University of Idaho

The Challenge

The University of Idaho needed to take a more strategic view of technology by addressing critical gaps in IT and data governance. The institution recognized that existing IT governance processes no longer aligned with the university’s evolving priorities and strategic direction. Meanwhile, the university needed to establish a data governance program to improve data quality, enable strategic decision-making and enhance student support.

Building a foundation for data-informed decision-making required a comprehensive program and support from university leadership. By establishing current and adaptable IT and data governance frameworks, the university sought to facilitate collaboration across departments, cultivate an institutional culture that prioritized efficient data use, and promote data literacy—all in service of improving the student experience.

Our Approach

Vantage Technology Consulting Group collaborated with the University of Idaho to design governance programs that aligned with the institution’s strategic goals and addressed their IT and data governance needs. Our approach included:

1. Onsite Stakeholder Engagement: Director of Strategic Team Operations, Shannon Dunn, and Senior Strategic Consultant, Susan Featherston, lead the effort focusing on data governance. Vice President and Strategic Team Business Unit Leader, Kirk Kelly, and Senior Principal, Associate Partner, Cathy Bates, took the helm for IT governance. The team conducted simultaneous onsite focus groups and meetings to engage diverse stakeholder groups, including faculty, staff, and student representatives.
2. Governance Framework Development: With information gained from stakeholder engagement, Vantage assisted in creating program charters for both IT and data governance, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and best practices. We helped develop governance structures, including subcommittee charters, to clearly delineate roles and responsibilities for IT and data governance across the university.
3. Education and Socialization: Vantage worked closely with a cross-section of university leadership to educate stakeholders and process owners on the new governance programs to create governance champions and build support across the institution. We helped prepare and facilitate presentations with university leadership to ensure alignment and buy-in.

Outcome

Vantage successfully helped the University of Idaho launch new IT and data governance programs designed to support its strategic goals and drive data-informed decision-making. The university has moved into educational mode: helping stakeholders across the institution better understand governance and its relevance to their roles. The program charters provided the level of detail needed to build thorough process flows—work that has had immediate positive impacts for the university.

Our engagement focused on creating sustainable and adaptable solutions, allowing the University of Idaho to continually update its governance practices to meet evolving needs. University of Idaho leadership recognized the high quality of Vantage’s deliverables and how we helped prepare the university for long-term success.

“Our engagement with Vantage developed strong foundations for IT and data governance. But more importantly, Vantage championed and facilitated university-wide understanding as to the importance and desired outcomes of governance, which will allow for long-lasting change and improved strategic focus. They helped make it clear to our university community that everyone plays a key role in the success that governance can bring.”

—Dan Ewart, Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer, University of Idaho