Industry Engagement in Action: A Community of Practice

Community Information

Facilitating Department: Office of Corporate Partnerships, Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections

Facilitator: Kerry Spitze, Senior Director, Office of Corporate Partnerships

Community Duration: This community will meet in Fall 2025 with an option for participants to continue individually in Spring 2026.

Meeting Schedule, Modality & Location: 

The schedule outlined below for the Fall 2025 semester is flexible based on group availability. The Spring 2026 schedule of meetings will be determined based on individual participant interest and availability.

• Thu, Sept 4, 10:00-11:00 AM, Olscamp 106
• Thu, Sept 25, 10:00-11:00 AM, Olscamp 106
• Thu, Oct 9, 10:00-11:00 AM, Olscamp 106
• Thu, Oct 23, 10:00-11:00 AM, Olscamp 106
• Thu, Nov 6, 10:00-11:00 AM, Olscamp 106
• Thu, Nov 20, 10:00-11:00 AM, Olscamp 106
• Thu, Dec 4, 10:00-11:00 AM, Olscamp 106

Community Participants: This Community of Practice is designed specifically for faculty and instructors seeking to explore or deepen their engagement with industry partners.

Community Description:

Are you interested in building or deepening relationships with industry partners, but not sure where to start? Industry engagement can be complex, with unclear points of entry and expectations. Offered in two distinct phases, this community will demystify the process of building industry relationships through peer exchange, shared learning, and access to campus experts. Facilitated by the Office of Corporate Partnerships, this community offers a supportive space for faculty and instructors who are interested in exploring how industry engagement can enhance student success, applied research, and workforce development.

In Phase 1 (Fall 2025), we will explore best practices, processes, and practical tools for navigating industry relationships—including partner pathways, framing academic value, leveraging available campus resources, and developing outreach strategies. 

Phase 2 (Spring 2026) is an optional applied experience to put your learning into action. During this phase, you will develop a targeted engagement plan. The facilitator, serving as a strategic partner and coach, will help you identify contacts, shape messaging, and prepare for outreach as a “wingman” throughout the process.

Together, we will foster a more connected ecosystem of partnership that supports applied research, experiential learning, workforce development, and innovation.

Community Learning Outcomes:

By participating in this community, you will be able to:

• Understand the stages and principles of effective industry engagement.
• Gain clarity on university resources, points of contact, and engagement pathways.
• Frame your academic work in ways that resonate with industry audiences.
• Initiate and maintain conversations with industry partners.
• Share challenges and successes with peers to develop a shared knowledge base.
• Contribute to shaping a more coordinated and strategic approach to industry engagement for yourself and/or your department.

Participant Expectations:

As a member of this community, you are expected to:

• Attend 85% of all scheduled community meetings. 
• Participate actively in meetings by sharing insights, questions, or experiences related to industry outreach.
• Complete occasional reflection or planning activities designed to help you clarify goals, potential partners, and areas of alignment with relevant industry. 
• Provide periodic feedback to the facilitator to ensure the sessions remain relevant, helpful, and responsive to faculty needs. 

Registration for this community is now closed.