Although potential costs of such a project are as yet undetermined, the discussion thus far has centered on a not-for-profit consortium, according to Ostriker. He said he expects a decision on the plan by the end of the year.

And while discussions about the possible alliance have been going on informally for several months, Ostriker said the participants decided "the level had reached the point where it seemed appropriate to make a statement."

Harvard spokesperson Joe Wrinn said yesterday that the University would not comment about the proposal until the participants have made the details public.

"We are not prepared institutionally at this time," he added. "As a University we are still trying to organize ourselves to consider these things in a way that can properly address these issues."

Wrinn said Harvard has received many offers to participate in distance learning initiatives, but said to date, only particular schools within the University have been responsible for those decisions.

Ostriker said Harvard's structure--which is decentralized, unlike the other schools'--makes its situation "complicated."

He noted that Harvard's extension program is more established than those at the participating schools.