Each year, Northeastern University honors nine exemplary seniors with the Compass Award, presented by the Office of Alumni Relations, based on commitment to a core set of values including: leadership, volunteerism, and academic integrity. Students who demonstrate these values are seen as having potential to provide leadership in Northeastern’s alumni community, and an aspect of the program involves uniting the recognized student leaders with distinguished alumni.
Kadeen Tyndale, a spring 2011 graduate from the Bachelor of Science in Leadership program with a minor in Business from the College of Professional Studies (CPS), received this award for her work as an intern in CPS’ Office of Academic & Student Support Services. While in this role, Tyndale, reflecting on her own experience as an international student, initiated a project to better understand the international student experience, which was spurred by conversations with her peers. A native of Jamaica, Tyndale documented the necessary adjustments she and her peers faced in acclimating to a new educational system. Her work included developing questionnaires, conducting surveys, and leading student focus groups resulting in concrete suggestions – some of which have already been adopted by the College.
The nomination for Tyndale for the Compass Award cited her “diligence and attentiveness, particularly when she felt especially challenged” as an “obvious strength.” The nomination also noted that “her strong desire and sincere interest in helping others enjoy a positive learning and student experience have helped set her apart from her peers.”
Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies (CPS) is committed to providing career-focused educational programs that are designed to accommodate the complex lives of motivated learners. Offered in a variety of innovative formats, CPS courses are taught by accomplished scholars and practitioners who have real-world experience. The result is an educational experience founded on proven scholarship, strengthened with practical application, and sustained by academic excellence.
Northeastern University is a global university with a tradition of partnership and engagement that creates an innovative, distinctive approach to education and research. Northeastern integrates classroom studies with experiential learning opportunities in 70 countries, and pursues use-inspired research with a focus on global challenges in health, security, and sustainability.