Sensitive Data

Purpose of the Site:

This site is a resource for members of the university community involved in managing or handling sensitive data. It also provides information about activities of Sensitive Data Workgroup.

Sensitive Data Workgroup

Workgroup membership:

The university's primary data managers (Yohna Cone for employee/human resources data, Cheryl Harrelson for advancement/donor information, Sherry Hood for student records, John Knight for financial data) and representatives from Information Technology (Dale Hulvey, Robin Bryan, Dick Johnson, Darlene Quackenbush) make up the workgroup.

Goal:

The group's goal is to lead the university in reducing exposure/decreasing the risk of a potential data breach involving sensitive data.

Plans and Progress Detail

For more information about the work of the group or to download a copy of the Sensitive Data Questionnaire, visit https://secureweb.jmu.edu/computing/it/sensitivedata/strategy.shtml. (eID and password required)

Resources:

Relevant JMU policies:

University Data Stewardship Policy (currently under revision)
http://www.jmu.edu/JMUpolicy/1205.shtml
Appropriate Use of Information Technology Resources
http://www.jmu.edu/JMUpolicy/1207.shtml
Information Security
http://www.jmu.edu/JMUpolicy/1204.shtml

JMU Resources:

Sensitive Data Best Practices
http://www.jmu.edu/computing/sensitivedata/bestpractices.shtml
Privacy of Academic Records
http://www.jmu.edu/registrar/FERPAOutline.shtml

FAQs

If I need to store sensitive data, is it better to put it on my workstation's C drive or store it on Novell drive?

For recovery and general control purposes it is usually better to store such data on your N (personal) or L: (shared) drive. However, if you use a shared drive, do not store sensitive data there unless all people who share the drive need and have been approved for access to the data you're storing.

Ask a Question:

If you have a question or concern about appropriate use or safeguarding of university data, please contact the Sensitive Data Workgroup.