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CAUDIT Higher Education Reference Models

The Higher Education Reference Models provide standardised business and data architectures that communicate a generalised view of how higher education institutions are organised and the information they use.

These resources can be used in a variety of ways, such as a starter kit to accelerate an institution's business and data architecture, a reference point to explore commonalities and differentiators for the institution, and a communication tool to engage stakeholders.

The Higher Education Reference Models help members to:

  • increase the value and efficiency of their architecture teams
  • describe a 'whole of institution' view to colleagues within their institution
  • facilitate the exchange of architectural knowledge and good practice in the sector
  • support interoperability and collaboration between member organisations
  • improve engagement with industry in major projects and initiatives

Version 1 of these models was launched with a media release.in 2016, following the generous agreement between FromHereOn (FHO) and CAUDIT.  The CAUDIT Enterprise Architecture Community of Practice is responsible for the curation and evolution of the Higher Education Reference models.  Subsequently, Version 2 of the Business Capability Model was released in May 2019 and Version 2.5.0 was launched in October 2020 with a consolidated refresh of both the Data Reference Model and the Business Capability Model.

The latest release of the Higher Education Reference Models, Version 2.6.0, has been further developed through warm and constructive collaborations with international colleagues from UCISA and EDUCAUSE.  Joint Statements of Intent to work together on the future Higher Education Reference Models have been signed by CAUDIT with UCISA and EDUCAUSE, underscoring the significance of this global collaboration.

The CAUDIT Higher Education Reference Models

The reference models published here are provided in formats that will allow them to be loaded into common modelling and repository tools.  The entire distribution of the Higher Education Reference Models is provided in a single ZIP archive. [DOWNLOAD THE MODELS HERE]

Business Reference Model

The Higher Education Business Reference Model describes a standard set of business architecture elements relevant to higher education. It can be used by business stakeholders, enterprise architects and technology strategists to discuss the effectiveness of the organisation, its needs and challenges.  As of Version 2.6.0, the Business Reference Model comprises a Business Capability Model and a new Business Model Canvas.

Business Capability Model Files

  • HERM-BCM-V260-model.pdf = poster
  • HERM-BCM-V260-catalogue.xlsx =  catalogue of descriptions
  • HERM-BCM-V260-changelog.xlsx =  changelog from previous version
  • HERM-BCM-V260-archimate-beta.archimate =  beta version ArchiMate
  • HERM-BCM-V260-model.vdx =  beta version Visio VDX
  • HERM-BCM-V260-model.vsdx =  beta version Visio VSDX

Business Model Canvas Files

  • HERM-BMC-V260-canvas.pdf =  poster
  • HERM-BMC-V260-supporting.pdf =  supporting explanatory notes
  • HERM-BMC-V260-visio-beta.vdx =  beta version Visio VDX
  • HERM-BMC-V260-visio-beta.vsdx =  beta version Visio VSDX

Data Reference Model

The Higher Education Enterprise Architecture Data Reference Model describes a standard set of conceptual data architecture elements relevant to higher education. It provides a common language for business stakeholders, enterprise architects and technology strategists to communicate clearly.

Data Reference Model Files

  • HERM-DRM-V260-model.pdf = poster
  • HERM-DRM-V260-catalogue.xlsx = catalogue of descriptions
  • HERM-DRM-V260-changelog.xlsx = changelog from previous version
  • HERM-DRM-V260-archimate-beta.archimate = beta version ArchiMate
  • HERM-DRM-V260-visio-beta.vdx = beta version Visio VDX
  • HERM-DRM-V260-visio-beta.vsdx = beta version Visio VSDX

Community Involvement

The ongoing development and enhancement of the Higher Education Reference Models is community-driven, and all suggestions and feedback are warmly and always encouraged.

Queries about the CAUDIT Higher Education Reference Models can be directed to:

Nigel Foxwell
James Cook University
nigel.foxwell@jcu.edu.au		 jeff kennedy
The University of Auckland
jeff.kennedy@auckland.ac.nz

Additionally, international colleagues are encouraged to engage as follows:

  • UCISA members through the UCISA Enterprise Architecture Special Interest Group
  • EDUCAUSE members through the ITANA Enterprise, Business, & Technical Architects Community Group

Queries from representatives of overseas (i.e. non-CAUDIT member) higher education institutions can be directed to:

The CAUDIT National Office

License and Usage

The CAUDIT Higher Education Reference Models provided here are offered free of charge under the Creative Commons 4.0 Attribution- NonCommercial- ShareAlike license (i.e., CC BY-NC-SA,  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/).

The reference models may not be bundled, sublicensed or used for commercial purpose, or passed on to other organisations.  You are free to reproduce, customise, and share, in whole or part, the artifacts published here under this licence.  By downloading this material you are agreeing:

  • to make any modifications available for consideration to include in future versions of the Higher Education Reference Models
  • to attribute CAUDIT in any material produced from these artifacts
  • acknowledge CAUDIT in any presentations of work based on these artifacts
  • to share the material published here, or any derivatives you produce, under the same conditions