Navigating data privacy in the higher education ecosystem
The need for academic institutions to become data privacy advocates is paramount. Over the past 24 months, higher education institutions have accelerated digital transformation initiatives. While that transformation has been underway for some time, the pandemic quickened the pace and pushed data privacy and security among administrators’ top concerns. Institutions and their technology providers suddenly have access to much more detailed data about their students and their activities in education technology solutions.
This more detailed digital footprint of students is an opportunity to use it for the benefit of students, but it also raises concerns that institutions need to proactively address. On the one hand, the enhanced data sets have allowed institutions to better support students in the pandemic, for instance by identifying and reaching out to students who may need more support. But with more data also comes a deeper responsibility to use this data appropriately.
Despite popular belief to the opposite, studies show that the “digital natives” who grew up with digital technology do care about the privacy of their data. Just as they are expecting their institutions to provide them with best-in-class technology, they also expect leadership in data privacy and security.
As colleges and universities continue along their transformation journey, transparency, effectively assessing risk, and following new legislation will be critical in creating a culture of data privacy and security and determining which technology solutions will ensure data is appropriately used and protected.
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