What is a Community of Practice?
Communities of Practice Strategic Framework
Communities of Practice (CoP) are learning communities where members of that community share a specific domain of knowledge and have common ground in the work they perform. Members come together to share ideas, strategies and solutions and strengthen their knowledge-base through learning, collaboration and problem solving.
The idea for developing communities of practice was first suggested by HR professionals located at UW System institutions. In 2018, UW System Human Resources hosted CoP sessions for Human Resources, Payroll and Benefits during the Summer Conference. The results of these sessions were so positive that participants requested the CoPs continue.
The Human Resources & Talent Development institution-led CoP is active however the Benefits & Payroll CoP sunsetted in April 2021.
Additional information on the CoPs can be accessed below.
Additional CoP Information
CoPs are institution-led with sponsorship from UW System Human Resources. Community activities will stem from those areas on the strategic framework, including collaboration, experiential learning, effective HR practices, talent development and mentoring & coaching. The number of touchpoints and how often they occur will be driven by each individual CoP.
Membership to the CoPs is:
- Open to Human Resource, Payroll, Benefits and Talent Development professionals system-wide
- Voluntary to those who wish to actively participate
Contact the CoP directly for more information.
Name | Institution | Community of Practice | Role |
Karen Callaway | UW-Eau Claire | Human Resources/Talent Development | Co-leader |
Amy Sexton | UW-Whitewater | Human Resources/Talent Development | Co-leader |
CoP Leadership can be reached via email: UWS-CoPLeaders@uwsa.edu.
Membership the Human Resources & Talent Development CoP is open to any UW System HR professionals who wish to actively engage in the group. In addition to any community touchpoints, this CoP will also interface with the UW System HR Staff User Group which typically meets on the third Wednesday of every month.
Leaders: Karen Callaway (UW-Eau Claire) and Amy Sexton (UW-Whitewater)
For more information, or to reach this community, email UWS-CoPHR@uwsa.edu.
Membership in the Benefits & Payroll CoP was open to any UW System Benefits and/or Payroll professionals who wanted to actively engage in the group. In addition to any community touchpoints, this CoP interfaced with the Benefits & Payroll User Group.
The Benefits & Payroll CoP sunsetted in April 2021. Contact UW System Human Resources at uwshr@uwsa.edu for information on this CoP or to request to join the Benefits & Payroll User Group. Membership of the Benefits & Payroll User Group is open to any UW System Benefits and/or Payroll professional and typically meets on Tuesdays during off payroll weeks.