The Pulse: April 2026
Message From The Dean
Spring at CPS has a particular kind of energy. And this year, it’s palpable.
As we head into Commencement season, I find myself reflecting on what it means to be part of a community like this one. Our students arrive from across the globe and from every professional background, many navigating new cities and cultures while balancing demanding careers alongside their coursework. They choose to take all of that on because they believe in what’s possible. Watching them reach the finish line never gets old.
This issue of Pulse captures what makes CPS distinctive: a student body that leads, competes, builds organizations, and gives back; faculty and staff who have shown up through a challenging year with remarkable grace; and a calendar full of opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate.
I’m especially proud to introduce our spring Commencement speakers, Loyd Joseph and Arun Kumar Rayudu, whose stories remind us that the path to this stage is never a straight line. And that’s exactly what makes it worth telling.
To our graduating students: we are so proud of you. To the faculty, staff, and mentors who helped get them here: thank you.
May 1 will be here before you know it. I can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Warmly,
Jared
Student Events & Opportunities
Undergraduate Scholarships for the 2026 – 2027 Academic Year are Available
The College of Professional Studies is once again offering an array of scholarships to returning undergraduate students for the 2026-2027 academic year. These scholarship awards are made possible through the generosity of alumni, faculty, and friends of Northeastern who are invested in your success and want to support you in the completion of your undergraduate degree.
Scholarship awards range from $500 to $4,000. Scholarships are awarded based on a combination of factors including financial need, academic merit, and personal circumstances. Scholarship awards will be disbursed evenly across enrolled academic terms of Fall ’26, Spring ’27, and Summer ’27. The Scholarship Committee reviews every application carefully and has a strong track record of supporting students who apply thoughtfully and completely. In the interest of helping you submit the strongest application possible, the Undergraduate Scholarship Committee has prepared Tips from the Committee included throughout the application to assist you in answering all questions thoroughly and completely.
Eligibility is limited to undergraduates who have successfully earned 15 credits by the end of Fall 2025 (cumulative GPA must be 2.0 or greater) in a bachelor’s completion program at College of Professional Studies (post-baccalaureate and certificate students are unfortunately not eligible).
We strongly encourage everyone who is able to complete a FAFSA (all domestic students) to do so. The FAFSA provides a standard benchmark for determining financial need. There are a very limited number of awards that are not need-based and therefore do not require the FAFSA. If you have questions about the FAFSA, please contact your financial aid counselor or visit the Student Financial Services Office website.
The CPS Scholarship Application link can be found within the Financial Services section of the StudentHub, or via this link.
The deadline for the scholarship application is May 3, 2026 at midnight.
Applications Open for the the CPS Huskies for Life Mentorship Program
The Northeastern College of Professional Studies Huskies for Life virtual mentorship program is looking for applicants for the second cohort of mentees. Graduate and undergraduate students are welcome to apply for a program built for the reality of student life at CPS: adjusting to a new city or culture, balancing school and work, navigating conflict, building a reputation, figuring out what you actually want, and doing most of it without family nearby.
This program pairs you with mentors who’ve been there, and who genuinely want to be your cheerleader and confidant! To become a mentee, you’ll need to:
- Be a currently enrolled Northeastern College of Professional Studies undergraduate or graduate student
- Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Remain enrolled at Northeastern through at least October 2026
- Commit fully to the program, September 2026 through March 2027, even if you are set to graduate
This opportunity is competitive. Last year, 28 students were selected from 190 applicants, but if you’re ready to show up for yourself, we’re ready to show up for you! The selection process looks like a formal application submission followed by a group interview. The committee will notify selected students after May, and students will then go through a pairing process to find their mentor. Participants will work in a student pair with a mentor and join larger gatherings with the full cohort as well as a large program activity🐾 Want to be a part of an opportunity that can last a lifetime?
Applications are open now through May 1, 2026.
The 12th Annual Global Pathways Student Conference 2026
Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies will host the 12th Annual Global Pathways Student Conference on April 10, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. (EST) in Room 102 at West Village G, with a virtual attendance option available via Zoom. The conference brings together Global Pathways and CPS students to showcase their research, share ideas and stories, and engage in thought-provoking presentations that highlight their work from the semester. The event will also feature a keynote address by Dr. Kristen Lee, Lead Faculty of Behavioral Sciences at Northeastern University.
RISE2026
Join us for this showcase of cutting edge student research and creative projects!
Main Event: THURSDAY, APRIL 9 | 1:30 – 3:30PM ET @ Cabot Cage Cabot Cage (or Cabot Physical Education Center), 400 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
Oral Presentations: APRIL 8 AND 9 | 10:00AM – 5:00PM ET @ Egan 440, Egan Research Center, 120 Forsyth St, Boston, MA 02115
Questions? Contact [email protected].
Rewriting the Code: Genomic Innovation Fireside Chat
Join Blue Bridge on May 4th for a vital fireside chat exploring the frontier of genomic innovation. We are honored to bring together the perspectives required to make these cures a reality. Attendees can expect an intimate look at the courage required to be a medical first, the clinical precision behind base editing, and the collaborative effort needed to make these cures accessible to all.
May 4th | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Northeastern University Innovation Campus
Burlington, MA
Alumni Perspectives Livestream
What does life actually look like after graduation? In this student and alumni panel, current Northeastern students sit down with alumni to get candid about career wins, unexpected pivots, total reinventions, and everything in between. Hear how a Northeastern degree has shaped real lives across industries, roles, and personal goals. Spoiler: the path rarely looks like the plan, and that’s totally okay.
Tuesday, April 15 | 2–3 PM EST
Taste of Home Event
No matter which campus you call home (or how far from home you are), this one’s for you. Come share the places, foods, and little things that remind you of where you come from and discover what “home” means to your fellow Huskies. Warm vibes guaranteed.
Monday, April 28 | 3–4 PM EST
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: https://cps.northeastern.edu/current-students/ambassadors/ 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!
Share Your Graduation Story
Are you graduating this year? We’d love to hear your story. Share your journey with us—what brought you to CPS, the challenges you overcame, and what’s next—so we can celebrate your achievements and inspire future students. Your experience is part of what makes this community so impactful, and we’re excited to showcase it.
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.
New Course Offering for Graduate Students this Fall: AI for Impact
Want to use AI to make a real difference? This fall, CPS is offering AI for Impact — a hands-on course where you’ll work in teams to tackle real public problems using responsible AI product development. You’ll build practical skills in prompt engineering, prototyping, and human-centered design alongside a faculty team that includes former government AI leaders and seasoned practitioners. Registration for fall 2026 is open now — spots are limited, so don’t wait.
Available for graduate students only. Offered Tuesdays in-person and Fridays virtually, 1:35–3:15 PM, September 9 – December 13. Course numbers: CS 4535 (CRN 21428) | CS 6983 (CRN 21448) | ALY 4983 (CRN 22007) | ALY 6983 (CRN 222079)
Congratulations to our Student Speakers
Loyd Joseph | BS Project Management, Expected Graduation 2026
Loyd Joseph came to Northeastern from Haiti with a vision — not just to earn a degree, but to build community. As president of the Haitian Student Unity organization, Loyd has made it his mission to connect Haitian students across Massachusetts and cultivate the next generation of leaders. His organization, which he describes as grounded in a culture that is “energetic and collaborative,” has become a meaningful hub for belonging and cross-cultural connection on campus. Featured in Northeastern Global News last fall, Loyd spoke about his efforts to break down silos between cultural organizations and forge new relationships across the Northeastern community. Beyond campus, he has channeled that same energy into food justice and youth development work with The Food Project, a Boston nonprofit, and currently serves as a Public Relations Coordinator at the university. Loyd’s story is one of purpose, service, and showing up fully — for his community and for himself.
Arun Kumar Rayudu | MS Project Management, Expected Graduation 2026
Arun Kumar Rayudu’s path to CPS commencement speaker began, in many ways, at age three — when doctors in Andhra Pradesh, India recommended physical activity to help manage his childhood asthma, and he laced up his first pair of roller skates. Decades later, that early start helped propel him to a historic milestone: in November 2024, Arun became the first Indian to place first at the USA Northeast Inter-Collegiate Figure Skating Championship. The achievement was covered by The Huntington News and reflects what those around him have long observed. At CPS, Arun has been a force both inside and outside the classroom — serving as VP of the Aspiring Product Managers Club, Senator in the Graduate Student Government, and a Project Controls Analyst at the MBTA. Ranked No. 2 in Asia and No. 5 in the world (under-19) during his competitive skating career, Arun brings that same drive for excellence to everything he does. His story is a reminder that representation matters — and that ambition knows no borders.
Get Ready for Commencement 2026!
Congratulations, Class of 2026! Commencement for bachelor’s and master’s students in the College of Professional Studies will take place on May 1, 2026, at Leader Bank Pavilion in the Boston Seaport District.
Click the link below for ceremony details.
https://commencement.northeastern.edu/events/cps-commencement/
Things to Know
Ceremony Registration
Registration is now closed. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
Regalia (Cap & Gown) Pick-Up
Pick-up begins April 21 at the Northeastern University Bookstore for students who placed a ship-to-campus order with Oak Hall. If you did not order regalia or have questions, contact [email protected] immediately. Regalia is required to participate. Students must arrive wearing their regalia and alumni pin.
Honor Cords
Undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher will receive a gold honor cord to wear during the ceremony. Pick-up will take place at the Curry Student Center during cap-and-gown distribution.
Can I customize my mortarboard?
Yes! Graduates are encouraged to decorate their mortarboard. Please ensure decorations are appropriate, as this is a family event.
Share Your Story!
Share your story and photos to be featured leading up to and during Commencement. Complete the form below for a chance to be highlighted on our website or at the ceremony.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Location: Leader Bank Pavilion in the Boston Seaport District
Date: Friday, August 21, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
Location: Blackman Auditorium on campus (with a celebratory toast to follow in the Curry Student Center)
CPS News
Faculty and Staff
Celebrating Our Community This Commencement Season
This has been a year that asked a lot of the faculty and staff at CPS. Change is never easy, and many members of this community have navigated it with grace, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to our students and to each other.
As we close out the 2025–2026 academic year, we want to take a moment to honor that — and to celebrate the milestones that remind us why this work matters.
This spring, we celebrate our retiring colleagues, whose years of dedication have shaped this college in ways that will be felt long after they’ve stepped away. We also celebrate the CPS faculty and staff members — and their families — who are crossing the stage alongside our students this commencement season. Among them is Bryan Craven, who has given 45 years of service to CPS as part-time faculty, and whose daughter Katherine Leigh Craven Prall will graduate this spring. Moments like these are a beautiful reminder that Northeastern isn’t just where we work — for many of us, it’s woven into the fabric of our lives.
Are you or is someone in your family or team graduating from Northeastern this year? Tell us your story – we want to celebrate you!
And of course, there are our students. Watching them walk across that stage — knowing what it took to get there — is what makes every difficult year worth it. Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We are so proud of you, and so grateful to be the community that got to cheer you on.
Assessment Hour: Three Strategies for Assessing Learning in the Age of AI
Calling all faculty, especially part-time colleagues. AI is already shaping how students learn and complete coursework. This practical session on April 24 1:00–2:00 PM EST explores strategies for designing assessments that maintain academic integrity while preparing students for an AI-enabled future.
Participants will review the assessment cycle and available teaching resources, explore AI-smart assignment design approaches that promote authentic learning, and examine real examples from across disciplines. Whether you are rethinking a single assignment or redesigning an entire course, the session offers actionable ideas you can implement immediately.
Hosted by the Decision Support & Academic Quality Assessment Unit and facilitated by CATLR and CPS faculty Assessment Champions. To register, click here.
Unleash Your Data Superpowers at CPS Data Day 2026
CPS will host Data Day 2026 on May 18 from 1–2 PM EST, offering an interactive session designed to help faculty and staff harness the power of data in their work. The event will showcase practical tools, dashboards, and real-world examples of how data can enhance teaching, advising, and program decision-making. Participants of all experience levels will gain insights into navigating data more effectively and identifying resources tailored to their roles. Hosted in collaboration with the Decision Support & Academic Quality Assessment Unit, the session also provides an opportunity to connect with colleagues and contribute to CPS’s evolving data strategy.
Real Stories, Real Impact – Hear how academic leads use data to improve program health tracking and teaching.
Save the Date: May 18, 2026 | 1-2 PM EST A calendar invitation will arrive shortly
Special thanks to the Decision Support & Academic Quality Assessment Unit for designing this experience with YOU in mind.
May Institute: Quantitative Mass Spectrometry–Based Proteomics
The May Institute offers an immersive program focused on the computational and statistical foundations of quantitative mass spectrometry–based proteomics. Participants engage in keynote lectures, foundational talks, hands-on training, and interactive discussions led by internationally recognized experts.
Instructors are leading experts, who have contributed numerous experimental and computational methods and software. May Institute is for both beginners and experienced scientists, who would like to strengthen their computational and statistical expertise. We also welcome computer scientists, bioinformaticians, data scientists, statisticians and engineers interested in learning about working with data from modern biotechnologies. Participants will have many opportunities to ask questions, and will be able to present their research.
Participants who successfully complete the program may earn a digital badge recognizing hands-on expertise in quantitative mass spectrometry–based proteomics and imaging. Learn More.
Supervising for Success: Communication and Meeting Strategies
Two-thirds of workers report poor communication as a significant workplace challenge, making it a critical focus for mid-level managers. Join our latest Masterclass Webinar for an insider’s view of the graduate curriculum and teaching that’s preparing tomorrow’s workforce. Whether you hire our graduates, refer candidates to our programs, collaborate with us on workforce development, or just want to feel what it’s like to be a student — this session will give you firsthand experience of what happens in our classrooms.
This interactive session equips participants with practical strategies for navigating communication both up and down the organizational ladder, delivering critical feedback, and handling difficult conversations with confidence. Attendees will explore best practices for providing constructive feedback, advocating for team members, and managing complex workplace situations.
The session will also highlight ways Generative AI can support supervision by improving efficiency, organization, and preparation for challenging conversations.
Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST
Host: Alex Fronduto, DHS, M.Ed ’13, Associate Teaching Professor & Academic Lead
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
