18 February 2025 - Higher Education Reference Models – version 3.1 release
We are thrilled to announce the release of the latest version of our Higher Education Reference Models, Version 3.1. This new release marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to support and enhance the higher education sector.
The Higher Education Reference Models are global industry-standard enterprise architecture reference models that support strategic business and technology planning in higher education. This document highlights the significant changes introduced by Version 3.1.0 of the Higher Education Reference Models (HERM) and signals the direction of enhancements and extensions that will be explored for future releases.
What’s new?
With the exception of delivering the new Technology Reference Model, the HERM Version 3.1.0 release introduces only minor changes to the existing artefacts. Every change introduced since the previous HERM version is detailed by the included changelogs. In overview, the:
- Technology Reference Model is a new addition to the HERM that complements the Business, Data, and Application models and stands alongside the ARM, providing an industry-agnostic technology-services taxonomy. This first release will trigger questions and comments, and the HERM Working Group looks forward to engaging with the community to understand how the TRM can be strengthened in future iterations.
- Business Model Canvas has received typographical corrections to its explainer documentation.
- Business Capability Model has received a small number of business-capability name or description changes, and the display sequence has been refreshed to improve consumability.
- Data Reference Model has received a small number of new data entities and description improvements and its accompanying explainer document has been refreshed.
- Application Reference Model has received several additions and improvements, most of which originated from community feedback provided since the ARM was first published with the HERM Version 3.0.0 release.
How to access the models
Access to the HERM models is available to UCISA members. Please email projects@ucisa.ac.uk to request access to the latest version of the models.
Future sessions
The UCISA Enterprise Architecture group is aiming to organise a series of workshops about HERM including an overview of HERM 3.1, and specific topics such as application rationalisation with HERM.
More about HERM
The Higher Education Reference Models are developed by contributors from CAUDIT, EDUCAUSE, EUNIS, and UCISA – an ongoing collaboration ensures that HERM continues to evolve as a vital resource for the sector.
To learn more click here.
