TUFTS PARENTS AND FAMILIES (TPF) NEWSLETTER | JANUARY 21, 2026

Dear Parents and Families,

Spring semester is underway ... It's great to have students back, Carmichael Dining Center open again, and more daylight hours—a sure sign that spring is on the way!

Highlights in this edition include:

As we start the spring semester and a new year, we recently emailed students to highlight Undergraduate Student Resources. Please remind your student of these resources that are available to help with academic or personal challenges as needed. 

Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement as members of the Jumbo family!

Best wishes,

Carole McFall
Family Engagement, AS&E Student Life
carole.mcfall@tufts.edu
617-627-2797

In today’s polarized climate, it’s easy to avoid conversations with those who think differently. With this in mind Associate Dean of Student Life Kevin Kraft and Restorative Practices Program Director Ashley Rose Salomon—both Dean of Students Office team members—launched the Courageous Conversations program at Tufts last semester.

Based on Intergroup Dialogue practices—Courageous Conversations are structured, facilitated meetings where participants intentionally sign up to engage in dialogue—not debate—about a range of topics. “It’s about finding commonalities and understanding someone else’s point of view, not trying to change each other’s opinions,” said Salomon.

Kraft and Salomon received interest from 66 students. Of those, 17 students completed the application and committed to the four-week program, meeting each week for two hours. The first Courageous Conversations cohort consisted of students representing a wide range of demographics, class years, academic majors, and political perspectives.

“We wanted participants who would have different things to say to generate good conflict. Our culture is often such that people think disagreement leads to the end of a relationship -- ‘if you disagree with me, I can’t talk to you,’ -- and we wanted students to experience that you can be in community with people even when you disagree or have nothing in common,” said Kraft, highlighting that the program does two things at the same time that are usually seen as incompatible: building community and social connections but at the same time creating conflict by talking about timely, controversial topics.

Kraft and Salomon facilitated conversations about real world issues that they or students selected, including food stamps during the government shutdown, right to die legislation, vaccination requirements, immigration and border policies, geopolitical conflicts around the world, and freedom of expression and free speech.

Participants agreed to share opinions respectfully and explore differences without trying to change minds. Kraft and Salomon used a variety of conversation formats—concentric circles (think speed-dating), written reflections on post-it notes, and small group discussions—to engage participants. They ensured that no matter the method, participants knew they would have a chance to share their opinion, so there wasn’t  the need to interrupt or raise their hands, increasing time and attention spent listening to each other.

An expert in Restorative Practices and leading Community-Building Circles, Salomon emphasized that “given the space and grace, students listened to understand each other’s perspectives.” And according to Salomon and Kraft, students have applied what they’ve learned in the program to their student organizations and group projects. “These are skills that can be applied outside of Tufts too—in personal relationships and workplace collaboration,” said Salomon.

Kraft and Salomon have invited interested students from the inaugural cohort to participate again in the next Courageous Conversations this spring, but this time helping them facilitate the Intergroup Dialogue. “Ultimately, we aim to train students to lead these dialogues as certified facilitators in a variety of settings—creating a campus culture where disagreement doesn’t end friendships, diverse perspectives are valued, and civic life skills thrive beyond college,” said Kraft.

All students who participate in Courageous Conversations receive a certificate of completion. The spring cohort’s first meeting is January 28; interested students should apply by January 25. 

The Career Center offers extensive resources to help your student explore career options, gain skills and experience, build a professional network, and develop strategies for pursuing goals. Here are a few of the resources and opportunities available for Spring 2026:

We look forward to supporting and encouraging your student.

Students can choose from an extensive selection of courses with flexible options to advance in their degree, catch up on credits, or tackle a challenging course with the leisure of summertime. With in-person and virtual options, taking a summer course at Tufts has never been easier

Dates to Remember

Jan 23 – Career Center session to prepare for Career Fairs

Jan 27, 29, Feb 2 – Career Center team tabling in the Campus Center for students to learn about upcoming Career Fairs

Feb 1 – Applications due for education abroad during the academic year 26-27

Feb 6 – Spring Career Fair (register in advance)

Feb 16 – President's Day Observed (University Holiday)

Feb 22-28 – Engineers Week

March 14-22 – Spring Break;
classes resume March 23

Class of 2026 Senior Memory Book
Senior portrait sessions are underway now and for a limited time (students need to schedule in advance). A free portrait session on campus with photographers from Legacy Studios is the only way for your student's photo to be included in the portrait section.

Resources for Your Student
There are many resources available to help your student sort through any personal or academic challenges and make thoughtful, independent decisions. 

Events and Opportunities for Parents and Families

Tufts Masterclass: Big Ideas That Matter invites alumni and parents to campus for a one-week immersive learning experience. Hosted on the Medford campus, the program features rigorous, seminar-style discussion and behind-the-scenes access to Tufts faculty and research. Participants choose one of two thematic tracks and engage deeply with faculty and peers. Offered multiple times each year, each session explores timely ideas shaping our world. May 18–23 session topics are Artificial Intelligence & Society and Longevity, Lifestyle & the New Age of Aging.

WEBINAR: Countdown to Commencement 2026—March 5 at 5:30 p.m. ET
You'll hear from campus partners about weekend events and logistics to help you plan for this milestone. 

Show Your Jumbo Pride

From athletics to theater and musical performances, view details and tickets for in-person and virtual events 

Tufts Now

A Year in Photos—2025 
Tufts photographers share their favorite 20 images from across the university’s campuses—and beyond

K-Pop Fans Find Their Spotlight
The Tufts Korean Dance Association (KoDA) helps those with a love for the South Korean music genre

TuftsAlert
Enroll in the TuftsAlert system to be notified directly by text, phone, and/or email in case of significant emergencies affecting the Tufts University community.

Communications Archive
Emails and other communications to parents, families, and students are archived online. 

Family Engagement