A BACK TO SCHOOL MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN | | |
Dear CPS Community,
Welcome to a new academic year at the George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies (CPS)!
Here in the heart of Washington, D.C., we are reminded daily that education should not only inform — it should also transform. This is where research meets real-world impact, where academic excellence meets global leadership, and where your learning becomes a catalyst for change.
At CPS, our mission is bold: to be the interdisciplinary college of choice for lifelong learners and decision-makers. We bring together students, faculty, and industry leaders from across sectors to foster the kind of dialogue that challenges assumptions, drives innovation, and solves pressing, real-world challenges. This is learning without silos — agile, responsive, and designed for impact.
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Our programs span vital sectors — from homeland security and cybersecurity to paralegal studies, urban planning, public relations and communications, politics and publishing — and each is built with industry insight, hands-on experience, and flexible formats to meet the needs of working professionals. In our classrooms, whether virtual or in person, you will learn alongside leaders from government, nonprofits, and private industry, and gain not only knowledge but perspective: a multidisciplinary lens that enhances your impact in any setting.
What sets CPS apart is the richness of our community and the opportunities our location affords. Our “Only at GW” experiences — from internships on Capitol Hill to collaborations with think tanks and national agencies — immerse you in the very environments where change happens. This isn’t just education; it’s engagement at the highest level.
As we begin this new semester, I encourage you to take full advantage of all that CPS and GW have to offer — to connect with peers and mentors, to stretch your thinking, and to turn your learning into action. Whether you are here to advance your career, pivot to a new field, or deepen your expertise, know that you are part of a community that is committed to helping you reach your goals and contribute to the greater good.
Together, we will catalyze progress. Together, we will shape the future.
Welcome back — I cannot wait to see what we will accomplish this year.
Watch video and read full message.
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Liesl Riddle, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Professional Studies
The George Washington University
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| Introducing GW RevU’s New Accelerated Tech Programs! | |
GW RevU is thrilled to announce the launch of a series of accelerated, fully online technology programs in collaboration with Flatiron School — starting October 6th! Our first noncredit programs are catered toward professionals eager to level up their skills or make a bold career change into Artificial Intelligence, Data Science or Software Engineering.
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| | Calvin Cafritz Awards Celebrate D.C. Government Employees Driving Innovation and Impact | |
The Cafritz Foundation, in partnership with GW's Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL), recognized outstanding D.C. government employees at the 22nd Annual Cafritz Awards Gala. This year’s winners were honored for groundbreaking work that improved public health, enhanced accessibility and supported vulnerable communities across the District.
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| | Creating Community: GW Students Organize Student Journal Symposium | |
GW students brought together 73 peers, faculty, and publishing professionals from across the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. for the second Student Journal Symposium, creating a space where collaboration, publishing practice and shared passion for student-led journals could thrive.
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| | Sustainable Urban Planning Students Present their Capstone Projects | |
Our summer 2025 graduates presented their Capstone Projects on August 1st to an enthusiastic audience. The Capstone is the culminating experience for students in the master’s program in Sustainable Urban Planning (SUP). Students complete individual projects to showcase the knowledge, skills and abilities they have learned.
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| | Commencement 2025: Reliving the Moments | |
Congratulations again to our 2025 graduates! You are now part of GW’s extensive alumni network with more than 320,000 alumni in over 150 countries. Our 2025 Commencement season highlights include a photo gallery, a video replay of the livestreamed CPS Graduation Celebration ceremony, celebration program download, distinguished speaker and student speaker information and 2025 award winners.
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| | Communications Pros Share Insights for Managing Change and Messaging | | |
CPS and the Washington Business Journal brought top public relations and communications executives together to discuss navigating uncertainty, the use of AI, and a forecast for the future.
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| | Thanking Angela McMillen Ayres for GSPM Leadership | | | | |
The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) extends our heartfelt thanks to Angela McMillen Ayres for her exceptional leadership and dedication during her time with the GSPM team as Interim Executive Director.
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| | Political Management Faculty Member Awarded Competitive Research Grant | | | | |
Congratulations to Professor Matt Dallek for being awarded a Humanities Facilitating Fund Award. Dr. Dallek, a faculty member in the political management program, plans to use the financial support to conduct archival research for his new book on political violence.
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| | Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) Welcomes Visiting Scholar Dr. Renata Duda | | | | |
GSPM welcomed Dr. Renata Duda as a visiting scholar over the summer. An Associate Professor in Poland, Dr. Duda brings deep expertise in comparative politics, U.S. political institutions, and European governance systems to her work at GSPM.
During her time at GW, she will be collaborating with Dr. Todd Belt, Director of the Political Management program, on a project that explores county-level electoral behavior in presidential elections over time.
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| | How Higher Ed Can Ace Civics Education | | | | |
Congratulations to Dr. Tobias Greiff for co-authoring an article on the importance of well-chosen partnerships and the wider challenges and opportunities of civics education in the United States.
The article, "How Higher Ed Can Ace Civics Education" was published this summer.
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| | UPCOMING STUDENT & COMMUNITY EVENTS | | |
Step Up to the Mic: Executive Communications Program
September 22-23, 2025 | Arlington Education Center, Arlington, VA
A two-day, in-person intensive leadership program led by Emmy award-winner and nationally recognized executive communications coach Jan Fox. Offered by the Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL). Register by Aug 29 for 10% off tuition; GW alumni receive 10% off; groups of 5+ receive 10% off.
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Fall 2025 Global Perspectives Residency in Spain: Apply Today!
Application Deadline: September 1
Immerse yourself in global politics through our transformative short-term study abroad program. This fall’s residency, “Politics and Policies at a Crossroad of Ideas and Cultures,” offers a four-week asynchronous course that delves into Spain’s political landscape, governance, and its dynamic ties with the U.S., EU, and Latin America—all while exploring the country’s rich history and vibrant culture. The course culminates in a one-week, in-country immersive experience where students meet with leaders, engage with institutions, and gain real-world insights into political and social change.
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Enterprise Risk Management Mini Bootcamp
September 17, 2025 | Virtual
A virtual one-day training that gives participants an understanding of what ERM is, how it differs from general risk management and internal controls, and introduces risk management tools and techniques that participants can take back to their work environment and start implementing the next day. Offered by the Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL). Register by Aug 29 for 10% off tuition; GW alumni receive 10% off; groups of 5+ receive 10% off.
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GSPM Online Info Session
Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 6 pm to 7 pm | Virtual
Mark your calendar! GSPM is hosting a Virtual Info Session where you can connect with GSPM faculty, admissions staff, and alumni from your program of interest—Political Management, Legislative Affairs, or Public Relations and Communications.
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Publishing CareerBuilder: Lessons from Publishing Recruiting
Monday, September 29, 2025 | 6 pm to 7 pm | Virtual
This Publishing CareerBuilder will draw on insights from recruiting and executive search to help you navigate your current job search and plan for long-term career growth. Jack Farrell, Director of Jack Farrell & Associates, a recruiting firm that has completed over 835 hires across 15 countries, will share what employers in publishing and related industries seek in top candidates and how you can position yourself for success.
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GSPM Happy Hour on The Hill
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm | Distilled Spirits Council of DC
Join us for a fun, laid-back happy hour with the Graduate School of Political Management community. Whether you're curious about grad school, working in politics or public affairs, or just love a good conversation, you’ll fit right in. We’ll have great people, good vibes, and light refreshments—and plus-ones are totally welcome! Come for the convo, stay for the connections—we can’t wait to see you there!
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Supreme Court Review & Preview
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | 6 pm to 7:30 pm | GW Student Center, Washington, DC
It's been another wild year at the Supreme Court! Join GW Paralegal Studies professors Sarah Coats, Larry Ross, and Toni Marsh for the Tenth Annual Supreme Court Review and Preview.
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2025 GW Ethics in Publishing Conference
Thursday, October 9 - Friday, October 10, 2025 | Hybrid Event (Arlington and Virtual)
Students and professionals in trade, academic, and scholarly publishing, library and information sciences, and scholarly communications will present on topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), multilingual publishing; workplace equity; open access (OA); DEI initiatives; accessibility; peer review; publishing strategies and more. Free.
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Executive Women's Leadership Program
October 15-17, 2025 | Virtual
A highly interactive three-day program designed for women in the private and public sectors who aspire to positions of greater influence, impact and leadership or have been identified as high-potential leaders in their organizations. Offered by the Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL). Register by September 11 for 10% off tuition; GW alumni receive 10% off; groups of 5+ receive 10% off.
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GSPM faculty members are frequently contacted by leading media organizations for their insights on communication, economic, foreign policy and political matters, where their perspectives receive global attention. Our faculty are the experts that journalists turn to during breaking news!
Please visit the In the Media section of our website for many recent comments from our faculty, including Dr. Todd Belt, Dr. Casey Burgat, Dr. Matt Dallek and Lesley Lopez.
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