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Zayed University Open-Data Guideline


1. Purpose:

This guideline outlines the principles, processes, and best practices for managing, sharing, and utilizing open data at Zayed University. Open data refers to publicly available datasets for anyone to use, modify, and distribute, subject to any necessary licensing terms.

2. Definitions

  • Open Data: Data that is made publicly available, can be reused, and redistributed by anyone, subject to licensing.

  • Licensing: Legal terms that specify how the data can be used, modified, or shared.

  • Stakeholders: Individuals, researchers, government bodies, and other institutions that utilize university data for decision-making, research, and innovation.

3. Principles of Open Data

  • Transparency: Data should be made accessible to promote accountability and transparency, ensuring stakeholders can easily access key information.

  • Usability: The data provided should be easily understandable and usable for a wide range of purposes.

  • Accessibility: All datasets should be made available in a manner that allows the general public to access them without the need for special permission.

  • Privacy Protection: Ensuring that personal and sensitive information is protected, in compliance with Zayed University’s data privacy policies and UAE laws.

4. Types of Open Data

The following types of data are typically shared as open data:

  • Annual Zayed University Factbook

  • Faculty and Staff Distribution Datasets

  • E-services Usage Datasets

  • Students Enrollment Datasets

  • Degrees Awarded Datasets

5. Data Publication Process

  • Data Identification: Identify data that is suitable for release, ensuring it aligns with open data principles.

  • Data Cleansing: Ensure the data is anonymized and stripped of any sensitive or personally identifiable information.

  • Data Format: Publish the data in widely accepted formats like CSV, JSON, or XML to ensure accessibility.

  • Platform: Make the data available via the university’s official open data portal, where users can easily access, search, and download the datasets.

6. Use of Open Data

  • Academic Research: Researchers within and outside Zayed University can leverage open data to develop insights, new theories, or publications.

  • Public and Government Bodies: Government agencies can utilize the data for educational policy development, monitoring employment trends, or making informed decisions.

  • Students and Public: Open data provide students and the public with information that supports education, community projects, and independent research.

7. Data Updates and Maintenance

  • Regular Updates: Ensure that data is updated annually to keep information relevant.

  • Error Reporting: Establish a clear process for reporting and correcting any inaccuracies or issues found in the data.

8. Limitations and Exceptions

Certain types of data should not be shared publicly due to their sensitive nature, such as:

  • Personal and Confidential Information: Data that could reveal personal details about staff, students, or alumni.

  • Internal Strategic Plans: Confidential documents related to the university’s internal governance and strategic planning.

9. Awareness

Zayed University promotes awareness of open data principles and their benefits across the university community. The university encourages everyone to utilize open data through initiatives such as hackathons and other collaborative events. These activities aim to foster innovation and engagement with open data, empowering participants to develop solutions that leverage the available datasets.