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Communities of Practice

A page within Student Affairs

Student Affairs Communities of Practice are informal, cross-functional learning groups where colleagues gather to share tips and tricks, explore emerging practices, and learn from one another in a welcoming environment. Each community meets monthly and is designed for all skill levels—whether you’re brand new or already advanced.

These sessions are facilitated conversations, not lectures: expect practical takeaways, real-world examples from UWL staff, and time for questions and peer support.

Who should join?

Any UWL Student Affairs employee who wants to build confidence, solve problems faster, and stay current.

What to Expect

  • Monthly meetings (schedule posted below/updated each semester)
    • No need to attend all the sessions. Come to one or all! 
  • Typically hosted around lunch time. Feel free to bring your lunch. 
  • RSVP encouraged, but not required. 
  • No judgment, no jargon—everyone is learning
  • Real examples from day-to-day Student Affairs work
  • Facilitated conversations with time for Q&A
  • Bring-your-own-question encouraged

Current Communities

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Build practical AI skills you can use right away.
This community explores responsible and effective uses of AI in Student Affairs work. We’ll share use cases, prompt strategies, workflow ideas, and lessons learned—while keeping an eye on privacy, ethics, and university guidelines.

You’ll get value if you want to:

  • Learn the basics of AI tools and terminology
  • Discover ways to save time on common tasks (writing, planning, summarizing, brainstorming)
  • Improve the quality of outputs with better prompting and iteration
  • Discuss appropriate use in student-facing and internal work
  • Hear what’s working (and what’s not) across offices

Schedule

  • Thursday, February 5, Noon-1pm
    • Student Union, 3115 Frey Conference Room
  • Thursday, March 5, Noon-1pm
    • Student Union, 3115 Frey Conference Room
  • Thursday, April 9, Noon-1pm
    • Student Union, 2310 Student Senate Chamber
  • Thursday, May 7, Noon-1pm
    • Student Union, 3115 Frey Conference Room

Facilitator: Nathan Barnhart, Rec Sports Associate Director

RSVP

Workday

Get more comfortable and efficient with Workday.
This community is a space to learn how colleagues navigate Workday tasks, find tools faster, and avoid common roadblocks. Whether you use Workday daily or only occasionally, you’ll leave with practical tips and a better understanding of “how it works.”

You’ll get value if you want to:

  • Build confidence completing common processes
  • Learn shortcuts, search strategies, and navigation tips
  • Share solutions to common issues and “how do I…?” questions
  • Understand changes, updates, and helpful features
  • Identify patterns and pain points to elevate to the right support channels

Schedule

  • Wednesday, February 11, 11:30am-12:30pm
    • Student Union, 3125 Topinka Conference Room
  • Wednesday, March 4, 11:30am-12:30pm
    • Student Union, 3125 Topinka Conference Room
  • Wednesday, April 8, 11:30am-12:30pm 
    • Recreational Eagle Center (REC), Conference Room (161)
  • Wednesday, May 13, 11:30am-12:30pm 
    • Student Union, 3125 Topinka Conference Room

Facilitator: Andrew Avery-Johnson, SA & AB&C Business Manager

RSVP

Future Communities

As interest grows, additional communities may include:

  • Data & Assessment
  • Student Staff Supervision
  • Well-being
  • Other topics based on department needs and staff interest