USC to open offices in Mumbai, Bangalore

Mumbai, Feb 21 (PTI) University of Southern California(USC), one of the world''s leading private researchuniversities has decided to set up university offices inBangalore and Mumbai in 2011.

USC''s President C L Max Nikias and university leaders,who are on a visit to India, have sought to strengthenrelationships with civic, academic and corporate leaders.

USC has decided to set up university offices inBangalore and Mumbai in 2011.

The varsity enrols more international students than anyother US university, including more than 1,600 from India inthe past academic year, USC''s President C L Max Nikias said ata function here.

USC has no plans to set up campus in India but settingup of local offices will benefit it as USC has more Indianstudents than any other university in the US. Nearly 1,000 USCalumni call India their home, Nikias said.

Industrialist Ratan Tata, Chairman, Tata Sons and atrustee of USC since August 2005 also called for greatercooperation.

After Mumbai, the delegation will visit New Delhi onFebruary 24 and Bangalore on February 25.

The visit - the first to India by a USC president leadingan official delegation - will highlight the university''scommitment to global cooperation in the pursuit of excellence,celebrate USC''s research strengths with leaders in Indiansociety, and enhance academic and research ties with selectIndian institutions.