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Version: 1.0.0
Last Revised: January 2021

Overview

This section outlines the charter for the NSPA Data Standards Initiative.

Objectives

  • Define and standardize the scholarship program data model and data elements available to the NSPA membership and the broader scholarship community.

  • Develop efficient methods for the exchange of scholarship data between systems.

  • Provide a robust reference design that can simplify implementations of scholarship information systems, particularly searching, matching, and reporting systems.

  • Support the scholarship space in establishing sensitive, inclusive language to describe program elements and the characteristics of the students we serve.

Members

The Data Standards Steering Committee members are subject matter experts in structuring scholarship programs and eligibility criteria, capturing scholarship program data, and technology-based information exchange.

Current invitees to the Charter Meeting include representatives from the following organizations:

  • Ascendium

  • AwardSpring

  • Blackbaud

  • Campus Logic

  • Cappex

  • Columbus Foundation

  • Constellation Scholarship Partners

  • Foundant

  • ISTS

  • Michael & Susan Dell Foundation

  • Scholarship America

  • The College Board

  • Universities Canada

  • UNCF

  • WizeHive

Organizations and attendees who wish to have their current or past participation remain anonymous may request removal from the list.

Organization

NSPA Data Standards Committee

The main body of the organization is the Data Standards Committee.

This group provides both programmatic subject matter expertise, directional guidance for the initiative as a whole, and technology expertise. Deep technology expertise is not required of committee members, only that members have experience in the scholarship community.

Steering Committee members are, ideally, in a program leadership or technology leadership role, in their respective organizations and programs. The primary function of the Steering Committee is to:

  • Advise the NSPA regarding the scope of work to be hosted within the NSPA Data Standards Initiative.

  • Prioritize activities taken on by the Steering Committee and any Working Groups.

  • Make recommendations and provide feedback with respect to potential additions, clarifications, and changes to the Scholarship Program Data Standard and any other standards established under the purview of the Data Standards Initiative.

  • Provide technology direction and programmatic feedback on issues that have surfaced.

Working Groups

Technology Working Group

[ DRAFT NOTE - Q4-2020 - We propose the initial establishment of at least one “working group.” This group consists of the technologists and data analysts that advise on the concrete technical specifications and data definitions. Significantly, this group is focused on providing input on technical and implementation matters — though writing specifications, defining data schema, or other concrete technical contributions are not a requirement for participation.

For the 2020–2021 cycle, the Dell Foundation and NSPA are providing the resources to do the technical work on the NSPA Scholarship Program Data Standard. This same group MAY be able to take on or start relatively lightweight additional research or definitional work. If the Data Standards Committee unearths a high-priority initiative not covered by existing resources, this group can at a minimum scout out additional resources and coordinate efforts. ]

Ad Hoc Working Groups

[ DRAFT NOTE - Q4-2020 - From time to time, we expect it will be useful to convene ad hoc working groups focused on a particular topic. These will be constituted by volunteers who have expertise to offer or concerns about implementation details in a particular area. An NSPA Coordinator will officially constitute an ad hoc group. Informal groups may, of course, be formed outside of the NSPA purview.

For example, the current data model development backlog includes additional support for Canadian scholarship programs, international & study-abroad programs, program outcomes, and other thorny topics. Presuming interest and availability from initiative participants, these are areas where contributions from a small group with particular expertise will make for a better standard. ]

NSPA Coordinator

The NSPA shall appoint a staff member to serve in a coordination and facilitation role in service to the Data Standards Initiative. The NSPA Coordinator will also ensure that the NSPA Leadership, Board of Directors, and NSPA Membership at large are kept aware of the doings of the NSPA Data Standards Initiative.

Process

Meetings

  • Meetings will be called by the NSPA Coordinator.

  • An Annual Meeting of the Steering Committee will be held during or around the time of the NSPA Conference.

  • Secondary meetings of the Steering Committee may be called quarterly as indicated by current activity and member availability.

  • Technology Working Group meetings will generally be held around the time of Steering Committee meetings, with ad-hoc, optional-attendance meetings held as needed.

  • Most meetings will be held virtually, even in normal times. Members may participate “live” or provide written input in advance of a meeting, though live attendance is strongly encouraged.

Connection to NSPA

  • The NSPA Coordinator will ensure that the NSPA Board and NSPA Membership at large are kept aware of the doings of the NSPA Data Standards Initiative.

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