IT GOVERNANCE

IT Governance at the University of Delaware establishes the decision-making process necessary to ensure innovative, reliable, and robust information technology. IT governance determines and defines campus-wide IT priorities and policies in accordance with the University’s Strategic Plan and is informed by the University’s Information Technology Strategic Plan.

Resources

Guiding Principles

A common set of guiding principles work to shape the overall approach of IT governance and are the foundation of the governance structure. Governance should convey:

Positivity: interact as a collaborative and communicative team seeking success

Simplicity: be straightforward and easy to navigate and avoid unnecessary bureaucracy

Accountability: evaluate IT investments made by the IT governance body for results

Strategic alignment: provide strategic oversight and guidance around IT to ensure the alignment of IT and the University business with respect to services and projects

Collaboration: advocate for the adoption of common IT solutions and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement

Inclusion: ensure that diverse perspectives and needs are represented

Responsibility: ensure an efficient decision-making process

Value: confirm that IT work drives maximum business value from IT in support of the University

Integration: address issues spanning multiple domains holistically

Transparency: provide transparent and open governance processes

Risk Mitigation: ascertain that processes are in place to ensure that risks have been adequately managed

Goals of IT Governance

The primary goals of the IT governance framework are to:

• Align the university’s information technology direction with the University’s Strategic Plan and the University’s priorities
• Provide a consistent and fair approach that is integrated and aligned with the University’s governance approach
• Ensure awareness of the decision-making process that determines where IT resources are applied
• Ensure IT-related processes are overseen effectively and transparently

IT Governance Groups

There are four types of IT governance groups at the University: (1) Executive IT Council, (2) IT Governance Steering Committee, (3) Advisory Groups, and (4) Other Groups. For additional information about each group, including current membership, see: Roles, Responsibilities & Memberships.

Executive IT Council: The top-level governance body approves overarching strategies, policies, and investments.

IT Governance Steering Committee: The senior-level governance body recommends strategic initiatives, sequences strategic and major projects, and facilitates innovation. The IT Steering Committee advises the Executive IT Council as appropriate.

Advisory Groups: Groups coordinate initiatives, sponsor analyses, guide services, and sequence enhancement projects with a functional domain. These domains are focused on user communities (administrative systems, student experience, IT services, research computing, architecture, security & IT risk, and other ad-hoc domains as required.

Other Groups: Other Groups include existing, or developing, technology-related groups at the University that are in position to inform the IT Steering Committee on technology, projects, and processes. Examples include Data Governance, Digital Learning, and Learning Spaces.

Phasing in Governance