The Pulse: February 2026
Message From The Dean
As we move deeper into the spring semester, I’m energized by the opportunities ahead for our students, faculty, and staff to engage and excel.
This edition highlights many ways to participate in our vibrant community—from presenting research at RISE 2026 to nominating outstanding students for awards, from exploring AI innovations at our College AI Showcase to celebrating achievements across CPS. Whether you’re preparing to graduate, seeking professional development, or looking to share your story, there’s something here for you.
I encourage you to explore these opportunities and get involved. Your engagement is what makes CPS exceptional.
With appreciation,
Student Events & Opportunities
Present Your Research at RISE 2026
RISE is the showcase for research and creative projects being undertaken by everyone at Northeastern: learners from every year of study, every major, every campus. Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to share work that will be presented, virtually, as a poster session or as a virtual live panel presentation session the week of April 8-10. Even though the deadline on the link says February 9 there are plans to extend it until February 16 so YOU STILL HAVE TIME. Represent CPS with your stellar research and creative work — it’s a huge opportunity to have your work spotlighted across the entire University and a fun way for you to gain university level presentation experience! Questions? Contact: Melissa Parenti [email protected].
Huntington 100: Undergraduate Student Award Nomination
For nearly two decades, the Huntington 100 has honored outstanding undergraduate students throughout our global campuses.Eligible Students: Undergraduates with expected graduation dates between December 2026 and August 2027.
Laurel and Scroll 100: Graduate and Professional Students Award Nomination
The Laurel and Scroll 100, introduced in 2024, recognizes exceptional graduate and professional students. Along with the Huntington 100, it celebrates students who demonstrate impressive experiences commensurate with the university’s mission, ideals, values, and Academic Plan.
Compass Awards Program: Signature Student Awards Programs
The Compass Awards Program, our signature student awards program, recognizes exemplary students from the senior class who, during their time on campus, have demonstrated a true dedication to a core set of values: leadership, volunteerism, academic integrity, and commitment to Northeastern. This program consists of 3 separate awards: The Compass Award, The Wendy Breen Kline Award, and The Garnet Award. The deadline for nomination is March 9th. This year’s awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, April 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. ET. The ceremony will take place in person at EXP on the 8th floor
Sustainability Innovation Expo 2026
On March 11 at 1:30, come to Curry Student Center to explore interactive exhibits, research posters, and student-led innovations that tackle pressing sustainability challenges across disciplines! Connect with experts, peers, and changemakers working at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and policy. The in-person Sustainability Innovation Expo brings together Northeastern’s community to highlight innovative approaches to advancing sustainable ideas and solutions. The Expo is available for all Northeastern students, faculty, staff, and university partners who would like to share their research, initiative, or project.
College AI Showcase
The College AI Showcase is designed to highlight the exciting and innovative AI readiness work underway across the colleges while fostering shared learning and collaboration. The showcase will consist of two virtual 60-minute sessions, with five colleges presenting in each session. This event provides an opportunity for colleges to learn from one another, exchange effective practices, and strengthen collective readiness for the evolving AI landscape.
- Day 1 – Tuesday, February 17th 4:00-5:00 PM ET (Virtual) Register Here
- Day 2 – Wednesday, February 18th 4:00-5:00 PM ET (Virtual) Register Here
- Regulatory Affairs: Curry Student Center 342
Nominate a student-facing CPS Staff Member for this years Excellence Awards
Student Service Award
This award recognizes primarily student-serving staff and non-teaching staff members who have exhibited exceptional performance in providing transformative learning experiences and fostering growth within our learner community. These staff members have exceeded expectations positively impacting learners’ lives and ensuring their success. Nominate Here!
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.
Planning to Graduate this Year?
Congratulations! The 2026 Commencement dates and locations for the College of Professional Studies in Boston have been announced! Click the links below for full details.
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)
Class of 2026 – Here Are The Steps to Commencement
Step 1: Apply to Graduate. It’s required by the Registrar’s Office — whether or not you plan to attend the Commencement ceremony.
Step 2: RSVP for your 2026 Commencement ceremony. If you’ve applied to graduate (more than 10 days ago), you’ll receive an email invitation to “Register for your 2026 College of Professional Studies Commencement.” You can claim guest tickets and receive a link to order regalia.
Step 3: Celebrate Your Achievements! 🎉🎉
Save the Date for the Boston Grad Fair
Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 11AM-6PM at the NU Bookstore! Have your grad photo taken (cap and gowns provided), check out Class of 2026 merchandise and meet a host of graduation vendors!
Apply to be This Year’s Commencement Speaker
The College of Professional Studies is inviting graduating students to apply to be this year’s Student Commencement Speaker. Eligible undergraduate and graduate students will submit a short video and written draft sharing their CPS journey, highlights, and words of inspiration for classmates. Finalists will be reviewed by a committee and notified by email.
CPS News
PathmakerBIO Opens Applications for Spring Biotech Training Cohort
Applications are now open for Northeastern University’s Pathmaker Biotechnology Program for the March 3 to April 23 cohort, offering free, short-term, stipend-supported training for adults seeking entry-level roles in the life sciences. While not available for currently enrolled Northeastern students, the PathmakerBio program is a great opportunity for career changers interested in launching a new chapter in biotech. It combines hands-on lab experience, workplace readiness training, and career coaching, along with professional development activities like LinkedIn workshops and headshots. The program continues to grow through partnerships with employers and community organizations, and interested groups are encouraged to connect at [email protected].
Faces of CPS
Faculty and Staff
Nominations Are Open! 2026 Faculty and Staff Awards
The PDSC is pleased to announce that this year we are expanding our faculty and staff recognition program. to present three awards for faculty and three awards for staff:
Faculty Awards
Teaching Excellence Awards (based on student nominations)
Awarded each year to a full-time and part-time faculty member in recognition of excellence in teaching
Professional Development, Research, Creative Activity Excellence Award
This award celebrates full-time faculty members who have pursued meaningful professional growth and development opportunities within their academic field. Recipients may have completed research, advanced certifications, attended specialized training programs, participated in/presented at professional conferences, or engaged in other activities that enhance their teaching and professional expertise. The award recognizes faculty commitment to research, professional development, and creative activity. Nominate Here!
Service Excellence Award
This award acknowledges full-time faculty members who have provided exceptional service to their academic program, college, university, or broader community. Recipients have gone above and beyond their regular duties to support institutional goals, serve on important committees, mentor colleagues, or contribute to their community. Nominate Here!
Staff Awards
Student Service Award
This award recognizes primarily student-serving staff and non-teaching staff members who have exhibited exceptional performance in providing transformative learning experiences and fostering growth within our learner community. These staff members have exceeded expectations positively impacting our learners’ lives and ensuring their success. Nominate Here!
Staff Achievement Award
This award recognizes staff whose work drives significant outcomes for CPS. The recipient contributes to high-impact initiatives that improve college operations, program delivery, financial planning, systems, or institutional performance. This award celebrates staff who create measurable and lasting impact on CPS goals and priorities. Nominate Here!
CPS Values in Action Award
This award recognizes a staff member who embodies CPS values through integrity, accountability, inclusion, and professionalism. The recipient contributes to a shared sense of belonging and strengthens our college community through everyday actions that support students and colleagues. This award also celebrates those who advance our culture through consistent collaboration, partnership, and mutual support across teams. Nominate Here!
Explore Northeastern’s National Staff & Faculty Membership Resources
Northeastern University offers institutional memberships with several national organizations that support faculty research, recruitment, and professional development. Faculty are encouraged to log in and explore resources available through Academic Analytics, HERC, and NCFDD.
Academic Analytics at Northeastern University:
Click here to learn more, log in, and view tutorials. Click here to explore research at Northeastern.
Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC):
Visit this site to begin the sign-up process.
National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD):
Visit ncfdd.org to claim your Northeastern membership.
Full-Time and Half-Time Faculty: Submit Your Self-Evaluation
This is a reminder for full-time and half-time faculty to please complete and submit your annual self-evaluation. Faculty are asked to use the attached CPS Faculty Annual Self-Assessment Form to reflect on teaching, service, professional development, and goals for the coming year. Your timely submission helps support a fair and comprehensive review process, so please be sure to complete the form and return it to your supervisor and Peer Merit Review Committee by the designated deadline.
Love Data Week 2026
Love Data Week 2026 is coming up and registration is now open for a full slate of virtual sessions focused on data and AI literacy at Northeastern. Faculty and staff can register for one or multiple sessions using the online form, with session descriptions available on the NU Data Literacy SharePoint site, and newly added sessions included at the end of the list. Space is limited for the in-person Boston campus session, How Does AI Work?, so early registration is encouraged.
Share Your Stories With NGN’s New Newsletters
NGN is launching new newsletters for Faculty & Staff and for Parents & Families, and they want to hear from you. Submissions can include awards, accolades, and accomplishments, as well as personal projects, unique hobbies, or creative approaches to everyday challenges. If you have something to share, please reach out to [email protected].
Report Honorific Awards
This is a reminder to report any honorific awards or nominations you have received. Faculty and staff are encouraged to complete the Honorific Award Initiative – CPS form to share details about awards, sponsoring organizations, and any related press or documentation. Submitting this information helps ensure achievements are properly recognized and included in upcoming Commencement/Convocation materials.
Submit a Congratulatory Video for the Class of 2026
Faculty and staff are invited to help celebrate the Class of 2026 by submitting a short 10–15 second congratulatory video to be included in this year’s Commencement ceremony. Videos should be upbeat and celebratory, and submissions are due by 5:00 pm ET on Friday, March 13, 2026. Your participation will help make graduation even more meaningful for our students.
Wellness and Belonging
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. Please visit our SharePoint site regularly for more information about upcoming events and other resources.
Upcoming Event: Learning Sanctuaries
Facilitated by Mays Imad, Associate Professor, Biology at Connecticut College, this session supports faculty and staff members in prioritizing their mental health and well-being while navigating institutional constraints. Participants will explore strategies to move beyond burnout, reconnect with purpose and joy in their work, and identify sustainable ways to support students without sacrificing their own well-being.
- 11:30 am-12:30 pm ET (Virtual)
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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