The Pulse: November 2025
Message From The Dean
It’s hard to believe November is already here. The end of the term and of the year is within our sights. This can be a time when people start to feel the weight of the work. I encourage you to remember your why in this journey. Whether you are finishing up your bachelor’s degree, studying for your master’s, or planning your dissertation — your reason for being here matters. The same holds true for the faculty and staff who are here to support you. No matter your reason, remember it is unique to you and possibly the most powerful motivator when the work of it all can feel like too much.
Another thing I find encouraging is to reflect upon recent successes and near future opportunities. Because there is always plenty to celebrate. Some exciting new reasons to celebrate include:
- We recently launched a new webpage that features research at CPS — including student research. Check it out!
- Speaking of student research, the LEARN Lab recently published a hands-on guide based on the cumulative reflections of CPS’s doctoral students.
- Of course, teaching is still the heart of any research or learning experience at CPS and we are always eager to celebrate and recognize our great teachers with the annual Excellence in Teaching Awards — Nominations are now open for students, faculty and staff to nominate a teacher who has made a difference in their lives!
- Access and opportunity remain key to the CPS vision, and I am proud to share that the second year of our PathmakerBio program is in full swing. No prior college credit required for this grant-funded, no-cost biotech training program held at our Burlington campus. If you know someone who may benefit from this skills-based training program, please pass it on!
- I am also excited to see more of our community stories being featured, with two new profiles of one of our graduate students, Adetutu (Tutu) Akinleye who is also leading the Africa Global Initiative and one of our faculty members and double Husky alumna, Rita Balian Allen.
As we all charge forward, let’s remember why we started this journey together. If you need help, ask for it. There’s a whole community here rooting for you.
Take care,
Student Events & Opportunities
Upcoming Co-op Workshops
November 12: Co-op Search Reset and Recharge
An afternoon to pause, recharge, and connect with fellow students navigating the co-op search process. Location: West Village G 106 – Northeastern Boston Campus. Register here.
November 18: Student Stories Panel
Hear from a panel of students who will share their experience with successfully finding and securing a co-op. Location: Microsoft Teams (virtual). To sign up, complete both the NUworks and Microsoft Teams registration.
December 4: Starting your Co-op Search
Explore how to incorporate your own career goals into your co-op search process. Location: Hybrid — West Village H110 – Northeastern Boston campus & virtual through Zoom. Register here.
Nominate Your Favorite Professor!
This year’s Excellence in Teaching awards are now open for nominations. Share your favorite learning experiences by nominating one of the professors who have helped you along your journey at CPS.
November 18: MAT and PlusOne-MAT Info Session
Nearly half of the districts in the Northeast report feeling understaffed and last year over 5,000 teaching jobs were open across the state of Massachusetts. If you’ve ever thought about a potential career in education, check out this info session hosted by Shaunna Harrington, teaching professor in Northeastern’s Graduate School of Education. Learn more about the many pathways to gain entry to a rewarding career where the demand for talented, passionate people is always high.
November 18 at 4pm in 336 Curry on Northeastern’s Boston campus.
Chat with Ambassadors
Do you have a specific question about a program? Need advice on how to juggle classes and co-ops? Talk to a student ambassador who’s been there and done that.
Are you planning to graduate this year?
First, congratulations!
Second, ICYMI the 2026 Commencement dates and locations for the College of Professional Studies in Boston have been announced!
Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Graduates
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)
* Our doctoral programs have opted to move Commencement to late summer to better align with the timing of degree completion.
More detailed information, including timing, regalia, and guest ticketing will be posted on the Commencement website as it becomes available.
Please be sure to apply to graduate. This is a required step by the Registrar’s Office and ensures you’ll receive an invitation to participate in your Commencement ceremony.
📅 Key Academic Dates – Fall 2025
| Tue, Nov 11 | Veterans Day (no classes) – USA and Vancouver |
| Mon, Nov 17 | Spring registration opens for undergraduates |
| Mon, Nov 24 | Fall break begins (graduate) |
| Wed, Nov 26 | Fall break begins (undergraduate + doctoral) |
| Mon, Dec 1 | Classes resume |
| Sun, Dec 7 | Last day of full-semester classes (with finals) |
| Sun, Dec 7 | Last day to withdraw from full-semester and second-half classes |
| Mon–Sun, Dec 8–14 | Final exam period (if applicable) |
| Sun, Dec 14 | Last day of classes (without finals) |
| Sun, Dec 14 | Degree conferral (master’s) |
| Wed, Dec 17 | Degree conferral |
For more details, please visit the University Registrar’s Academic Calendar.
CPS News
CPS Research
CPS Launches a New Research-Focused Web Page
We are excited to announce a new space on our website featuring the tremendous research and thought leadership of our diverse community. Our new Research page is the start of a new initiative to bring awareness to the high-impact applied research taking place across our college. This includes student research and faculty research with a focus on core areas where we have unique strengths:
- Education
- Applied AI
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Workforce and Economic Development
- Regulatory Affairs
- Project Management
- Healthcare and Biotech
- Government Policy
Check out some of our recent research stories and student research spotlights below!
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
Full-Time Non-Tenure Track Faculty Fellowship Inspiration Session
Similar to a sabbatical, the Full-Time Non-Tenure Track (FTNTT) Faculty Fellowship Program is open to the following full-time non-tenure track faculty: Associate Teaching Professor, Teaching Professor, Associate Clinical Professor, Clinical Professor, Associate Academic Specialist, Senior Academic Specialist, Senior Lecturer, Principal Lecturer, Professor of the Practice, and Distinguished Professor of the Practice.
The Fellowship funds FTNTT faculty for a one term paid leave with the purpose of engaging in professional activities that benefit the faculty member and the university. Faculty will be paid 100% salary for the term that they are on leave.
November 12: Workforce Transformation Lab: HR Hackathon
Do you have a role in hiring or talent management? On November 12, the Workforce Transformation Lab at Northeastern is hosting a hands-on AI & SkillsTech Hackathon at our Boston campus. Think of it as a working session where HR practitioners and hiring leaders explore practical ways to apply skills-based methods using today’s tools. All with coffee and lunch!
We’re curating a select group of startups and solution providers to join us in showcasing their tools, expertise, and help participants turn their ideas into actionable prototypes.
Faculty Spotlight: Professor Joe Griffin Co-Edits New Project Management Book
Congratulations to Professor Joe Griffin, who recently co-edited a new book titled Case Studies on Project Management in Practice. This timely volume fills a long-standing gap in project management education by offering real-world case studies from a wide range of industries and international contexts—bringing theory to life for students, educators, and practitioners alike.
The book provides an invaluable resource for developing key project management competencies through scenarios that reflect today’s global business landscape. It blends academic rigor with practical relevance, making it ideal for classrooms and real-world application.
Co-edited with international scholars Alejandro Romero-Torres and Shankar Sankaran, the book exemplifies the power of global collaboration in advancing project management education. We’re proud to celebrate Professor Griffin’s contribution to the field—and to our college.
November 6: Navigating Uncertainty in Higher Education: Strategies for Faculty
Navigating Uncertainty in Higher Education: Strategies for Faculty is a professional development workshop scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 1:00-3:00pm ET. This workshop is offered under the umbrella of the Office of the Provost’s Mental Health Matters initiative, which supports the mental health and wellbeing of our students, staff, and faculty.
This session will address the broader challenges faced by faculty during uncertain times and will explore actionable strategies faculty can apply to navigate these challenges successfully. The session will be hosted in collaboration with National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity (NCFDD).
Workforce Development Workshop
Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2025
Time: 12 PM – 1 PM ET
Register here
This session is particularly valuable for faculty who are building workforce development programs or applying for related funding opportunities (NSF STC, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, DOD STEM, etc.).
An expert panel will provide insights on:
- Federal Funding Landscape – Lewis Burke Associates will share an overview of new and anticipated workforce development funding opportunities
- Economic Impact – Amanda Welsh, professor of practice and associate dean of workforce and economic development, will discuss how workforce development enhances economic opportunities for vulnerable workers and communities
- Experiential Education – Christine Bolzan, vice chancellor of experiential education, will explore how experiential learning advances Northeastern’s workforce development mission
Key Topics Include:
- Identifying and addressing barriers to creating sustainable, quality jobs
- Developing evidence-based solutions and targeted training programs aligned with labor market demands
- Building strategic partnerships with industry, government, and community organizations
- Creating pathways for underserved populations
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 at CPS Wellness & Belonging.
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.
CPS Intranet | Sign Up for Mailing List | Giving at CPS
