The Pulse: January 2026
Message From The Dean
As we begin 2026, I want to thank our faculty, staff, students, and partners for the energy and commitment you continue to bring to our college. Your work and engagement drive our mission forward and strengthen the impact we have on learners and communities around the world.
This new year brings opportunities to deepen innovation, expand access, and continue building programs and experiences that respond to a rapidly changing professional landscape. I am excited about what lies ahead and grateful to be part of a community that leads with purpose, adaptability, and care.
I wish you a healthy, productive, and inspiring start to the year. I look forward to all we will accomplish together.
Warm regards,
Jared
Student Events & Opportunities
Attention Graduate Students looking for a Co-op!
The following in-person and virtual sessions on the Academic and Co-op Journey are open to all Winter 2026 graduate students. Those interested can email [email protected] with any questions or trouble with registering. The virtual session is open to students on the Arlington, Miami, and Oakland campuses.
Call for Student Mentors: Global Pathways Program
We’re looking for Volunteer mentors (not paid) from project management, analytics, applied machine intelligence, digital media, computer science, commerce/economics, informatics, engineering programs.
The time commitment includes approximately five project advising meetings per semester and participation in two student academic events, for a total of about six to seven hours. In return, participants receive a Level 2 Badge, gain intercultural communication experience, expand their network with international students, and develop leadership and advising skills.
If you’re interested, please fill out the form or contact Dr. Natalya Watson.
Introduction to Academic & Co-op Journey (In Person)
Join us for an engaging session on navigating your academic plan and how a co-op experience may fit with your plan.
- Analytics Domain: Curry Student Center 344
- Tuesday, January 13th 3:00-4:30 PM
- Register Here: Analytics Domain Session
- Project Management: Curry Student Center 333
- Tuesday, January 13th 3:00-4:30 PM
- Register Here: Project Management Session
- Regulatory Affairs: Curry Student Center 342
- Tuesday, January 13th 3:00-4:30 PM
- Register Here: Regulatory Affairs Session
Introduction to Academic & Co-op Journey (Virtual)
Join us for an engaging session on navigating your academic plan and how a co-op experience may fit with your plan.
- Wednesday, January 14th 3:00-4:00 PM
- Location: Virtual through Zoom
- Please sign into Zoom with your NU Email address to access the Zoom meeting.
- Register Here
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)
Next Steps for Graduating Students
Step 1: Apply to Graduate. This is required by the Registrar’s Office — whether or not you plan to attend the Commencement ceremony. Questions about your eligibility to graduate? Contact your academic advisor.
Step 2: RSVP for your Commencement ceremony. The Commencement registration portal opens on January 28, 2026. Those who have applied to graduate will receive an email invitation when registration opens. You’ll be able to RSVP, order regalia, and claim guest tickets.
Step 3: Stay Informed. Keep an eye on your email and the Commencement website for updates.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
If you have questions not answered on the website, please contact [email protected]
CPS News
Faces of CPS
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
Holiday Gathering Highlights
In December, CPS faculty and staff came together to celebrate the close of 2025 with a festive holiday gathering that blended reflection, connection, and community. Colleagues joined both in person and online to enjoy conversation, games, and a college-wide toast welcoming the year ahead, with a new cookie exchange adding a sweet and personal touch. The event was a warm reminder of the shared accomplishments, relationships, and collective spirit that continue to define the CPS community as we move into 2026.
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.
Call for Proposals Now Open – CAEBL 2026
The Call for Proposals for CAEBL 2026 is now open. Northeastern faculty, staff, administrators, post-doctoral fellows, students, and community or industry partners are invited to submit proposals focused on educational practice and innovation. All sessions will be held virtually and live via Zoom, with multiple presentation formats available, including results presentations, works-in-progress, panels, and asynchronous digital posters. Proposals must be submitted by Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET. We encourage colleagues across the Northeastern community to share their work and contribute to this year’s conference.
Faculty Publication Spotlight: Ravi Kalluri
Ravi Kalluri, assistant teaching professor in CPS’s MS in Project Management program, was recently published in California Management Review. His article explores how algorithmic management systems used by companies such as Amazon, McDonald’s, and Walmart are reshaping the role of middle managers. Kalluri examines the risks of relying on algorithms for key decisions like scheduling and performance evaluation and offers strategies for preserving meaningful management development in increasingly automated workplaces.
New Partnerships Webpage Launched
We are excited to announce the launch of a new Partnerships webpage for the Northeastern University College of Professional Studies. Designed to highlight how CPS works with educational, industry, community, and research partners, the page showcases our shared commitment to creating opportunity where academics, community, and industry meet. Visitors can explore the Four P’s of Partnership, learn about the breadth of our collaborations, and find clear pathways to connect and collaborate with CPS. We invite you to explore the new page and share it with colleagues and partners interested in working together to advance access and impact.
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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