Times, USC to partner on continuing ed

In a collaboration spanning more than 3,000 miles and 40 courses of instruction, The New York Times and USC announced a joint venture Tuesday that will offer extensive continuing education programs sponsored by the two institutions.

Collaboration · The Office of Continuing Education, located at the Davidson Conference Center, will partner with The New York Times. - Dieuwertje Kast | Summer Trojan

The university will co-sponsor online courses in seven areas of study with the Times’ Knowledge Network, an already established adult and continuing education program offered by the newspaper. Courses will be taught in architecture, arts management, business, cinematic arts, communications, medicine and politics.

The collaboration between the programs is the first of its kind in continuing education as a partnership between a for-profit institution and a university of USC’s size.

The opportunity to use both partners’ vast resources for continuing education where it might otherwise be unavailable was a major motivating factor behind the partnership.

“It allows [USC] to take some of our core academics and share it with the community at large,” Eileen Kohan, executive director for Continuing Education and Summer Programs, said. “[The partnership] gives us the opportunity to be viewed as one of the top continuing education programs.”

Courses, which begin Oct. 10, will be headed by current USC faculty with the participation of at least one journalist from The Times. Those who enroll in classes through the collaboration will also have complete access to the Knowledge Network’s offerings in writing, science, health and editing.

Felice Nudelman, executive director of education at The New York Times Co., noted the partnership’s exceptional ability to reach students around the world.

“This is a truly innovative way to offer a comprehensive continuing education program that will feature a broad course catalog and exceptional faculty,” Nudelman said in a statement. “Together we will establish a global online resource for students who are interested in maximizing their education regardless of geographic location.”

The program will also feature a program led by Times journalists and USC professor tailored specifically to high school students. If students take the entire six-course schedule, they can receive a certificate. Alternatively, they can register for one of two single-session

lectures.

USC and The Times are also set to launch the venture internationally in Hong Kong during the USCGlobal conference

Oct. 13. Many USC alumni are located throughout Asia and the collaboration hopes to bring continuing education to them with the program.

According to Kohan, response to the program has been tremendous and she expects it to grow considerably within the next few months.

USC alumni who enroll in the program will have a 10 percent discount available to them.