What Is IT Governance and Why Is It So Important in Higher Ed?

Technology can be one of the most powerful tools an institution has to advance its mission. But without clear, strategic guidance, that same technology can quickly become a source of frustration, inefficiency, and risk. That’s where IT governance comes in.

Today’s colleges and universities are navigating rising cybersecurity threats, tighter budgets, and an expanding ecosystem of platforms and tools. In this environment, IT governance isn’t just an operational necessity — it’s a strategic imperative.

In this article, I’ll define what higher ed IT governance is, why it matters more than ever, and how institutions can build a framework that aligns technology investments with institutional priorities.

What is IT governance in higher ed?

Put simply, IT governance is the structure that ensures every technology investment and decision supports the institution’s goals and strategies. While IT management focuses on maintaining day-to-day systems — like patching servers or updating networks — IT governance answers a different set of questions, such as:

• Which projects should we prioritize?
• How do we allocate limited resources for the greatest impact?
• Who needs to be involved in shaping these decisions?

A thoughtful approach to IT governance isn’t just a collection of policies. It’s an intentional structure that fosters transparency, collaboration, and accountability across the entire institution.

When done well, governance clarifies how decisions are made, who is responsible for making them, and what criteria determine success. This clarity reduces confusion, builds trust, and ensures that technology investments consistently support the institution’s mission and priorities.

An effective governance framework typically includes:

• Decision-making structures such as IT governance committees with representation across academic and administrative areas
• Policy development that guides how technology projects are evaluated and approved
• Risk management and compliance oversight to keep pace with evolving regulations and security requirements

When institutions embrace governance as a shared responsibility, technology becomes a strategic asset rather than a departmental concern.

Why higher ed IT governance matters more than ever

The complexity of higher ed technology ecosystems has grown exponentially. Many institutions now rely on cloud platforms, ERP and student information systems, learning management systems, and emerging tools like AI.

Without governance, it’s easy for tech investments to become siloed or redundant — especially when departments act independently. This fragmentation can lead to:

• Financial waste due to functional redundancy
• No clear system of record/unclear data access policies
• Missed opportunities for collaboration and efficiency

External pressures are also intensifying. Regulatory requirements such as FERPA and GLBA have expanded. Accrediting bodies increasingly expect transparent, documented technology processes. And stakeholders — from faculty to students — demand seamless, secure digital experiences.

In an era of constrained budgets, institutions can’t afford to treat IT governance as an afterthought.

The risks of poor or nonexistent IT governance

When governance isn’t in place, institutions face serious consequences that extend far beyond the IT department. Gaps in oversight and alignment can ripple across every facet of the organization, undermining financial stability, operational efficiency, and stakeholder confidence. Over time, these issues can erode the very foundation of an institution’s mission and reputation.

Some of the most common (and costly) problems include:

• Financial inefficiency and wasted resources: With shrinking enrollments and limited funding, institutions can’t afford investments that fail to deliver measurable value or duplicate existing capabilities.
• Missed opportunities to maximize impact: When IT resources are spread thin across too many projects, even high-priority initiatives can stall or underperform.
• Increased security vulnerabilities: Technology risks are growing faster than most budgets. Without clear governance to prioritize spending on solutions that mitigate the most critical threats, institutions are more exposed to breaches and compliance failures.
• Resistance to change: If end users feel excluded from decisions, adoption suffers—and so does return on investment.
• Reputational damage: Failed implementations and security incidents can erode trust with students, staff, and stakeholders.
• Inability to scale or innovate effectively: Disconnected systems and uncoordinated efforts make it harder to keep pace with evolving needs.

We’ve seen this firsthand, where IT leadership at institutions make major platform decisions without involving departmental leaders. The result was widespread resistance and a perception that technology was imposed rather than collaborative. When people don’t have a seat at the table, they’re far less likely to champion change.

“When people don’t have a seat at the table, they’re far less likely to champion change.”

What effective higher ed IT governance looks like

Good governance is intentional, inclusive, and transparent. It doesn’t happen by accident — it requires clear structures and a shared commitment to align technology decisions with institutional goals. When these elements come together, colleges and universities create an environment where technology can thrive as a strategic asset rather than a siloed expense.

To build this kind of foundation, governance should include:

• Cross-functional committees: Cabinet members typically designate representatives from key areas (e.g., academic affairs, enrollment, finance) to ensure diverse perspectives.
• Clear processes: Policies that define how projects are proposed, prioritized, and evaluated.
• Defined success metrics: Criteria for measuring whether investments deliver the intended impact.
• Regular reviews: Governance frameworks should be revisited at least annually to keep pace with evolving needs and regulations.

Moving forward: IT governance as a strategic imperative

IT governance in higher ed isn’t just about compliance or risk avoidance. Done well, it empowers colleges and universities to:

• Use technology as a force multiplier
• Align financial and technology resource investments with strategic goals
• Build a culture of collaboration and shared accountability

As institutions navigate emerging priorities — from AI policies to hybrid learning environments — governance will only grow more critical. If you haven’t assessed your governance framework recently, now is the time.

Ready to strengthen your IT governance?

At Collegis, we help institutions develop and operationalize IT governance models that balance innovation with accountability. Our team brings decades of expertise with deep experience aligning technology strategy with institutional vision.

If you’re ready to move beyond reactive technology decisions and build a governance model that drives lasting success, let’s connect!