Guiding Principles

An important part of the planning effort was the development of a series of Guiding Principles that articulate key values and directions that will guide the implementation of the Roadmap and future IM/AS decision making. The Guiding Principles provide a vital framework for all levels of decision making about IM/AS strategies, directions, and implementation across the University.

The Guiding Principles were developed by the Information Management Advisory Committee (I-MAC) with input from stakeholders involved in the Roadmap effort. The development included a review of guiding principles from peer institutions and of relevant literature on the topic. A final version was adopted by I-MAC in May 2008. The Guiding Principles will be evaluated annually as part of the Roadmap review process to ensure they remain relevant and meaningful.

The Guiding Principles cover three areas: Information, Governance and Investment, and Solutions and Processes.

Information

• We will support a culture of inquiry and information-based decision making.
• We will maintain an environment of open information sharing.

Governance and Investment

• We will make investment decisions based upon advancing the UW’s strategic goals.
• We will ensure that our decision-making process engages our stakeholders and maximizes our investments.
• We will provide for sustainability and continuous improvement.
• We will accept a reasonable level of risk and balance risk with anticipated benefit.

Solutions and Processes

• We will consider holistic solutions that encourage business process improvement.
• We will invest in appropriate solutions rather than commit to a single technology, vendor, or approach.
• We will place a priority on interoperable solutions.
• We will develop shared solutions for common needs and support local solutions for specialized needs.