TUFTS PARENTS AND FAMILIES (TPF) NEWSLETTER | April 15, 2026

Dear Parents and Families,

As students head into the final weeks of classes, it feels like summer is just around the corner. In this edition, Career Center's Susannah Krenn (the voice behind the monthly "Career Corner" column) shares helpful resources for your students, highlighting that summer is a great time for career exploration. Also, be sure to check out:

Later this month, we'll launch Jumbo Pet Palooza, sharing with students the amazing pet photos you've submitted; these are sure to help alleviate some of the stress during final exams! Follow along via the Tufts Student Life Instagram and Facebook accounts. 

Best wishes to you this spring!

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

Some of the photos submitted for Jumbo Pet Palooza (left to right): Benoit Blanc "Benny" from Newton, Massachusetts;  Buster from Tiburon, California; Oz from Wynnewood, Pennsylvania; and Akira from New Delhi, India.

“Embrace Your Journey” is the sentiment shared in Tufts Career Center’s Guide to Career & Life Design resource. Assistant Director for Marketing & Communications and Career Advisor Susannah Krenn explains that the guide is based on design thinking—the same approach used in career courses like Designing Your Career Journey EXP-0068-F, offered through Tufts Experimental College (ExCollege) and taught by Career Center staff. “The guide is a way of scaling the course material to make it more widely available,” said Krenn, noting that portions were beta tested with students in the course. 

The 32-page guide offers an easy-to-navigate framework and structure for career exploration. It's designed in a non-linear manner, so students can jump to topics that fit their needs. For example, students can review their strengths, networking ideas, and resume and cover letter writing examples or prep for an interview and check in on how they’re managing stress. The career concepts and tools in the guide are meant to be revisited throughout a student’s journey.  

Krenn says the Guide to Career & Life Design reflects the Career Center’s goal of moving beyond the idea of a single “dream job” and instead encouraging students to explore a wide range of possibilities. “By thinking more broadly about their futures, students can stay open to new opportunities, build diverse skills, and find multiple paths to success and fulfillment.”

Krenn shares that the Career Center has several advisors who meet one-on-one with students in both exploratory and industry-specific appointments. She highlights that “summer is a great time for career exploration, allowing students to self-reflect without the pressures of classes and other commitments they have during the academic year. 

In addition to reviewing the Guide to Career & Life Design, Krenn recommends students reach out to schedule time with a Career Center advisor over the summer. “Students will often wish us ‘a good summer break,’ but we haven’t gone anywhere—we’re here and ready to meet!“ she laughs.  

Krenn notes that students often underestimate their experiences. When students feel stuck, career advisors can help them identify activities to highlight and stories to share that can strengthen resumes, cover letters or interviews and set them apart from other candidates. They can also remind students of summer options like the Center’s Jumbos4Jumbos initiative—short term, virtual projects offered by Tufts alumni. “We welcome the opportunity to support and empower students with tools and processes they can use at Tufts and beyond."

Keep your student well caffeinated during finals and review boards while supporting Tufts’ only student-run café in the Campus Center. Vouchers are sold in blocks of $10. After you add the voucher to your online cart you can choose the dollar amount of your purchase ($10, $20, or $50). Your student will be able to pick up their voucher at the Sink coffee shop. Please email tuftssink@gmail.com with any questions—and thank you for your support!

To help you and your students prepare for move-out, information about timing, shipping, and storage is on the Residential Life website. Move Out Donation and Waste Stations will be available on campus during move-out to donate and recycle unwanted items instead of sending them to the landfill. All usable goods are provided to future students and community members who need them.

Tufts' independent student newspaper will publish its annual Commencement edition on Sunday, May 17. This longer issue reflects the Class of 2026's time at Tufts, highlighting key events and moments over the past four years.

Parents and families can submit their own ad or have one designed by the Daily staff at no additional cost.

Experience the perfect balance of on-campus convenience and off-campus living at Pachyderm Place. Designed for Tufts juniors and seniors, this modern community offers a range of fully furnished apartment-style floor plans, including studio, 2-, 4-, and 6-bedroom options to fit any lifestyle. Residents can enjoy thoughtfully curated amenities like study lounges, focus rooms, a fitness area, and welcoming community spaces, all complemented by everyday conveniences such as on-site laundry, bike storage, and attached retail. 

Whether you’re focused on academics or looking to connect with friends, Pachyderm Place is built to support the way you live, study, and thrive.

Coming Fall 2027—be among the first to experience it. Applications open July 1, so visit the website and join the VIP list today to stay up to date on all things leasing, exclusive updates, and early access opportunities.

Spring has sprung, and campus life at Tufts is thriving! Jumbos are out and about, enjoying the warm weather, and even the occasional rain—or snow—can’t dampen spirits.

Students wasted no time showing off their talents this month—from Blackstage Pass, Tufts’ first Black talent show, to Drag Me to Tufts, a wild night of drag, music, and dance. The performing arts carried over to the

Dates to Remember

April 19 – Patriots' Day observed (University holiday); No Classes
April 27 – Classes end
April 28 – Reading period begins
May 1-8 – Final Exams and Review Boards
May 11 – Senior Week begins

Graduate Certificate in Business at No Extra Cost—Apply Now

Tufts undergraduates can earn their credentials in business at no extra cost. Available to rising juniors and seniors, applications are open for the Graduate Certificate in Business at The Fletcher School for Fall 2026. Students will master skills in management, finance, marketing, leadership, and more. With access to tailored career services events, students will be equipped for real-world impact on their unique path. Successful candidates may apply coursework towards a Master of International Business or a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy. Applications are due by April 30.

Featured Events & Opportunities for Parents & Families

Commencement 2026
We can't wait to welcome you to campus next month to celebrate your graduates! 

Related reminders:

Jumbo Pet Palooza—a weeklong digital campaign April 27–May 4
This spring, as students prepare for finals and review boards, we’ll share photos of Tufts families’ submitted pet photos to bring some joy and stress relief to campus. Thanks for sending your photos! Follow along on our social media accounts: Facebook and Instagram. 

Tufts Now

A Preview of Professional Life With JUMP-IN
A robust new spring break program immersed undergraduates in hands-on experiences to link their academic interests with possible career paths

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. 

Communications Archive

Emails and other communications are archived online, including a recording of the Countdown to Commencement 2025 webinar and slides on March 26. 

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.

This year, 30 students participated in Jumbo Spring Break, working with Habitat for Humanity to help rebuild homes that were lost during the 2023 wildfires in Lahaina, Maui. Read more in Tufts Now.

Family Engagement