Data Strategy Glossary

A central reference that defines commonly used data terms and metrics across Georgetown. It ensures everyone uses the same language when working with reports and datasets.

A standardized word or phrase used to describe a specific concept, metric, or data element in the Business Glossary. Business terms create a common understanding of what data means across different systems, departments, and reports.

An inventory of Georgetown’s available reports, datasets, and related metadata in the data lake and data warehouse. It helps users find, understand, and use institutional data consistently.

A review process that confirms a report or dataset meets Georgetown’s standards for accuracy, quality, and documentation. Certified data is clearly labeled and trusted for decision-making.

The framework of policies, standards, and roles that ensure data is accurate, consistent, secure, and responsibly managed across the university.

A group of university stakeholders who guide data governance priorities, recommend policies, and ensure data practices align with Georgetown’s mission and values.

The university’s single source of truth for governance documentation, stewardship roles, and approved data definitions.

A large, flexible data storage system that holds raw information from many Georgetown sources—structured and unstructured—before it is processed or organized.

A structured and curated data environment designed for analysis and reporting. Data here is cleaned, organized, and optimized for dashboards and reports.

The responsibility for managing the accuracy, security, and usability of specific data elements. Stewards ensure data is maintained according to Georgetown’s standards and policies.

A document that defines how, when, and why data can be shared between departments or systems. It promotes transparency, accountability, and compliance with data policies.

Information that describes other data — such as its source, definition, owner, or update frequency. Metadata provides context and helps users understand what a dataset contains.

A report provides a structured snapshot of data. It delivers organized information in a fixed format, often summarizing activity or results for a defined time period. Reports are typically static documents used for reference, review, or official recordkeeping.

A dashboard is an interactive view that combines several reports or data sources in one place. It helps users see patterns, track progress, and understand performance without needing to analyze raw data.