ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies the core elements of both a data strategy and an Information Technology (IT) plan, the differences between the plans, and the benefits of using both types of plans within an institution of higher education. A data strategy thus exists in an interconnected environment that encompasses data governance, IT infrastructure, and the institutional mission and priorities to provide the core focus of all the data activities that occur within a college or university. Independent of context, a strategic plan of any kind has several key characteristics with specific relevance to data. A data strategy provides more than just alignment and direction. It considers how the institution and its stakeholders benefit and not just what that benefit is. Data access compliance is part of the data governance process and a function of IT planning. Data extraction and reporting are a result of the processing and integration phase. Adopting only a data strategy can be equally detrimental.
