The Data-Empowered Institution
Data and analytics are powerful tools to support the mission of higher education. To become more data-empowered, colleges and universities can focus on building strong data foundations, modernizing data classification, and leveraging AI for data and data for AI.
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Build Strong Data Foundations ➞ -
Modernize Data Classification ➞ -
Leverage AI for Data and Data for AI ➞
Build Strong Data Foundations
Institutions are working toward a future in which data governance is distributed and collaborative and in which data literacy programs support end users’ understanding of cybersecurity and data privacy, among other competencies. These foundational objectives will help empower institutions to use data securely and effectively.
Psst! Learn about foundations for data governance with the EDUCAUSE Learning Lab | Data Governance Essentials - April 2025.
Modernize Data Classification
Data classification is a critical element of many data-empowered activities at colleges and universities. Modernizing higher education data classification policies and practices can reduce the ongoing risks related to data management.
Psst! Register for the EDUCAUSE Data Literacy Institute - June 2025 to learn about facilitating effective data-informed decision-making.
Leverage AI for Data and Data for AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) comes with plenty of risks, but it also offers potential benefits—from analyzing large datasets to providing real-time data, visuals, and insights for data-informed decision-making. To capitalize on the opportunities of AI, institutions must prepare their data to be AI-ready.
Review the 2025 EDUCAUSE AI Landscape Study: Into the Digital AI Divide
Psst! Check out the EDUCAUSE Leadership Series | 8 Dimensions of AI Literacies: Institutional Strategy for Future-Readiness - June 2025 to learn about achieving an ideal future of AI literacy.
Showcase Webinar
Join the Showcase Webinar | The Data-Empowered Institution on April 7 to learn more about strategies for empowering higher education with data.
Preparing to empower your institution with data doesn’t stop here. Continue on to find additional resources and insights from your peers, industry experts, and EDUCAUSE.
Hear from the Community and Analysts
Feed Your Curiosity
Hear from Your Peers in EDUCAUSE Review
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Anna Kourouniotis, “Embracing Online Data Training for Staff” [case study]
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Brett Pollak, Jack Brzezinski and Vince Kellen, “Ushering in a New Era of AI-Driven Data Insights at UC San Diego”
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Deborah Dent, James Frazee, Carrie Shumaker and Tim Wrye, “The 2025 EDUCAUSE Top 10 #1: The Data-Empowered Institution”
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David Seidl, EDUCAUSE Shop Talk | "AI and Cybersecurity" [podcast]
- Chad Marchong and Ben Hellar, EDUCAUSE Shop Talk | "Empowering Institutions with Data" [podcast]
Attend Professional Learning Events
Continue the Conversation in Community Groups
Bookmark EDUCAUSE Library Pages
Meet the Industry Experts
Get to know Adrienne Garber, Chief Technology and Innovation Strategist, Dell Technologies in this quick clip.
Get to know Josh Magdziarz, Vice President, Data, K16 Solutions in this quick clip.
Don’t miss the next Showcase.
We hope you learned more about empowering your institution with data in this showcase. Next up, we’ll dive into how higher education can increase digital access for students while also safeguarding their privacy and data protection in “Balancing Digital Access and Privacy”.
Note
- Gartner, How D&A Leaders Can Use Adaptive Governance to Drive Better Business Outcomes, By Saul Judah, Remi Gulzar, 29 August 2024
GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.
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