The highlight of the sixth annual CIC/New York Times Partnership’s Presidents Council meeting in New York City was the opportunity to meet with two leading higher education reporters, Jacques Steinberg and Kate Zernike. The 30 presidents who participated in the October 12 event at the Times also learned about the New York Times Knowledge Network and discussed plans for the 2010 Student News Editors Workshop.

Times reporter and blogger Jacques Steinberg said that his blog, titled The Choice (www.thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com), examines all facets of the college admissions process and is aimed at students and parents. He said the blog will not be “ivy centric” and welcomes hearing from presidents of lesser-known colleges and universities with topic ideas. An animated discussion of issues of potential interest to Steinberg included helping students think broadly about admissions; financial aid; college tours; new ways to study; what to expect in college as compared with high school; parental expectations; dealing with debt; special programs for nontraditional students; academic support (tutors, mentors); and ten things to keep in mind in athletics. Steinberg also said he was interested in tapping campus officials who could participate in Q&A discussions on the blog on these or other topics.

Reporter Kate Zernike expressed interest in story ideas on topics such as programs for first-generation students, college admissions, community college transfers, quality of the undergraduate experience, and changing demographics. She said she would welcome hearing from CIC college leaders who could find ways to put these subjects in the context of a “current issue”—to make it news. She was very interested in learning how the economy is affecting colleges, how the recession is shaping decisions on campus, where tuition goes, who is admitted, how colleges assemble a class, who is coming to college, and what kinds of students colleges are trying to enroll. She was looking for a campus that would “open its books” and provide comprehensive access and answers to these questions.

Mark Bechara, senior education manager at the Times, described the New York Times Knowledge Network, which partners with campuses to develop unique continuing education online courses and programs. The Network’s benefits include instructional design support, increased visibility through advertising in the Times, and full access to Times resources such as archives and multimedia dating back to 1851, guest journalists, and webcasts or live online course interactions. More information is available at www.nytimes.com/knowledge.

Participants also discussed plans for the next Student News Editors Workshop, which will take place at the Times in mid March 2010.

Marjorie Hass, president of Austin College (TX), was elected 2010 chair of the Partnership, succeeding Les Garner, president of Cornell College (IA).