The Institutional Data Council was reconvened in February 2026 by Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Mary Croughan. Members of the council review and advise on policy and provide strategic recommendations regarding data access and use, working within the university’s existing policies, vision, mission, strategic plan, and priorities. The council has a mandatory five-year sunset in January 2031, with an option for reconstitution at the discretion of the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor in October 2030.
What is the Institutional Data Council?
The Institutional Data Council (IDC) is comprised of faculty and staff charged by the Provost to coordinate and oversee select aspects of data governance at UC Davis.
The IDC provides a venue where the management and use of institutional data for the benefit of UC Davis and its constituent parts will be considered and discussed at the strategic level.
Why an Institutional Data Council?
The current university data governance structure employs multiple systems of data trustees, stewards, and custodians who have varying levels of responsibility and accountability for ensuring appropriate access to and use of various types of institutional data. There are times when conflict arises from competing goals and interests with respect to the use of certain institutional data; for example, privacy versus transparency. Resolution of such conflicts requires nuanced analysis of legal, policy, reputational, and other issues in determining the appropriate response to any particular data request. As the Chief Academic and Chief Operating Officer of the campus, the ultimate responsibility for such decisions rests with the Provost. The IDC is charged to advise the Provost on these and related matters, both directly and through coordination of appropriate expert groups.
Who is involved?
A complete list of current IDC appointees can be found on the Council Member page.