bylaw revisions concerning UND Senate memberships and committees, aimed at clarifying existing language for better operational efficiency. These revisions will be voted on in the next Senate meeting.
Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Randi Tanglen shared insights into the potential expansion of Follett access programs, which provide students with digital course materials at the start of classes. This initiative is part of an ongoing pilot program that has already proven successful in introductory math and chemistry courses.
Lastly, Jonathan Blankenship, the Student Body President, reported that the Student Senate passed a resolution aimed at improving accessibility to the University Counseling Center for students. The Senate also set a date for Student Government elections on April 15, 2024, ensuring continued student engagement in university governance.
These developments underline UND’s proactive approach to enhancing both data management and student services, reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement.
