Institutional ICT Governance and Digital Transformation Policy

Policy Statement

An-Najah National University (ANNU) formally declares that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a strategic institutional asset governed at the highest levels of university leadership. ICT at ANNU is not managed as a purely technical function confined to the Computer Center; rather, it is governed as a cross-institutional responsibility that encompasses strategic planning, resource allocation, performance accountability, and alignment with the University's academic, research, and sustainability mission.

This Policy establishes binding institutional governance over all ICT systems, services, and decisions across the University. It affirms that ICT planning and oversight are subject to University Council endorsement, executive committee oversight, and annual institutional review — ensuring that technology serves people, strategy, and values, not merely operational convenience.

Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to:

• Formally establish ICT as a domain of institutional governance, distinct from and complementary to its technical management.

• Define clear accountability structures for ICT decision-making at the strategic, institutional, and operational levels.

• Ensure that all ICT investments, deployments, and evaluations are aligned with ANNU's Strategic Plan, Digital Transformation Strategy 2023–2027, and Sustainability Action Plan.

• Provide a verifiable institutional framework that demonstrates ANNU's compliance with the UI GreenMetric Governance and Digitalization criteria (GD.6 and GD.7), QS Sustainability, and THE Impact Rankings requirements.

• Promote integrated, evidence-based decision-making through ICT-enabled data systems, performance dashboards, and cross-unit reporting.

• Protect the University's digital assets, data integrity, and service continuity through institutionally sanctioned governance mechanisms.

Scope

This Policy applies to all of the following:=

Persons: All academic staff, administrative staff, students, contractors, and vendors interacting with ANNU ICT systems.

Units: All faculties, deanships, administrative departments, research centers, and satellite campuses of ANNU.

Systems: All ICT systems owned, operated, or funded by the University, including academic portals, ERP systems, LMS platforms, research management systems, IoT and AI platforms, cybersecurity infrastructure, and sustainability dashboards.

Decisions: All decisions regarding ICT procurement, deployment, integration, discontinuation, and external partnerships.

Guiding Principles

The following principles govern all ICT-related decisions and activities at ANNU:

• Strategic Alignment: ICT investments and initiatives shall directly support ANNU's strategic plan and digital transformation priorities. No major ICT system shall be deployed without documented institutional justification.

• Institutional Accountability: Every ICT system shall have a designated institutional owner at the deanship or administrative unit level, accountable for its performance, compliance, and alignment with this Policy.

• Cross-Functional Integration: ICT systems shall be designed to enable cross-unit data sharing and integrated institutional reporting. Siloed systems incapable of integration require prior ICT Committee approval.

• Evidence-Based Governance: ICT performance shall be measured against defined KPIs, monitored continuously, and formally reported to the University Council on an annual basis. Data shall drive budget and upgrade decisions.

• Data Governance and Security: All ICT systems handling university data shall comply with applicable data protection regulations and ANNU's data governance standards. Audit trails, access controls, and disaster recovery plans shall be maintained.

• Sustainability Integration: ICT governance shall actively support ANNU's environmental sustainability goals. Energy efficiency, digital service adoption, and paperless workflow metrics shall be incorporated into GreenMetric and SDG reporting.

• Inclusivity and Accessibility: ICT systems and digital services shall be designed and maintained to ensure equitable access for all members of the university community, including persons with disabilities.

ICT Governance Structure

ANNU adopts a three-tier model to ensure ICT is governed institutionally at every level:

Strategic: 

• (Governing Body): University Council & Rector's Office

• (Key Responsibilities): Approves ICT policy; endorses the Digital Transformation Strategy; allocates strategic ICT budget; reviews annual ICT performance reports.

Institutional

• (Governing Body): ICT Governance Committee (chaired by Vice-Rector)

• (Key Responsibilities): Oversees policy implementation; approves major ICT projects; ensures cross-unit integration; monitors institutional KPIs; reports to the Council.

Operational

• (Governing Body): Computer Center & ICT Department

• (Key Responsibilities): Manages day-to-day ICT operations; implements approved projects; maintains systems and security; reports to the Governance Committee.

Institutionally Governed ICT Systems

The following systems are formally recognized as institutional ICT assets subject to this Policy:

• Najah2Twin Smart Campus Platform — infrastructure monitoring and sustainability evaluation

• ANNU Sustainability Dashboard — KPI tracking for GreenMetric and SDG reporting

• Zajel Academic Portal (ERP) — student, HR, finance, and academic administration

• Moodle LMS & Virtual Labs — digital learning continuity

• Grant Management System (GMS) — research governance and funding accountability

• AI Decision-Support Dashboard — data-driven institutional decision-making

• Network & Cybersecurity Infrastructure — service continuity and data security

• Research Analytics Platforms (SciVal / Scopus) — research performance benchmarking

Policy Compliance

Compliance with this Policy is mandatory for all university units and personnel. Deans and heads of administrative units are responsible for compliance within their respective units. The ICT Governance Committee shall conduct semi-annual compliance reviews. Significant breaches — including unauthorized system procurement or data security violations — shall be escalated to the Rector's Office and addressed in accordance with applicable university regulations.

 

Effective Date: 1/9/2023

Review Date: 1/9/2025

Revision Date: 1/9/2025