The Pulse: June 2026
Message From The Dean
This month’s Pulse is a good reminder of why I love this college.
In one issue, you’ll find CPS students who walked into a healthcare hackathon at Lahey Clinic, outnumbered by professional teams and seasoned researchers…and won. You’ll find a faculty member asking hard questions about what responsible AI looks like in under-resourced classrooms around the world. You’ll find a formal partnership with Professors Without Borders that started with one person’s curiosity. And you’ll find eight graduates, each with a story that looks nothing like anyone else’s.
That range is not accidental. It’s who we are.
And who we are extends far beyond Boston. The short video roundup of commencement ceremonies across our global campus network sheds light on the fact that CPS is present in all but two of Northeastern’s 14 locations. So many journeys landing at the same destination, albeit in different locations.
Over the past several months, I’ve been in a lot of conversations with employers, industry partners, and community leaders about where the workforce is heading. The message is consistent: they need people who can think across contexts, adapt quickly, and bring real skills to real problems, not just credentials. People like our students.
There’s a lot of good work in this issue as well as opportunities for engagement and connection. I hope you take a few minutes to read it, and to feel proud of what this community is doing.
Have a wonderful summer.
Warmly,
Jared
Student Events & Opportunities
Commencement Around the Global Network
CPS is proud to have a presence in all but two of our global campus network locations. Congratulations to all our graduates around the world!
Become a CPS Student Ambassador or Join The Circle
Applications are now open for the next cohort of CPS Student Ambassadors and members of The Circle. These leadership opportunities allow students to represent CPS, connect with peers, support college initiatives, and help strengthen the student experience across the community. Applications are due by July 13, 2026.
NUPD Virtual Safety Events
Stay informed and prepared this summer with a series of virtual safety trainings offered by the Northeastern University Police Department. Sessions cover topics including situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, active threat response, and scam prevention, with multiple opportunities to attend throughout June, July, and August.
Global Learner Support’s Intercultural Empathy Symposium
Join colleagues from across Northeastern’s global network for Global Learner Support’s 4th Annual Intercultural Empathy Symposium, taking place June 24–26, 2026. This virtual event will explore topics including intercultural empathy, belonging, communication, leadership, and inclusion through a series of engaging presentations and discussions. Faculty, staff, and learners are invited to connect, reflect, and discover new approaches to creating more inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Get Connected with Student Engagement
Want to stay in the loop on all CPS student events? Check out the CPS Student Engagement website! Not sure where to start or just want to talk to someone who gets it? Chat with a CPS Student Ambassador in your field or on your campus. Scroll to “Chat with our Ambassadors” Click “See More Profiles” on the lower right Click “Ask me a question” on the profile that is right for you and start chatting!
Tap Into The Northeastern Network
Whether you’re a current student, recent grad, or alum, we all have something in common: a desire to connect and help each other. Unique job opportunities, career support, a chance to mentor or seek mentorship, and countless resources are all available to you here, in one place. With over 350,000 alumni worldwide, NUsource makes it easy to find and connect with alumni in your industry.
Featured Graduates of CPS
Get to know some of our recent grads up close!
CPS News
Research and Thought Leadership
Faculty and Staff
Northeastern Faculty Publish Research on Transforming Assessment in Higher Education
Northeastern University faculty members Mamta Saxena, Asim Javed, Joe Reilly, and Shannon Alpert have published a new peer-reviewed article, From Compliance to Collaboration: Building a Holistic and Data-Informed Culture of Assessment for Learning Improvement, in Association for the Assessment of Learning in Higher Education’s official journal, Intersection: A Journal at the Intersection of Assessment and Learning. The article highlights how institutions can move beyond compliance-focused assessment practices to create collaborative, data-informed cultures that strengthen student learning and continuous improvement. The journal is indexed in ERIC and serves higher education professionals committed to advancing assessment for learning.
Ilka Kostka Recognized as an ISTE+ASCD 20 to Watch Award Recipient
Congratulations to Ilka Kostka on being named a recipient of the ISTE+ASCD 20 to Watch Award! This recognition celebrates innovative early-career educators who are making a meaningful impact through transformational learning experiences and forward-thinking approaches to education.
Ilka’s commitment to reimagining learning, fostering creativity, and advancing impactful teaching practices reflects the spirit of this award. Her work continues to inspire colleagues and contribute to a more innovative, engaging, and student-centered educational experience. Please join us in celebrating Ilka’s well-deserved achievement and the positive influence she brings to our learning community.
Save the Date: 2026 CPS Faculty Development Conference — We Want Your Ideas!
Join us virtually on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 12–5 p.m. ET for the CPS Faculty Development Conference:
Teaching Forward: Relevance, Rigor, and Distinction in Professional Education
This year’s conference will explore practical strategies for meaningful change in teaching and learning, with a focus on:
- Practice-Focused, Career-Connected Learning — preparing students through applied, experiential learning and industry connections
- Authenticity and Automaticity in Learning — evolving course design, assessment, and learning experiences
- What Differentiates Us? — defining and communicating the unique value of CPS education
Faculty are invited to submit proposals for:
- Panel Discussions
- Presentations with Discussion
- Workshops/Tutorials
- Networking Roundtables
Part-time faculty are encouraged to participate. Proposals are due Friday, July 24, 2026.
Submit your session proposal and join colleagues across CPS in shaping the future of professional education.
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.
Sign Up for Mailing List | Giving at CPS
Connect on Social
Be sure to follow the College of Professional Studies on social media using the links below to stay up to date on news, events, and highlights from across the college.
Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram
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.
Portland, ME | Toronto | Seattle | Vancouver | Charlotte | Miami | Oakland | Silicon Valley
