What is a Community of Practice?

A Community of Practice (CoP) is an important time for faculty and/or staff to gather and engage in critical conversations about how to best advance the work of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). CoPs are grounded in praxis which is understood to be the gap between theory and practice. It is the recognition of critical theory as an essential foundation that informs action and application, neither elitist or anti-intellectual. Participants will meet to discuss a reading/viewing or “workshop” a mini-lesson that inspires action based on research and evidence-based DEIB principles (e.g. shift in disposition and mindset – how we engage one another; disrupting micro-aggressions; increasing knowledge about diverse social groups; policy analysis and equity audit; syllabus revision, etc.). Discussing and practicing with one another can offer affirming support and build skill sets. To achieve the full benefits of these collaborative conversations with your peers, Communities of Practice require your dedicated time, willingness to contribute and ability to be fully present when possible. 

All UWT staff and faculty are welcome to join this professional development opportunity. You do not need to attend every scheduled meeting to participate. 

Options:

Subjects

Dates

Times

Location

FACULTY: Teaching Courses with the Diversity Designation

This Community of Practice is for faculty who desire to reflect on their pedagogy, share lesson plans and discuss case studies with colleagues. 

First 

Wednesday 

of the Month

 

12:30 - 1:20pm

LIght Refreshments will be served

 SNO 150

STAFF: Practicing DEIB-mindedness in the Workplace

This Community of Practice is ideal for those who want to share stories and practice identifying opportunities to apply an equity-minded approach to decision making and leadership. 

Third 

Wednesday

of the Month

 

12:30 - 1:20 pm

Light Refreshments will be served

 SNO 150