Why did the CSU begin to look at a systemwide standard for records/information retention and disposition?
Universities across the country have long-standing and sophisticated records management programs, including retention/disposition schedules. In fact, several CSU campuses have such programs in place, but this is not universal. Additionally, the system policy statements on records were limited and dated back to the 1980s. So, the first reason is to get the CSU current with other academic institutions. The next reason is the world has gotten increasingly more regulatory, litigious and investigative. The CSUs ability to respond appropriately and successfully to information requests, attorney needs, or mandates was hindered by the lack of a systemwide standard. Finally, information technology staffs at the campuses and at the chancellors office were struggling with how to quantify and then manage electronic storage space.
