The Secret Weapon of High-Impact Advising Programs: "Communities of Practice"

Advising can sometimes feel like a solitary job, especially in institutions where departments, campuses, or colleges silo academic advisors. But advisors are also some of the most resourceful, passionate professionals on campus. When they come together to share insights, solve problems, and support one another, powerful things happen. These informal networks, often known as “communities of practice,” are one of the most underutilized forces for professional growth and institutional improvement.

Why This Matters

Professional development can occur in formal ways, and it can also happen informally in the hallway, in a Teams chat, or over coffee. As colleges seek more ways to improve student success, peer collaboration emerges as both a smart strategy and a morale booster. Organically assembled communities of practice created by advisors, for advisors, are authentic, relevant, and sustainable.

What Is a Community of Practice?

A community of practice (CoP) is a group of people who share a common interest. In this case, academic advisors who want to deepen their knowledge and skills by interacting regularly. These communities aren’t formal committees or top-down initiatives. They emerge when advisors find value in learning together, solving shared problems, and pushing one another toward excellence.

How to Build One Organically

1. Start With Shared Curiosity

Most CoPs begin with a question or challenge. “How are others handling student probation cases?” “What’s the best way to integrate career conversations into advising?” "How can we support our students who are undocumented?" Start informal conversations around shared interests or common pain points.

2. Keep It Casual and Consistent

You don’t need an agenda or PowerPoint. A monthly lunch chat, a biweekly coffee break, or a Teams group chat can keep the conversation going. The key is regularity and a low-pressure environment that encourages openness.

3. Leverage Diverse Voices

Communities of practice thrive when they include advisors from different departments, campuses, or advising models, and employees from different departments or divisions. This diversity sparks creativity and allows members to cross-pollinate ideas that might not emerge in more homogeneous groups. [Additional Reading: Leading a Meeting? Here are the Biggest Mistakes to Avoid]

4. Focus on Practical Outcomes

While communities are about connection, they’re also about action. Whether it’s creating a shared resource folder, co-developing training materials, or piloting new advising techniques, look for ways to apply what you’re learning together.

5. Document and Share

CoPs generate great ideas, and don’t let them disappear. Keep shared notes, summarize takeaways, and offer them to your leadership. This shows impact and can help secure support or visibility for the group.

6. Create Space for Vulnerability

CoPs work best when advisors can show up as their real selves: uncertain, imperfect, and learning. Normalize asking questions and admitting challenges. These conversations often lead to the richest growth.

Conclusion

Advising doesn’t have to be lonely, and learning doesn’t have to be top-down. When advisors band together in communities of practice, they tap into collective wisdom, build lasting relationships, and create a stronger culture of learning and belonging. The best part? Anyone can start one, and everyone has something to offer. [New Course: Career Coaching Course for Career Center Staff]