Guiding Principles

Guiding Principles for Data Collection, Use, and Storage

At UMW we use data:

Empowerment

Users/Learners should be active participants;
Users have the right to know who controls and has access to their data;
Users/Learners should be empowered to protect their own privacy;
Users have some limited ability to opt out of data usage, except where mandated by law

Transparency

The university will use professional judgment based on an educational interest in data;
The university will explain how data is collected, used and shared, especially data shared with third parties;
The university will investigate and screen outside entities on the design and use of data algorithms before using or employing them;
Students and staff have the ability to inspect and correct their own data if incorrect;
The university will make no revenue by selling student or staff data;
The university will protect the privacy of one’s data appropriately

Efficacy

The university will practice data minimization (and data deletion at completion of analysis)
Data should not be used merely because we have the tool/technology to do so
The university will maintain a balance between organizational needs and individuals’ right to privacy

Equity and Access

The use of data implies a duty of care and obligation to act when information could be used to improve outcomes;
The university will consider in each use case or algorithm how the use of data might perpetuate bias, reinforce existing inequalities, or have other unintended consequences;
The university will protect learners from exploitation through the use of data

Applicable Legislation and State Policy:

DHRM Personnel Records Disclosure

References: