Data Governance Advisory Workgroup (DGAW)
Background
Data Governance Advisory Workgroup
The Data Governance Advisory Workgroup (DGAW) was established by the Chancellor’s Office in collaboration with The Research and Planning Group (The RP Group) and the Chief Information Systems Officer’s Association (CISOA). The workgroup was formed based on insights from the Statewide Common Technology Platform (SCTP) Task Force, which evaluated statewide common technology solutions and recommended a Statewide Data Management Transformation.
The purpose of the workgroup is to provide:
- Ongoing advice and counsel to the Chancellor’s Office on community colleges’ information technology and data governance policy and operations.
- Feedback based on the analysis and simulation of current and proposed policies regarding data governance, data sharing, and data platforms to support effective implementation, fiscal health, and student-centered design.
Our Purpose: Vision, Mission, and Connection
Vision
Empower the California Community College System with trusted, secure, and well-governed data to consistently deliver meaningful insights that support student success and achieve Vision 2030 goals.
Mission
Establish robust data governance guidelines, policies, and practices through a collaborative culture of continuous improvement and transparency to ensure data integrity, quality, accessibility, and security, effectively empowering local and systemwide stakeholders to support informed decision-making for equitable student outcomes and institutional effectiveness.
Support and Inquiries
For questions about the Data Governance Advisory Workgroup, its activities, or available resources, contact DataGovernance@CCCCO.edu.
Statewide Association Representation
The Data Governance Advisory Workgroup meets on a quarterly basis and is led by the Chancellor’s Office, CISOA, and The RP Group and includes three chairs and 18 members with representation from across 13 statewide associations.
- California Community Colleges Classified Senate (4CS)
- Association of Chief Business Officials (ACBO)
- Association of Chief Human Resources Officers (ACHRO)
- Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC)
- California Association of Community College Registrars and Admissions Officers (CACCRAO)
- California Community Colleges Chief Instruction Officers (CCCCIO)
- California Community Colleges Student Financial Aid Administrators Association (CCCSFAAA)
- Chief Executive Officers of the California Community Colleges (CEOCCC)
- The Chancellor’s Office
- Chief Information Systems Officers Association (CISOA)
- Chief Student Services Officers Association (CSSO)
- The Research and Planning Group (The RP Group)
- Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC)
Our Journey: Past Foundations, Present Realities, Future Possibilities
In November 2024, the Data Governance Advisory Workgroup convened for the first time, bringing together representatives from statewide associations to align on the importance of data governance and the need for stronger systemwide coordination.
Following its formation, DGAW launched a data governance discovery effort to better understand existing practices across the system. This work included interviews with statewide data platform leaders and key stakeholders, as well as a review of existing documentation. The goal was to identify leading practices, gaps, and areas of opportunity that could inform DGAW’s priorities and roadmap.
As discussions progressed, it became clear that while many colleges, districts, and platforms were already engaging in data governance activities, efforts varied widely in structure, maturity, and approach. DGAW’s early work helped surface common challenges related to data quality, shared definitions, stewardship roles, and the operational effort required to sustain governance over time.
Building on discovery insights, DGAW shifted from learning and alignment toward developing practical governance resources that could support both statewide platforms and local institutions.
To advance this work, DGAW formed tactical groups focused on priority governance domains. These groups led the development of frameworks, standards, and templates addressing topics such as data protection and privacy, metadata management, and data quality management. Input was gathered from volunteers across CISOA and The Research and Planning Group to ensure the materials reflected operational realities.
In parallel, DGAW launched a statewide data governance test to evaluate how these frameworks and standards could be applied in real-world settings. Nine statewide platforms participated in the test, using selected use cases and data elements to apply governance practices in context. The test was intentionally structured to support learning and refinement rather than compliance.
The test has been conducted in phases, beginning with Metadata Management and followed by a focus on Data Quality Management. Participating platform teams received structured training and ongoing support, and their feedback has been used to improve the clarity, usability, and scalability of the governance materials.
Insights from DGAW meetings, tactical groups, and the statewide data governance test are informing the next phase of the Workgroup’s efforts.
As testing progresses, DGAW is focused on:
- Refining data governance frameworks and standards based on feedback from participating platforms
- Identifying considerations for scaling governance practices across additional platforms, colleges, and districts
- Clarifying operating model elements such as roles, stewardship responsibilities, decision-making expectations, and update cadences needed to sustain governance over time
DGAW has also seen growing interest from colleges and districts seeking guidance to strengthen their own data governance programs. In response, the Workgroup has begun sharing draft frameworks and standards more broadly to support early learning and local application, while continuing to gather input to inform refinement.
Looking ahead, DGAW will continue to serve as a forum for collaboration, transparency, and shared learning, helping inform thoughtful, systemwide approaches to data governance that can evolve over time and adapt to local context.
