A Framework for Data Sharing in Academic Collaborations and Pathways - 2017-29 - Final Report - April 2018

Sep 12, 2026

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Final Report April 2018 presents a qualitative research study examining data sharing practices in academic collaborations and pathways across six Ontario postsecondary institutions. The work investigates how institutions share student data, for what purposes, and which legal, privacy, and operational challenges must be mitigated to enable effective transfer. It synthesizes evidence from 31 interviews and two focus groups, reviews emerging trends, and compares approaches in the US and British Colombia to develop a reusable data sharing framework and draft agreement template.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatPDF

Pages21

Reading Time7 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Executive Summary

Challenges and limitations of data warehouses and the use of the OEN

What’s happening elsewhere? Examples from British Colombia (BC) and the United States (US)

Data Sharing Template & Framework

List of Partner Institutions

Research Ethics

Research Methodology

Literature Review

The Legal Framework – FIPPA (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act)

The OEN (Ontario Education Number)

Environmental Scan of Emerging Trends & Key Issues

Analysis & Limitations of the Data

Promising Practices & Challenges

Conclusion

References

A Framework for Data Sharing in Academic Collaborations and Pathways 2017-29 Final Report (April 2018) Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................. 3 Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................................... 3 Challenges and limitations of data warehouses and the use of the OEN ..................................................... 4 What’s happening elsewhere? Examples from British Colombia (BC) and the United States (US) .......... 5 Data Sharing Template & Framework................................................................................................................. 6 List of Partner Institutions ......................................................................................................................................... 7 Research Ethics ......................................................................................................................................................... 7 Research Methodology ............................................................................................................................................. 7 Literature Review ....................................................................................................................................................... 8 The Legal Framework – FIPPA (Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act) ......................... 11 The OEN (Ontario Education Number) ............................................................................................................. 12 Environmental Scan of Emerging Trends & Key Issues .................................................................................... 12 Analysis & Limitations of the Data ......................................................................................................................... 12 Limitations of the Study ....................................................................................................................................... 14 Promising Practices & Challenges ........................................................................................................................ 14 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................................ 18 References ................................................................................................................................................................ 21 Introduction Data Sharing in Academic Collaborations and Pathways was a qualitative research project which examined this practice in six Ontario postsecondary institutions. A larger more detailed report has been produced about the transfer of data among academic institutions in Ontario. However, below is a synopsis and excerpts of highlights from the larger report. As the lead institution on the project, York University followed institutional guidelines for the tendering of the research through its Procurement Services office. Thinklounge was the successful bidder and was subsequently hired to conduct the study by the project team. Executive Summary This research project was developed to explore data sharing practices between college and university partners in Ontario; and to provide broader guidance to PSE institutions across the province engaged in student data transfer. Three Universities and three colleges participated in the study: York University and Seneca College; Trent University and Fleming College; and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and Durham College. Central to the research was an exploration of the current data sharing practices among ins

FAQs

What is the purpose of the 2017-29 final report on data sharing in academic collaborations?

It explores data sharing practices between Ontario college and university partners and provides broader guidance for student data transfer across the province. It also aims to produce a process, a framework, and a draft agreement or MOU template for institutions.

Which institutions participated in the study?

York University and Seneca College; Trent University and Fleming College; and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) and Durham College participated. Additional interviews included stakeholders from the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC), the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD), and the Student Transitions Project in British Colombia.

How was the research conducted and what period did it cover?

The study used a literature review, 31 interviews, and two focus groups with participants from multiple institutional roles, including administration, faculty/academic and registration staff, and IT, legal, privacy, and ethics offices. Data collection began in late Fall 2017 and concluded in March 2018.

Sep 12, 2026

Upload by Rowan