Building Connections and Knowledge
IT Communities of Practice (CoPs) are groups of professionals across the Fulton Schools of Engineering who come together to share knowledge, develop skills, and strengthen professional relationships.
Sponsored by Engineering Technical Services, IT CoPs empower staff, faculty and students to collaborate across engineering schools, fostering innovation and a shared sense of purpose.
The Three Pillars of Communities of Practice
- The Domain. Shared technology interest that brings people together.
- The Community. People who engage in discussion and learn about tech together.
- The Practice. Tools, experiences, and documentation that members share.
Joining or forming a CoP is easy!
Here’s how:
Find Your Interest
Search the Directory for a CoP that matches interest.
Join an Existing CoP
Contact the organizer to express your interest.
Start a Community
Review the Toolkit, complete a request, then start meeting.
Still have questions? Reach out to us at ETS CoP Support.
By Joining a CoP, You’ll:
- Build connections with IT professionals.
- Expand knowledge and grow resources.
- Improve your ability to support customers.
- Contribute to IT best practices.
Support Resources
- CoP Formation Toolkit
Templates for charters, meeting agendas, and action plans. - Best Practices Guide
Read tips on running effective meetings and keeping participants engaged. - Platform Recommendations
Explore tools like Microsoft Teams and Slack for virtual collaboration.
Communities of Practice Directory
Recognized Technology Communities within Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
| Domain | Champion | Liaison | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity | Sergio Ortega | Jennifer Tweedy | Accepting new members |
| Airtable Development | Chris Puddy | Allison Shive | Accepting new members |
| AI for Technologists | Andrew Ingram | Matt Uhrich | Accepting new members |
| Emerging Technology | Discovery |
FAQ
A CoP is a group of IT professionals who share a common interest in a particular area of technology. Members collaborate to share knowledge, solve problems, and enhance their expertise.
Check the Community Directory to find an active CoP that aligns with your interests. Contact the listed leader to join.
Absolutely! Review the CoP Formation Toolkit for guidance on forming a new community. Submit your proposal to ETS CoP Support for recognition and support.
ETS offers resources like training, templates, and platform recommendations, as well as recognition for established CoPs. Contact us for more details.
Not at all. CoPs can focus on any IT-related area that benefits Fulton Schools, from cybersecurity to collaboration tools.
Participation is voluntary but highly encouraged. It’s a great way to grow professionally and connect with peers.
Resources to Support Communities of Practice
Whether you’re starting a new CoP or looking to enhance an existing one, these resources are here to help:
CoP Formation Toolkit
Get Started: CoP Formation Toolkit
Starting a Community of Practice (CoP) is easier with the right tools. Our CoP Formation Toolkit provides everything you need to create a successful and sustainable group.
What’s Included:
CoP Charter Template: Define your group’s purpose, goals, and membership criteria.
Meeting Agenda Guide: Plan and structure productive CoP meetings.
Action Plan Template: Set achievable objectives and track your community’s progress.
Leadership Guide: Tips and best practices for leading a thriving CoP.
Ready to form a new CoP? Download the toolkit and take the first step toward building your community. If you have questions or need additional guidance, reach out to ETS CoP Support.
Best Practices Guide
Your Guide to CoP Success
Running a Community of Practice (CoP) requires collaboration, planning, and sustained engagement. Our Best Practices Guide provides actionable insights to help your CoP thrive.
Key Topics Covered:
- Engaging Members: Proven strategies to keep participants motivated and involved.
- Effective Communication: Tips for using tools like Teams and Slack to streamline collaboration.
- Meeting Best Practices: How to plan and facilitate impactful discussions that drive value.
- Overcoming Challenges: Strategies to address time constraints, competing priorities, and other common hurdles.
Download the Best Practices Guide to ensure your CoP meets its goals and supports its members effectively. For personalized advice, contact a member of ETS Leadership.
Platform Recommendations
Tools to Keep Your Community Connected
Choosing the right platform for your Community of Practice (CoP) is crucial for fostering collaboration and communication. Below are recommended platforms supported by ETS to help you succeed:
Recommended Platforms:
- Slack: A flexible tool for synchronous group communication. Learn More
- Zoom: Perfect for virtual gatherings and webinars when face-to-face meetings aren’t possible. Learn More
- Microsoft Teams: Ideal for creating channels, hosting virtual meetings, and sharing documents seamlessly. Learn More
- Google Workspace: Use tools like Google Drive, Docs, and Calendar for streamlined collaboration. Learn More