|
Dear CPS Community,
We’re excited to launch the national search for the next Executive Director of the Graduate School of Political Management—an inspiring and strategic leader who will elevate GSPM’s impact and student success. This leader will champion student services, drive operational excellence, and bring fresh energy to our programs and partnerships. We invite you to share this opportunity with your networks to help us find a leader who values and supports the vital work you do every day. Together, we’re shaping the future of GSPM.
Spring is finally here and with it brings energy, engagement, and impact across the College of Professional Studies. In March, we hosted a series of thought-provoking events that brought together students, faculty, alumni, and industry leaders to discuss pressing issues and emerging trends. From GSPM hosting the Pi Sigma Alpha Conference, where students explored key topics in political management, to our Endowed O’Dwyer event, which highlighted critical conversations in politics, we fostered meaningful dialogue across disciplines. GSPM was at full speed, including first time attendance at CPAC and PAC.
We were also proud to co-host the inaugural GW and The Cyber Guild’s Cybersecurity, Stronger Together: Public-Private Partnership Conference, strengthening collaboration between government and private-sector cybersecurity leaders.
| | This collaborative event has quickly become a cornerstone for fostering dialogue, driving innovation, and strengthening partnerships across sectors to combat emerging cyber threats. Given the resounding success and growing demand for this impactful gathering, we are thrilled to announce that the Cybersecurity, Stronger Together Conference will now be an annual event! This milestone reflects a shared commitment to equipping professionals with the knowledge, tools, and connections needed to navigate the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. Check out 2025 conference highlights & Save the Dates for upcoming webinars | | |
Additionally, our Women Leaders in Homeland event featured an inspiring panel of trailblazing professionals who shared their experiences and strategies for success.
As we moved into March, we built on this momentum with an exciting lineup of events. Our Professional Access Roundtables offered students valuable networking opportunities with industry experts, both in-person and virtually. Meanwhile, our Spring Open House provided prospective students with a firsthand look at the academic programs and career pathways available at CPS.
On the professional development front, GW RevU is expanding with the launch of two new credentials next month: GW CyberForge ISACA and ICS2, further solidifying our commitment to equipping learners with cutting-edge skills.
I hope you’ll join us at an upcoming event—I look forward to seeing you soon!
| | |
Liesl Riddle, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Professional Studies
The George Washington University
|
| George Washington University College of Professional Studies Hosts Inaugural Cybersecurity Conference | | |
If you took away only one message from the George Washington University’s inaugural “Cybersecurity, Stronger Together: Public Private Partnership” conference, it would have been that maintaining cybersecurity is a problem not just for experts, but for everyone—government officials, businesspeople and everyday citizens.
The conference, co-hosted by CPS and the Cyber Guild, assembled leaders from government, industry and academia to discuss issues and problems encountered by those working to counter evolving threats from foreign governments, cybercriminals and others. It is the first in what is planned as an annual event.
Read GW Today coverage & Browse 2025 Conference Highlights
| | CPS Supports Federal Workforce Amid Downsizing with Tuition Discounts - Apply by August 1 | | | | |
At the GW College of Professional Studies (CPS), we understand that the recent federal workforce reductions due to the administration’s downsizing efforts has created uncertainty for many professionals. If you have been impacted, we want to support your next career move—whether that’s transitioning into the private sector, nonprofit work, or another field.
To help ease career transitions, CPS is offering a 20% tuition discount for current and prospective students impacted in 2025. Apply by August 1 for fall semester.
More details
| | Exploring Dream Jobs in Urban Planning: Expert Panel Shares Insights | | |
On Saturday, March 22, the Sustainable Urban Planning Program invited a panel of expert employers to discuss career opportunities in urban planning at the Arlington Education Center. The panelists, representing a range of sectors—including policy, climate change, county government, nonprofits, and international organizations—shared invaluable insights into the diverse field.
Read more
| | |
Thank you for helping us exceed our 2025 Giving Day goal. Because of your generosity, The George Washington University College of Professional Studies (CPS) closed out Giving Day 2025 at 116% of our fundraising goal—and we couldn’t be more grateful. Your support directly impacts our students by:
- Making CPS degree programs and study abroad opportunities more accessible through scholarships;
- Strengthening our Student Emergency Fund;
- Expanding our Professional Development Fund;
- Powering career-focused programming and events that prepare students for what’s next.
Your gift—no matter the size—made a meaningful difference. Thank you for investing in the future of CPS and the lives of our extraordinary students. This campaign ended on April 03, 2025, but you can still make a gift today!
Check out our Giving Day Videos
| | GW Hosts Former U.S. Rep. Fred Upton in Conversation | | |
Former U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, who served 18 terms in Congress at the behest of voters in Michigan’s sixth district before retiring in 2023, was the featured guest at George Washington University’s annual Paul O’Dwyer Endowed Forum for Political Ethics. Presented by the Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM), housed in the College of Professional Studies, the forum is intended to emphasize the importance of ethics in politics.
Brian O’Dwyer, B.A. ’66 and L.L.M. ’76, endowed the annual event in honor of his father, Paul, a civil rights lawyer who served as president of the New York City Council from 1974 to 1977.
Read more
| | Women Leaders in Homeland Security | | |
Our distinguished panelists shared valuable insights into the vital roles women play in the homeland security profession, highlighting the diverse opportunities available for women to make meaningful contributions to the mission. The discussion also explored strategies for success, offering guidance on how to prepare for and excel in this dynamic profession.
Read more
| | GW Partners with D.C. Parks and Recreation to offer Youth Development Certification | | |
The George Washington University Center for Excellence in Public Leadership (CEPL), which is housed in the College of Professional Studies, is launching an innovative new professional certification program in partnership with the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation. The Youth Development Professional Certification program, with an inaugural cohort of 30 students, offers a unique opportunity for students to learn the field’s best practices and to connect with experts. The program aims to equip them with the skills needed to effectively mentor and support youth across various educational and community settings.
Read more
| | GW College of Professional Studies Announces Partnerships with ISC2 and ISACA to Enhance IT and Cybersecurity Education | | |
The George Washington University College of Professional Studies is proud to announce strategic partnerships with ISC2 and ISACA, two globally recognized nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing IT and cybersecurity expertise. These collaborations reinforce GW’s commitment to equipping students and professionals with cutting-edge skills to meet the demands of an evolving workforce.
Read more
| | GSPM Hosts Pi Sigma Alpha Conference | | |
The Graduate School of Political Management (GSPM) proudly sponsored the 2025 Pi Sigma Alpha National Research Conference, held in Washington, D.C. in February. This premier gathering brought together top political science students from across the country to present their research and explore career opportunities in the field.
Read more
| | UPCOMING STUDENT & COMMUNITY EVENTS | | |
South Africa: Urban Food Security in the Developing World - Info Session
Friday, April 11, 2025 | 12 pm to 1 pm
Media and Public Affairs Building, 303, 805 21st Street NW, Washington DC 20052
The Global Food Institute and the College of Professional Studies have partnered to offer the South Africa: Urban Food Security in the Developing World short-term study abroad course. Immerse yourself in Cape Town, South Africa as you engage with farmers, food distributors, policy makers, and city planners to examine the drivers of urban food security in developing countries. By the end of this course and two-week experience abroad, graduate students will have the opportunity to expand their international network by attending the 9th Urbanization and Poverty Reduction Conference in Cape Town.
April 11 Information Session | Application Deadline: April 28
| | | | |
Student Journal Symposium for Literary and Research Publications 2025
Friday, May 2, 2025 | 9 am to 4:30 pm
1957 E St NW, Washington DC 20052
in-person and virtual presentations and attendees
The Student Journal Symposium aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among undergraduate and graduate student-led journals. It offers opportunities for students, faculty, and administrators interested or involved in student publications to engage in interactive workshops and roundtable conversations, hear from plenary speakers and student panelists, and connect with fellow university journals in the DC area, throughout the United States, and internationally. Topics will include sustainable leadership, ethics, diversity, grants, partnerships, navigating AI in submissions, and more.
| | | | |
GW Commencement
Sunday, May 18, 2025 | 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
National Mall
Join us to celebrate the Class of 2025 at GW Commencement on the National Mall. Graduates and guests must be seated by 10:15 a.m. EDT. Visit the GW Commencement website for more information.
| | Commencement Week Registration Now Open | | | | |
Class of 2025 members can sign up for Commencement Week events, including Commencement on the National Mall on May 18.
More Information
| | Introducing GWorld Mobile Cards: Now on Your Phone! | | | | |
The GWorld Office has launched new technology that allows the GW community to add and store their GWorld Card to their phone. Once installed, tap your Apple or Android mobile device where you typically tap a physical GWorld Card. Are you ready to Go Mobile? Setup is quick and easy. Visit the GWorld website and get started. If you do not have access to a mobile device or prefer not to use a GWorld Mobile Card, you can continue to use your physical GWorld Card.
More Information
| | | | |
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.
| | | | |
