Sights Set on Higher Ed in China

By Andrea Bennett
This story originally appeared in USC News.

On Oct. 20, USC will be the site of “Chinese Higher Education: 21st Century Opportunities,” a discussion of the trends and opportunities in international education and the ways in which universities on both sides of the Pacific Rim can collaborate.

Peking University Executive Vice President and Provost Lin Jianhua

The all-day event, to be sponsored by the USC Rossier School of Education’s Higher Education Leadership Institute and the USC-U.S. China Institute, will bring together some of the most esteemed educational leaders of American and Chinese institutions.

Provost Lin Jianhua of Peking University will provide the keynote address and take part in discussions on the changing landscape of higher education in China today and what that means for the future.

Lin is a leader in reforming higher education in China and has developed and implemented a number of innovative programs at Peking University.

USC Vice President Elizabeth Garrett and USC Rossier Dean Karen Symms Gallagher will open the event with a

Dean Karen Symms Gallagher (Photo by Philip Canning)

welcome for guests and speakers.

“Chinese Higher Education” is designed to give education leaders a look at the development of world-class universities in China, international partnerships focused on teaching and research, the regulatory environment in Chinese higher education and entrepreneurial opportunities.

“Chinese universities have been growing in number and size at a rapid pace for about 15 years, and this will provide American higher education leaders a chance to catch up on those changes – and the implications for their own institutions,” said Mark Robison, director of the Higher Education Leadership Institute and associate professor at the USC Rossier School.

Michael Diamond, professor of education and business and executive director of the recently launched Asia Pacific Rim International Study Experience, will moderate a panel of Chinese graduate students studying in the United States.

The students will discuss ways that universities can improve international programs and best meet the needs of Chinese students at American institutions.

Registration is $250 per person and $200 per person for additional individuals attending from the same institution. To register for the event, visit http://www.regonline.com/ChineseHigherEducation