Welcome!
Thank you for contributing to Utah State University’s efforts to enhance data governance, analytics, privacy, and security. The data census is a critical initiative for complying with the Utah Government Data Privacy Act (GDPA) and supports our commitment to responsible data management.
What is the Data Census?
The data census identifies and classifies data within USU systems. It involves mapping where data is stored, understanding how it’s managed, and clarifying its uses. This helps the university maintain compliance and improve data governance across various domains.
Key Focus Areas:
- Identifying all systems used to store or manage university-related data.
- Classifying data types, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
Why is it Important?
The USU Data Census is crucial for several reasons:
- Mature Data Governance, Privacy, and Security: It supports the development of robust governance frameworks, enhancing privacy and security across the university.
- Informed Policy Development and Compliance: Through the census, USU can create accurate policies and improve compliance efforts, leading to more informed decision-making.
- Risk Reduction: Identifying, classifying, and safeguarding sensitive information helps mitigate risks and protect against potential data breaches across departments.
- Regulatory Compliance: Multiple regulations, including NIST standards, mandate that we maintain a comprehensive data inventory. Specifically, the Utah Government Data Privacy Act (GDPA) requires all governmental entities to submit an annual report to the State Privacy Officer. This report must detail the types of personal data managed by the university and describe our data-sharing practices, ensuring our compliance with state requirements.
Who is Involved?
The USU Data Census is a collaborative effort between the USU Office of Data Analytics (ODA), USU IT, the USU Privacy Office, and all Data Trustees and Data Stewards at USU. These individuals play a crucial role in ensuring that the data census is conducted effectively, maintaining the integrity and security of university data.
Contact Us
If you have any inquiries, need assistance, or wish to request a data census, please contact USU’s Cheif Data Analytics Officer or the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). They are available to support you with any issues concerning privacy, data management, or security.
Privacy Officer: Liliana Acosta Santacruz – USU Data Privacy Officer
Request a Data Census Consultation: Submit your request here.