Enabling academic engagement with graduate attributes through communities of practice

The implementation and integration of graduate attributes into university courses and across degree programs has been a challenge for higher education institutions for over ten years. With the recognition from federal government, employer stakeholders and professional accrediting bodies, it is now an imperative that these attributes or ‘skills for the future’ are integrated into all degree programs.Through the lens of a regional university, this paper will explore the challenges associated with academic staff’s knowledge and understanding of graduate attributes. It proposes the use of Communities of Practice as a strategy that could provide support to academic staff in the integration of graduate attributes within their respective disciplines. A supportive learning environment provided by a Community of Practice could assist in developing the understanding, knowledge and empowerment of academic staff.