The Pulse: September 2025
Message From The Dean
Welcome to the start of the 2025-2026 academic year! I am so excited to welcome new and returning students, faculty and staff to another amazing season of opportunity at the College of Professional Studies. In preparing for the year, August brought many opportunities for learning and celebration.
- We hosted the 4th Annual Symposium on Leadership and Project Management where industry leaders from around the world joined students to discuss the global challenges and opportunities facing the project management industry, including geopolitical shifts that are impacting how businesses operate.
- We celebrated our undergraduate scholarship winners at the annual Scholarship Awards Dinner. Congratulations to all of our undergraduate students and a special thanks to the many donors who make our 60+ scholarship pathways possible!
- We will soon be launching a new AI in Regulatory Sciences professional badge to advance current students and leaders in the regulatory affairs space with critical AI skills needed in the workplace.
- In response to demand for our highly successful inaugural AI Badge for Professional Practice, we are launching a new series in September — registration is open now!
No matter where in the world you are joining us from, online or in person at one of our global campus locations, know that YOU are why we do what we do. We stand at the crossroads of access and opportunity, and are committed to the continual advancement of learning pathways that lead to fulfilling and meaningful careers. This year, I look forward to continuing to build on that legacy with even more partnerships with businesses and organizations looking to hire skilled, motivated professionals. Northeastern’s network coupled with the power of experiential learning has the ability help you realize the future version of yourself that brought you here.Thank you for being a part of our vibrant and dynamic community!
Thank you!
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Two New AI Badges Available This Fall
AI in Professional Practice
The second iteration of this program starts this fall and will take place over 12 weeks. Each 90-minute, bi-weekly session will engage students in synchronous online learning facilitated by expert CPS faculty members demonstrating AI tools and approaches and their applications across a variety of professional settings.
Coming Soon!! AI for Regulatory Sciences for Human Therapeutics
Designed for professionals and students eager to build expertise at the intersection of AI, life sciences, technology, and regulatory sciences, the course comprises six modules, ranging from an introduction to AI and regulatory sciences to its applications in drug discovery, drug development, manufacturing, and regulatory enabling functions, as well as identifying career paths in the evolving AI-enabled ecosystem for human therapeutics.
Participants will earn a Northeastern University Level 1 digital badge, with the option to achieve a Level 2 badge by completing a capstone project.
Why is it important? The AI-enabled ecosystem for human therapeutics is booming! Bringing together two forces is reshaping the global economy. With FDA-regulated products making up nearly 20% of U.S. GDP and AI projected to add 15% by 2030, the opportunities are immense.
Join Husky Communicators!
Northeastern’s award-winning, student-run virtual communications agency is accepting new applicants! Husky Communicators apply leading-edge knowledge in public relations, digital media, branding, and marcom to help clients address their communication challenges. Every industry requires marketing and communications skills, and this is an opportunity for you to gain resume-building, real world experience while building relationships and connections with fellow students across the College of Professional Studies. Learn more at the Husky Media Lab or follow them on Instagram @huskycommunicators!
Accelerate your proposal development: 10 ways the library can help
Attention researchers! Did you know the library supports proposal development? Join us for a countdown of proposal-related questions the library can help with, including personalized support for crafting data management plans, improving your data visualizations and graphics, strategies for efficient literature reviews, and citation management. We’ll share info about the tools and people who can help you develop key proposal components and supplementary materials. Whether you’re in the early stages of developing your proposal or fine-tuning it before submission, we’re happy to work with you.
Date: October 29, 12pm – 1pm ET
Innovate2Impact
Do you have an idea or solution to a health or healthcare problem?
Innovate2Impact is open to both emerging and experienced investigators working on health-related research and is designed to propel your health-related innovation or idea through the next steps. CPS has joined forces with Tufts University and MIT to give you the opportunity to showcase your early-stage concept or well-tested design, receive input from innovation experts, industry leaders, and clinical specialists, build collaborations, and explore funding opportunities.
The series kicks off on Tuesday, October 21 with an Innovation Expo. The Expo will showcase a variety of health-related innovations grounded in research, and teams developing innovations, investors, and anyone interested in improving health and healthcare are encouraged to attend.
Submit your Abstract! Emerging and experienced researchers may also submit abstracts via the Registration link below to participate in the lightning talks or poster session to gain valuable connections and potential funding opportunities.
Register and/or Submit your Abstract Today!
International Students
Looking for a space to connect with other international students and gain academic and cultural support? The Office of Global Services offers a host of events and services for both incoming and current students.
Spotlight: Lowell Institute School
Did you know that the heart of the College of Professional Studies undergraduate programs reside in the Lowell Institute School? This legacy institution has been a part of the Boston higher education community since 1836 when John Lowell Jr. dedicated a significant portion of his estate to free public lectures and courses to the citizens of Boston. At the turn of the century, the Lowell Institute School for Industrial Foreman was formed. Classes were taught by MIT faculty at night to serve those who could not sacrifice their full-time employment while pursuing their education. After nearly 100 years at MIT, the Lowell Institute School moved to Northeastern University in 1996 where it remains as part of the College of Professional Studies. Today, LIS is home to a growing community of students in STEM-focused and workforce-aligned programs — fields such as Biotechnology, Information Technology, Health Science, Advanced Manufacturing, and more. The vision of John Lowell Jr. remains strong as today’s mission is focused on creating accessible, affordable, and flexible pathways for students to complete their bachelor’s degree. That legacy lives on through the Lowell Family who continue to support the institution through generous scholarships and other support. If you are an undergraduate student at CPS, you are most likely a member of this hallowed institution that dates back more than 130 years. That’s a powerful network and one that should bring a great sense of pride!
Student News and Information
Undergraduate Student Updates
Fall 2025 Key Dates
Welcome CPS Undergraduates! We’re excited you are a part of our dynamic college community! A few important pieces of information for you to know as you get started.
First, please take a moment to review the Fall 2025 Academic Calendar especially if you’re a continuing student as some dates have changed. Be sure to select “Semester – All Levels (SEM)” to see the correct calendar. In addition, there are Important Dates to Know that you might want to bookmark.
Lastly, your Academic Advising reminder! Academic Advising is offering Drop-in 10-minute appointments during the first two weeks of classes. Appointments open 24 hours in advance to ensure fairness. Below are steps on how to make the appointments during this time. Learn more about How to Make an Appointment with Academic Advising.
9/17/25 Résumé Rush at 3PM
Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, this session will equip attendees with the tools to strengthen their resume independently. Keep an eye out in your NU email for the registration info!
Undergraduate Student News
Graduate Student Updates
9/17/25 Résumé Rush at 3PM
Open to both undergraduate and graduate students, this session will equip attendees with the tools to strengthen their resume independently. Keep an eye out in your NU email for the registration info!
9/24/25 Intro to Academic & Co-op Planning at 3 PM
Join us for an engaging session on navigating your academic plan and how a co-op experience may fit with your plan. Keep an eye out in your NU email for the registration info!
Graduate Student News
CPS News & Research
Global Campus Network News
Keep up with the latest from our colleagues around the network! Check out stories from our campus network where CPS is heavily active in teaching and research.
Faculty and Staff
Faculty Accomplishments + Events
Joan Giblin, Associate Teaching Professor in the Graduate School of Education was invited to serve on the editorial board of the Journal of Computing in Higher Education (JCHE). Launched in 1989, the JCHE has grown over time into one of the top research journals in the field of educational technology and instructional design. For over a decade, it has been a Q1 research journal, and it presently is in the top 5% of all educational research journals with an impact factor of 4.5 (5-year impact factor of 5.2).
Congratulations Joan!
Noor Ali, Associate Teaching Professor in the Graduate School of Education has a new book coming out now available for pre-order!
“Creating Inclusive Classrooms for Muslim Students: A Practical Guide for Teachers” published by Routledge is part of Paul Gorski‘s Equity and Social Justice in Education Series. This book bridges the gap between theory and practice, offering K-12 educators concrete strategies to create more inclusive learning environments for Muslim students — and all students!
What you’ll find inside:
– Practical, classroom-ready strategies
– Detailed hands-on activities for immediate implementation
– Real-world case studies from diverse educational settings
– Framework based on Muslim Critical Theory (MusCrit) principles
– Resources for ongoing professional development
Classroom teachers, administrators, curriculum developers: this guide offers actionable insights that benefit the entire school community.
Congratulations, Noor!
Faculty Development Conference
Save the date! This year’s Faculty Development Conference theme: Teaching in Action: Driving Change in the Classroom and Beyond promises to be an exciting opportunity for co-learning and collaboration. Scheduled for October 24, 2 – 5pm ET this virtual conference includes a series of presentations and break out sessions. Learn more on the event website!
Comings and Goings
The latest news of faculty and staff joining our CPS community!
Welcome to Pramod Gupta, Professor of the Practice, Professional Programs – Graduate and Harry Son, Assistant Teaching Professor, Professional Programs – Undergraduate
Belonging at CPS
Northeastern University seeks to foster a community of belonging. Our university is stronger as a result of the varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives that the members of our global community bring to the pursuit of knowledge. For more information please visit us at CPS Wellness & Belonging.
Please consider joining us for the Building a Culture of Belonging conference for faculty and staff on October 27-28. The call for proposals is open now, and registration information for attendees will be available soon.
Looking for volunteer and community engagement opportunities? Check out Northeastern’s office of Community Service and Civic Engagement. They offer recurring and one-time opportunities in Boston and beyond.
Outlook invitations will be sent for these upcoming events in the Wellness and Belonging connection series:
- September 8th at 1 pm ET / 10 am PT – University belonging update with Mark Jannoni and Richard O’Bryant.
- October 14th at 1 pm ET / 10 am PT – Overview of Disability Access Services (DAS) and how to address student accommodations.
CPS Inclusive Calendar: In response to suggestions from faculty and staff, we have created an optional “inclusive calendar” in Outlook that you can overlay with your own Outlook calendar if you choose. This calendar highlights heritage months as well as cultural and religious holidays and festivals. The calendar is by no means exhaustive, and we expect it will grow over time. We hope that this inclusive calendar will support event planning and provide awareness of significant days for our CPS colleagues. To learn more and sign up for access, complete this form.
Have ideas, questions, or suggestions about wellness and belonging at CPS? Contact Shannon Alpert, Assistant Dean of Wellness and Belonging.
Do you have news for The Pulse?
As this college-wide monthly newsletter evolves, we look forward to hearing from you. Please send an email to [email protected] with a summary of content and links to the full story.
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