Thought Partner Program:  Beyond the Tools - Rethinking the Digital Workplace in Higher Education

Where: Virtual

When: 
Friday, October 16, 2026, 10:00 am-11:30 am
Friday, October 23, 2026, 10:00 am-11:30 am
Friday, October 30, 2026, 10:00 am-11:30 am
Friday, November 6 2026, 10:00 am-11:30 am

Note: Zoom login instructions will be sent the day prior. If you have not received login instructions by 4:00 pm the day before the first session, please check your spam folder. If you still have not received the login details, please email nercomp@nercomp.org.

Workshop Organizer:  Ray Frohlich of Yale University

Registration Fee:
NERCOMP Member: Free
Non-Member: $45

Event Overview
Most institutions have invested in the tools that power today’s digital workplace—but many still struggle to make them work effectively. The challenge isn’t technology. It’s governance, shared expectations, and the human behaviors that shape how work actually gets done.

This interactive workshop brings together IT and cross-functional leaders across higher education to explore the digital workplace as a shared institutional challenge. Through facilitated discussion and peer exchange, participants will examine common pain points around adoption, alignment, and communication—and share practical approaches that are working on their campuses.

Designed as a small-group experience (limited to 24 participants), these sessions prioritize candid conversation, peer learning, and actionable takeaways you can bring back to your institution.
 

Thought Partner Programs are more informal than traditional webinars or workshops, with a focus on dialogue and sharing.

Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
  -Frame the digital workplace as an organizational leadership challenge by describing how tools, governance, support, and shared expectations collectively shape how work actually happens across the institution.
 - Diagnose the current state and its friction points by identifying where intended processes and policies diverge from day-to-day practices, including unclear ownership, inconsistent norms, and content or platform confusion.
 - Define realistic pathways for improvement by analyzing what conditions enable change (decision rights, leadership reinforcement, and behavior change) and translating insights into practical next steps participants can take in their own setting. 

Note: These sessions will not be recorded. To prioritize group connection and experience, participants will have the option to turn on their cameras and microphones during the sessions. 

Registration Cancellation Policy:
By clicking the "Order Now" button, you indicate a commitment to attend and will be held responsible for the registration fee. Your fee can be refunded if you notify us of a cancellation at least 1 day prior to the event via email to nercomp@nercomp.org.

Accessibility
NERCOMP strives to make its online offerings and In-person workshops accessible for all registrants.  Please contact us should you have an accessibility need. We've worked to provide resources that are accessible to as many people as possible, and if you encounter any issues while attending our events, please contact us at accessibility@nercomp.org or at 860-345-2081 to request assistance.