Dear GSERA Members,
Welcome to the start of 2025 and a new academic quarter! GSERA is pleased to use some of that “new year, new you!” energy to launch a quarterly newsletter for our members.
We’ll be sending this out the first week of each academic quarter in hopes of giving our members a comprehensive round-up of useful information and resources—both related to our own programming and calling attention to things in the wider realms of the GSE and CPS. If you’re registered as a GSERA member, this will come right to you through email; we’ll also be posting copies of each issue on GSERA’s Resources and Recordings page.
We hope you find this to be a useful collection of resources for you, and I hope to see you at one of GSERA’s events this quarter!
All best,
Sherri
GSERA President 2024-2025
Are you looking for guidance as you navigate the exciting yet challenging journey of graduate research? Or, do you want to share your experiences and give back to the Northeastern EdD community? The GSERA Mentorship Program is here for you!
This program is designed to foster a sense of belonging by connecting students through meaningful relationships. Doctoral research can feel isolating, but by pairing newer students with experienced peers or recent graduates, it builds a supportive network where students share experiences, engage in open dialogue, and stay connected—reminding you that you’re not alone.
As a mentee, you’ll gain a supportive partner to help with coursework, dissertation preparation, and professional growth. It’s a chance to ask questions, gain insights, and build confidence throughout your academic journey.
As a mentor, you’ll develop your communication and advising skills while guiding others. It’s a fulfilling way to give back and create lasting connections within the EdD community.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference! Join us by applying to be a mentor or mentee today.
GSERA Members–and anyone considering joining!–are welcome to join January’s Membership Meeting. Volunteer Board Members will share information about the organizations and the events and resources we offer to GSE students. We will go into the greatest depth around our Mentorship Program, inviting past mentors and mentees to share their perspectives on the benefits they received from participating in the program.
The event will be hosted on Zoom on Tuesday, January 14th, from 8-9:15 PM ET.
The Zoom Meeting ID is: 988 9448 5091 — Check your email or contact GSERA for the passcode.
We hope to see you there! If not, the recording will be posted on GSERA’s YouTube channel for future reference.
We are thrilled to announce a series of engaging events designed to support your journey and foster a vibrant community! Here’s what we have lined up–but be sure to check our calendar for other events:
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1️⃣ GSERA New Membership Orientation
🗓 Date: January 21, 2025
🕗 Time: 8 PM EST
💻 Location: Remote via Zoom (Meeting ID: 988 9448 5091; check your email or Canvas for the password)
Summary: Are you ready to make the most of your GSERA membership? Join us for our New Membership Orientation! This event is perfect for both newcomers and seasoned members. Connect with classmates, discover valuable resources—including our mentorship program—and learn tips to enhance your GSERA experience. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get involved and network!
2️⃣ Recent Graduates Share Their Stories Panel
🗓 Date: February 25, 2025
🕗 Time: 8 PM EST
💻 Location: Remote via Zoom (Meeting ID: 988 9448 5091; check your email or Canvas for the password)
Summary: Curious about life after graduation? Join us for a panel discussion featuring our inspiring recent graduates! They will share their experiences and insights after completing their Ed.D. This is a great opportunity to learn what to expect and to gather advice that can help shape your own journey. Interested in sharing your story? We’d love to hear from you!
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3️⃣ Faculty-Student Event: Preparing for Your Defense
🗓 Date: March 18, 2025
🕗 Time: 8 PM EST
💻 Location: Remote via Zoom (Meeting ID: 988 9448 5091; check your email or Canvas for the password)
Summary: The defense is a pivotal moment in your academic career! Join us for this essential event where faculty and fellow students will share tips and strategies for a successful defense presentation. Whether you’re gearing up for your big day or just curious, this session will provide valuable insights to help you prepare.
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Mark your calendars and watch for email reminders with Zoom links! We can’t wait to see you at these events. Let’s connect, collaborate, and celebrate our academic journeys together!
Looking for dedicated, neuroinclusive time to get coursework done and connect with classmates in your graduate program? Join GSERA’s Power Hour sessions! These monthly work sessions are designed to foster productivity and community among GSERA members. Here is how it works:
- Check-In: Each session begins with a 10-15 minute “check-in” where participants introduce themselves and identify their task(s) of focus for the Power Hour, setting the stage for accountability.
- Power Hour – First Half: The first half of the hour features a dedicated, 30-minute work period, during which participants turn off their cameras and audio while the facilitator shares a timer on screen, allowing for uninterrupted concentration.
- Half-Time: A 10-15 minute “half-time” break follows, giving everyone a chance to stretch, hydrate, and share their progress thus far and task(s) of focus for the second half of the Power Hour.
- Power Hour – Second Half: Following the half-time break, the facilitator prompts participants to turn off their cameras and audio once more for the second, dedicated, 30-minute work period. The facilitator shares a timer on screen, allowing for uninterrupted concentration.
- Check-Out: Upon the conclusion of the second half, the Power Hour concludes with a 10-15 minute “check-out,” where participants may share what they accomplished and have the opportunity to either log off for the evening, or stay online to network or chat informally, reinforcing the sense of community and motivation within the group.
The three Power Hours for the 2025 Winter Quarter will be held from 7:00pm EST – 8:45pm EST on Zoom (Meeting ID: 988 9448 5091; check your email or Canvas for the password) on the following dates:
- Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025
- Wednesday, February 12th, 2025
- Wednesday, March 5th, 2025
Start your new year and winter quarter on a productive note and join GSERA’s January Power Hour on Wednesday, January 22nd from 7:00pm EST – 8:45pm EST!
News from GSE and CPS
We want to highlight a few important requirements and participation opportunities shared with GSERA from the wider community of the Graduate School of Education and NU’s College of Professional Studies.
- From GSE Advising: Remember the new timeline for “I Am Here” verification! This verification window should have closed Tuesday night, 1/7 at 11:59 PM ET: if you missed it, you will have been automatically unenrolled from your classes. Please be sure to double-check your registration status for the Winter Quarter: if you have been dropped from a course you ARE participating in during Winter 2025, please contact your advising staff at either eddadvisor@northeastern.edu or eduadvising@northeastern.edu and they can help you get things set to rights again.
- From the Graduate Student Government and University Provost: GSG, the Provost’s Office, and the University Chancellor’s Office are collaborating to offer a new Master’s and Professional Doctorate Student Impact Symposium. This one-day convening will be hosted February 25th on the Boston Campus. The symposium is open to all graduate students at Northeastern University, with particular emphasis on Master’s and Professional Doctorate students from all colleges. Through poster sessions, students demonstrate how their research and studies contribute to industry advancement and societal impact. With a collaborative approach across colleges, this symposium will spotlight the breadth and depth of graduate students’ influence beyond the classroom. If you are interested in spotlighting your work at this forum, the window is open until January 15 to submit a poster abstract. Please check this webpage for more information about the IMPACT Symposium, or click here to register as an event attendee.
- From CPS Academic Services: Academic Services staff are collaborating with CPS alumni to establish the Sister Study Writing Group, a transformative community designed to support the academic and personal journeys of Black women doctoral students at Northeastern University. Co-created by Dr. Stefany Tomlinson and Dr. Ashley Porter, this group addresses the unique challenges Black women scholars face by fostering sisterhood, accountability, and holistic well-being. During group sessions, Drs. Tomlinson and Porter will center your needs, providing dedicated writing time, mentorship, and culturally affirming support to help you excel in your doctoral journey. If you are interested in participating, please fill out this form. You should also receive updates directly from Academic Services staff sharing out the dates of informational webinars to be hosted later in January.
Northeastern Graduate Student Resources
- Northeastern University Academic Calendar – Keep up to date with key dates for the start of each quarter, registration cycle, etc. with this helpful calendar!
- Northeastern University Career Design Studio – Nearing the end of your graduate program and need help updating your resume/CV, preparing for an interview, or conducting the job search? Look no further than the Career Design Studio! They have career advisors you can meet with virtually one-on-one for career coaching and plenty of asynchronous resources on their website linked above.
- Northeastern University Information Technology Services (ITS) – If you need technological support as you utilize Northeastern’s many remote asynchronous platforms (i.e. Microsoft Office access, Zoom account support, etc.), contact ITS! ITS and their self-service resources are available 24/7 to assist the entire Northeastern community with troubleshooting, technical support, and IT questions. You can use their website linked above to open a service ticket through the Self-Service Portal or start a support chat (select the red chat button in the lower-right corner of any page!).
- Northeastern University Library – Discover a wealth of knowledge at the Northeastern University Library, where resources are available 24/7! Whether you’re looking for books, e-books, or specialized research guides, the library offers an extensive collection for all students with a valid Husky Card. Your Husky card acts as a makeshift library card, providing all students access to thousands of titles. You can also utilize your Husky Card to freely loan online materials through the Libby app. Enjoy convenient services like the Citation & Bibliography Style Guides & Software and connect with a dedicated team of librarians, like Lindley Homol (see below), who are available for assistance around the clock for your research endeavors. Join the Northeastern Library community today and unlock the resources that will enhance your educational experience!
- Lindley Homol (l.homol@northeastern.edu or schedule an appointment) – Education Librarian & Head of Global Campus Outreach and Online Learning.
- Northeastern University ProQuest eBook Central – ProQuest provides students with an open library of academic scholarship and popular books that professors often use for textbook access. Students can utilize their NU credentials to access this helpful resource!
- Northeastern University Student Free Access to Microsoft 365 Apps – Don’t want to break the bank and purchase the Microsoft 365 suite? Or maybe you have an Apple device which does not provide you access to Microsoft-based software? Have no fear! All Northeastern University students have free access to many Microsoft 365 apps, which are listed at the link above.
- Commonly Used at Northeastern: Microsoft OneDrive, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Planner, SharePoint, Teams.
Share Your Stories!
We’d love to hear how GSERA has impacted your journey! Whether it’s a breakthrough moment in your research, a piece of advice that guided you, or a meaningful connection that made a difference, your story can inspire others in GSERA.
📩 Email us your story or tag us on social media for GSERA to feature your story.
Follow GSERA on Social Media!
Stay connected with GSERA and be the first to know about our events, resources, and community highlights. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for updates, inspiration, and valuable insights tailored for EdD scholars.
🔗 Connect with us today and be part of our growing online community!