What is a data custodian?
A Data Custodian is the individual(s) responsible for making decisions about the sensitivity and criticality of specific University systems and data stored in these systems; determining the classification of data under their control; documenting the use of the specific system(s); and determining which University staff require access to that system and its data. University policy may restrict or dictate the Data Custodian’s role regarding data design and control (e.g., a policy indicating how access to Institutional Data should be handled would take precedent over individual Data Custodian decisions/ determinations). Examples of Data Custodians are: the Directors of Human Resources would have Data Custodian responsibility over payroll and personnel information and a Principal Investigator is the Data Custodian for research data related to their grant.
