Resources
This page connects campus users to data management resources, committee contacts and key definitions. It is meant to support consistent understanding and make it easier to find the right guidance, process or point of contact.
Because shared language matters, this page also includes core definitions used in Stanislaus State’s data management framework. These terms help clarify how the university identifies, manages and uses institutional data across units.
Key Definitions
The terms below provide a common foundation for data management work at Stanislaus State. They are included below.
A system of record (SOR) is the authoritative source of business data. It is the system where the University creates or maintains the official version of specific records, with controls for accuracy, integrity, auditability and lifecycle management.
Common examples: enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, etc.
A system of engagement (SOE) is an application designed to support interaction and collaboration among employees, students, customers or partners. It may generate data, but it is not the authoritative source record.
Common examples: employee portals, customer apps, workflow front ends, frontline operations apps, etc.
A tool is a bounded-purpose utility used to complete a task without serving as a source of record. No institutional data is created or stored in the tool.
Common examples: catalog tools, ticketing tools, social media management tools, etc.
A data steward is the subject matter expert responsible for the day-to-day management of data within a specific domain.
An operating unit is an organizational entity within the institution with its own management or administrative responsibility.
Data governance is the system of decision rights and accountabilities for information-related processes.
Institutional data is data created, collected or managed in the course of University operations and used for planning, decision-making, reporting or compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Institutional data is data created, collected or managed in the course of University operations and used for planning, decision-making, reporting or compliance.
The Data Management Steering Committee provides campus leadership for institutional data management. Its work supports a coordinated approach to data quality, stewardship, access and communication in service of institutional effectiveness and student success.
Updated: May 06, 2026