By Ben Dimapindan
USC Price School of Public Policy Dean Jack H. Knott signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a student exchange program with Università Commerciale Luigi Bocconi, or Bocconi University, a leading private research university in Milan, Italy.
The purpose of the collaboration is to promote academic linkages and educational relations between the two institutions through student exchanges in the field of public policy.
“The Price School is committed to expanding opportunities for students to learn and grow in a global context,” said Carol Rush, USC Price’s associate dean for student affairs, whose office will administer the new program. “Given Bocconi University’s international standing and excellent academic programs, our students will be able to gain a truly unique and enriching educational experience. We’re very excited to collaborate with them.”
Established in 1902, Bocconi University offers a breadth of bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees in management, economics, law and numerous social science disciplines.
Under the new agreement, up to four academically qualified USC Price undergraduate and graduate students may be selected to attend Bocconi University. Those students who take part in the exchange program will typically spend one semester of study in Milan.
This past June, the Price School partnered with Bocconi’s School of Management on a very successful international lab in Milan, where students from the Master of Public Administration and International Public Policy and Management (IPPAM) programs examined “Private-Public Partnerships and Management and Procurement.” Bocconi provided lectures and workshops on public-private partnerships in Italy, public procurement practices in the European Union, and social impact investing, as well as facilities and expertise in support of the projects.
In addition, the agreement between Bocconi and Price, which took effect Aug. 1, is for a three-year period and may be renewed upon mutual agreement. Anthony Bailey, USC’s vice provost for global initiatives, also signed the MOU on behalf of the university.