Business and Finance AI Community of Practice

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Mission

This Community of Practice exists to empower University of Michigan staff by enhancing their technological skills and knowledge through workshops, peer learning, and resource sharing. By harnessing the potential of AI and other emerging technologies, the community is committed to eliminating repetitive tasks, improving efficiencies, sparking innovation, and cultivating a collaborative workspace where members can focus on projects and tasks that are meaningful to themselves and the University. Through collective learning and problem-solving, this community will drive professional growth, workplace satisfaction, and alignment with U-M’s broader goals for technological advancement. 

Background

The Community of Practice (CoP) was originally conceived within the Finance departments of Business and Finance at the University of Michigan. It began as a collaborative effort among the Procurement, Treasury, and Shared Services teams, who identified common challenges in their workflows that could be addressed using AI and other emerging technologies. By experimenting with innovative solutions, these teams successfully implemented use cases that streamlined processes and improved efficiency. The success of these early initiatives sparked interest across other departments, particularly after workshops hosted by the group showcased practical applications of AI in solving real-world problems. These workshops drew significant attention from staff across campus and caught the eye of the generative AI (genAI) team within Information and Technology Services (ITS). Recognizing the potential for broader impact, ITS partnered with these early adopters to formalize the initiative into a university-wide Community of Practice.

While the journey has been marked by successes, it has also presented challenges, such as addressing varying levels of technological expertise among staff and overcoming initial skepticism about AI adoption. However, these obstacles have only strengthened the CoP’s mission to foster learning, collaboration, and innovation across U-M. Today, this CoP serves as a hub for empowering staff to leverage technology in meaningful ways while building a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Objectives

  1. Peer Support and Collaboration
    1. Foster a supportive community where staff can share experiences, challenges, and successes related to technology adoption.
    2. Create opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration to solve common problems and develop best practices.
    3. Facilitate networking among members to build a sense of belonging and mutual learning.
  2. Workshops and Skill Development
    1. Offer hands-on workshops that focus on practical applications of AI and other emerging technologies.
    2. Provide tailored training sessions for various skill levels, ensuring inclusivity for both beginners and advanced users.
    3. Introduce real-world use cases that demonstrate how technology can address specific challenges in different roles.
  3. Teaching and Learning Community
    1. Establish a culture of continuous learning by encouraging members to both teach and learn from one another.
    2. Promote knowledge sharing through presentations, case studies, and collaborative problem-solving sessions.
    3. Develop resources such as guides, templates, and toolkits that members can access independently.
  4. Access to Experts
    1. Partner with subject matter experts from the generative AI (genAI) team in ITS and other departments to provide guidance and mentorship.
    2. Host guest speakers or panel discussions featuring leaders in AI and technology innovation.
    3. Offer one-on-one consultation opportunities for staff seeking personalized advice on implementing technology solutions.
  5. Driving Workplace Innovation
    1. Encourage experimentation with new technologies to streamline repetitive tasks, improve workflows, and enhance productivity.
    2. Align CoP activities with broader university goals for technological advancement and professional development.
    3. Empower staff to take ownership of their technological growth, fostering confidence in using tools that make their work more meaningful.

By focusing on peer support, workshops, teaching/learning opportunities, access to experts, and workplace innovation, this CoP creates a vibrant ecosystem where staff can grow professionally while contributing to a culture of collaboration and technological excellence at U-M. These objectives ensure that the CoP addresses immediate needs and builds long-term capacity for innovation across the university. This response ties directly to the mission and background while clearly articulating actionable goals that align with the CoP's purpose. It also highlights how these objectives will benefit members and contribute to the university's broader vision.

Membership Information

The AI Community of Practice (CoP) at the University of Michigan is open to all staff members across campus who are interested in leveraging AI and emerging technologies to enhance their work. Originally focused on Business and Finance teams, the CoP has expanded with support from central campus to include a broader university-wide audience.

Who Can Join

  • Any U-M staff member, regardless of department or role, who is interested in learning about and applying AI and technology in their work.
  • Individuals at all levels of technological expertise—from beginners curious about AI to advanced users looking to deepen their knowledge—are welcome.

Membership Benefits

  • Workshops and Training: Access hands-on workshops tailored to various skill levels that demonstrate practical applications of AI.
  • Peer Support: Join a collaborative network of colleagues who share experiences, challenges, and solutions related to technology adoption.
  • Expert Guidance: Learn from subject matter experts, including the generative AI (genAI) team in ITS, through consultations and guest speaker sessions.
  • Resource Sharing: Gain access to curated tools, templates, and guides to help you implement AI solutions in your work.
  • Professional Growth: Build skills that streamline repetitive tasks, foster innovation, and enhance workplace satisfaction.

How to Join

Joining is easy! Visit the AI CoP Membership Page on MCommunity to sign up. Once you join, you’ll receive updates on upcoming events, workshops, and resources. Membership is free and open to all eligible U-M staff. (point to something on the website)

By joining the CoP, you’ll become part of a vibrant community dedicated to exploring how technology can transform the way we work at U-M.