Circle U. is happy to launch the second call for Circle U. Communities of Practice (CoPs).
This year, you can:
- Join an existing CoP (see the Circle U. website)
- Relaunch a new CoP with at least 2 universities related to these topics:
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
- Mobility for Students and Staff (Erasmus+, global partnerships, short-term mobilities)
- Student Wellbeing (daily wellbeing, risk and crisis management)
What is a Community of Practice?
CoPs bring together administrative and professional staff from across the alliance to exchange experiences, explore new approaches, and build meaningful collaborations.
A CoP is a group of colleagues who share a professional interest and want to learn from one another through regular exchanges. Joining a CoP is an opportunity to connect across universities, develop skills, create solutions, discover new perspectives, engage in peer learning and contribute to shared practices within Circle U.
What can you expect of a CoP?
- Sharing best practices
- Online discussions on specific challenges
- Inviting experts from partner universities
- Developing resources or training materials
- Staff visits or job shadowing
- Joining the in-person event
Roles and responsibilities within a CoP
- Coordinator(s): organise meetings, follow up with members, prepare a short annual update
- Members: participate actively, share ideas, propose topics
- Circle U. contact person: support, provide tools, ensure continuity
- Circle U. Alliance: offer visibility, communication channels, and resources
Key dates and activities
- Info session with testimonials (online): 20 April 2026, 12:30–13:30 CET
- Submission deadline: 30 April 2026
- Results: Late May 2026
- Kick-off meeting: June 2026
- Staff Week in Aarhus for CoP participants, 5 – 6 October 2026
Requirements and expectations
Each CoP defines its own method and goals. Minimum requirements:
- 1–2 virtual meetings per semester
- A simple yearly work plan
- Willingness to collaborate across Circle U. institutions
- Optional peer-learning activities (e.g. short exchanges, sharing practices)
Selection and follow-up
A committee will review the submissions and selected CoPs will be announced in late May, followed by a kick-off meeting in June.
Each CoP will have a Circle U. contact person for support and continuity. Active members receive a certificate of participation after one year.
Opportunities for CoP Members
- Participation in the Circle U. Staff Week in Aarhus (October 2026)
- Possibilities for staff training and job-shadowing
- Access to mobility funding (e.g. Erasmus+) via home institutions
- Exchange of practices and expertise throughout every CoP meeting
