All Together Better: Building a Connected Data Ecosystem Across the University of Illinois

Higher education institutions generate vast amounts of data, but turning that data into institutional value requires more than technology—it requires collaboration. The University of Illinois System has spent the past several years building a federated approach to data governance, analytics, and data strategy that respects campus autonomy while creating systemwide alignment.

This session will provide an inside look at the work of the Data Advisory Governance Group (DAG) at the university and how it connects to broader systemwide data strategy initiatives. Participants will learn how governance councils, business glossaries, enterprise data models, and shared initiatives are helping us move from isolated data silos toward a connected data ecosystem.

The presentation will showcase practical lessons learned, governance structures, and emerging efforts in semantic data modeling, metadata management, and AI-ready data foundations. Attendees will leave with awareness of current initiatives and opportunities to connect with the work in progress.

About this event:

Presenters:

• Michelle Rome
• Amy Edwards
• Dimuthu Tilakaratne, University of Illinois
• Leslie Stoecker

Track:

Party Up — Share strategies, partnerships, and success stories that help us form stronger parties, coordinate across guilds, and conquer challenges together.

Experience Needed:

All Levels

Learning Outcome:

Understand how a governance can help access organizational value
Discuss approaches for developing business glossaries, common data definitions, metadata practices, and enterprise data models.
Understand how governance and data strategy create the foundation for analytics, reporting, AI, and ERP modernization initiatives.

Additional Keywords:

Data, analytics