The Technologies Community engages IT innovators and specialists to support higher education.
MHEC’s Technologies Community brings together higher education IT leaders from across the Midwest to share ideas, discuss common challenges, and build cross-institutional partnerships. The community helps provide strategic guidance on technology topics that support MHEC’s work with institutions and member states.
Community Focus
Community members have the option to participate in specialized workgroups, as well as gain access to other resources and engagement opportunities. The Technologies Community is addressing common challenges facing Midwest institutions through the following initiatives:
- Shared services framework focused on development of templates and guidance for cross-institutional partnerships;
- Research and information gathering to identify IT resourcing trends and market dynamics in higher education and how they impact IT’s ability to support institutional mission and vision.
Community Activities for Members
- Virtual Meetings and Webinars: Held virtually through the year, MHEC provides a place where members can connect on timely challenges and opportunities.
- Annual Community Conference: Held in Chicago, this event convenes community members from across the Midwest to address current challenges, share solutions, and strengthen expertise across higher education.
Publications
As practitioners and thought leaders, MHEC’s Technologies Community members contribute to the discourse surrounding technology and higher education. On occasion, members draft papers addressing the issues, challenges, and opportunities faced by institutions in the Midwest. Below are examples of recent Technologies Community publications.
- Higher Education Information Technology Talent Retention: Changes, Challenges, and Opportunities
- Conveying the Value of Information Technology: Highlighting IT’s Strategic Role in Institutional Success
Joining Our Community
Participation is flexible based on interest and availability, with no required level of involvement to remain a member. In the spirit of fostering collaboration and participation, MHEC does not charge membership or event participation fees. For more information on the community, including how to join, please contact Benjamin Coder, MHEC programs and contracts manager.
MHEC Contracts
MHEC’s cooperative technology contracts save its member states millions of dollars annually. Contracts are established a variety of technology needs including computers, software, printers and peripherals, cybersecurity, and more. Technologies Community members help support MHEC’s cooperative technology contracts through a variety of feedback and participation opportunities.
