I have discussed with several people the need for a group of peers that would meet regularly. This group of peers (GOP – nah, already in use) would focus on the practice on the I.T. Architecture in Academia

At the highest level, they would:

* Define I.T. Architecture and Enterprise Architecture within Academia (and government) which does have a different flavor than in business
* Define the role(s) of the I.T. Architect and Enterprise Architect

The next level down:

* Talk about the processes that are used, what works, what doesn’t work
* Define various artifacts that we all could use in our jobs (frameworks, etc)

At the lowest level:

* They might work on a common Framework, suite of models or roles and functions for a given area (like I.T. Portfolio or Integration Competency Centers).

I have been contacted several times recently from people at Universities who are looking to become an I.T. Architect or who have recently been anointed I.T. Architect. Others have asked that I speak about what we do and our role in the enterprise.

Universities are interested in developing a core Architecture group and they will need a group of peers from which to draw expertise and to send new Architects to learn the ropes.

The next question, is how to start? Is there a national meeting which would be a logical and easy place to attach ourselves? Should we have a dedicated set of meetings to get started? Who would fund the meetings (pay for rooms, et al)? Who should organize them?