What is a Community of Practice?
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.
In 2018, UW System Human Resources hosted CoP sessions for Human Resources, Payroll and Benefits during the Summer Conference hosted by UW-Stevens Point. The results of these sessions were so positive and successful that participants requested the CoPs continue. Four institution-led CoPs were announced in Fall 2018 sponsored by UWSHR: Human Resources, Payroll, Benefits and Talent Development. Utilize the tabs below for more information on the CoPs.
Additional CoP Information
CoP Governance
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 HR, Payroll, Benefits and Talent Development professionals system-wide
- Voluntary to those who wish to actively participate
Please contact the CoP directly for more information.
CoP Leadership
Name | Institution | Community of Practice | Role |
Becky Schermer | UW-Parkside | Human Resources | Leader |
Amy Sexton | UW-Whitewater | Human Resources | Co-leader |
Megan Stauffacher | UW-La Crosse | Payroll | Leader |
Amy Bobylak | UW-Parkside | Payroll | Co-leader |
Mary Kay Sankey | UW-Stout | Benefits | Leader |
Susan Voit | UW-Milwaukee | Benefits | Co-leader |
Karen Callaway | UW-Eau Claire | Talent Development | Leader |
Jane Laufenberg | UW-Platteville | Talent Development | Co-leader |
CoP Leadership can be reached via email: UWS-CoPLeaders@uwsa.edu.
Human Resources CoP
Membership 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 HR Staff User Group which typically meets on the third Wednesday of every month.
Leaders: Becky Schermer (UW-Parkside) and Amy Sexton (UW-Whitewater).
For more information, or to reach this community, please email UWS-CoPHR@uwsa.edu.
Payroll CoP
Membership is open to any UW System Payroll professionals who wish to actively engage in the group. In addition to any community touchpoints, this CoP will interface with the Benefits and Payroll User Group which typically meets on the third Tuesday of every month.
Leaders: Amy Bobylak (UW-Parkside)
For more information, or to reach this community, please email UWS-CoPPayroll@uwsa.edu.
Benefits CoP
Membership is open to any UW System Benefits professionals who wish to actively engage in the group. In addition to any community touchpoints, this CoP will interface with the Benefits and Payroll User Group which typically meets on the third Tuesday of every month.
Leaders: Mary Kay Sankey (UW-Stout) and Susan Voit (UW-Milwaukee)
For more information, or to reach this community, please email UWS-CoPBenefits@uwsa.edu.
Talent Development CoP
Membership is open to any UW System Talent Development professionals who wish to actively engage in the group.
Leaders: Karen Callaway (UW-Eau Claire)
For more information, or to reach this community, please email UWS-CoPTalentDev@uwsa.edu.