In order to have aligned tracking, analyzing, and reporting student and institutional outcomes, it is important to create and maintain a data definition and a data infrastructure. This enable the institution to report institutional value and effectiveness across varying functions for the institution, including academic, student, faculty, and financial, and HR.

A collaborative process that involves all the stakeholders is essential to create a proper data definition and data infrastructure. A committee should be formed to solicit inputs and jointly decide what is best and appropriate for the institution. Academic administrators, faculty members, registrar, student service, HR, Finance, and institutional research can be invited to this committee.