IT Governance
IT Governance at UNCW has an intentionally broad and inclusive scope to ensure that the university's investment in information technology is efficient, effective, and in alignment with the University Strategic Plan.
IT Governance Defined
As defined in the UNC System Office Policy Manual, Chapter 1400.1 (Adopted 05/24/18):
- “‘Information technology governance’ within the UNC System refers to the framework, policies, rules, standards, structures, and processes established to ensure that the University’s information technology supports the missions, goals, and objectives of the UNC System and each constituent institution; that information technology and information resources are managed in accordance with rules and policies; and that risks and threats to information technology and information resources are appropriately and effectively identified and addressed.” II.G
- “The chancellor, or the president in the case of the UNC System Office, shall designate the institution’s chief information officer or other member of the chancellor’s senior staff, who will be responsible to the chancellor for oversight of information technology governance at the institution and implementation of the information technology governance framework and program as required by this policy.” IV.A
Through collaboration and transparency, the IT Governance process allows Information Technology Services (ITS) to support the most important initiatives of the university while improving operational processes. Working with university colleagues allows ITS to comprehensively support transformational initiatives that are technologically sustainable and that promote efficiency.
For more information, please refer to the University of North Carolina System Office Policy Manual.
IT Governance at UNCW
Establishment & Authority
University of North Carolina (UNC) System Policy 1400.1, Information Technology Governance, delegates and allocates authorities and responsibilities concerning information technology (IT) governance within the University of North Carolina System. Under this policy, the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) Chancellor has designated the Associate Vice Chancellor of Information Technology Services and Chief Information Officer (CIO) as responsible for oversight and implementation of the campus information technology governance program at UNCW (UNC System Policy 1400.1, Section IV).
This charter defines the information technology governance framework, model, and operating principles for UNCW in accordance with UNC System Policy 1400.1 and guidance provided by the UNC System.
Objectives
Consistent with the language of the Information Technology Governance policy (UNC System Policy 1400.1), the purpose of the UNCW information technology (IT) governance program is to:
- Establish technology prioritization and investment in alignment with the UNCW Strategic Plan.
- Ensure effective, consistent, and transparent governance and management of information technology across UNCW through the creation of institution-wide policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures.
- Operate within known and acceptable levels of institutional technology risk through the creation of a formal structure and framework for IT governance processes.
Through collaboration and transparency, the UNCW IT governance program allows UNCW Information Technology Services (ITS) and campus technology units to support the most important initiatives of UNCW while improving technology operations across campus. This shared governance model allows all campus IT operations to comprehensively support transformational initiatives that are technologically sustainable and that promote efficiency.
Principles
The UNCW IT governance program is guided by the following principles:
- Align technology decisions, project prioritization, and resources across UNCW.
- Promote a culture of innovation to enhance learning experiences, educational programs, research, and scholarly activities.
- Operate transparently and empower data-driven decision-making across UNCW.
- Reduce institutional risk by providing consistent, comprehensive, and current standards and practices.
- Grow collaboration with external organizations that provide benefits to UNCW.
- Leverage the buying power of the UNC System.
Data Governance
Data Governance is managed by various campus constituents and overseen by Institutional Research & Planning and Information Technology Services.