[Audio] Our Mission & Culture New Hire Orientation Hello everyone! Welcome to Our Mission & Culture module of your Orientation. Let's first take a few minutes to go around the table and introduce ourselves with: Your Name Where you come from (previous employer) What team are you joining..
[Audio] Agenda Who we are What we do Our culture Everything that we will be discussing during this session will fall into these 3 areas. Define who we are Recall what we do Share a bit about our culture.
[Audio] Who We Are Let's start with who we are, why we exist, and what we're working toward as a company..
[Audio] Hi, we’re 2U. We partner with the world's top universities and companies to develop and deliver education programs that accelerate careers and transform lives. 250+ Partners 5,300+ Programs 99M+ Learners At 2U, We partner with the world's top universities and companies to develop and deliver education programs that accelerate careers and transform lives. Through our global online learning platform edX, 2U connects more than 99 million people with a growing portfolio of affordable, career-relevant learning opportunities in partnership with over 250 of the world's leading universities and industry experts. From free courses to full degrees, 2U is creating a better future for all through the power of high-quality online education..
[Audio] We’re on a mission. To make learning limitless— opening pathways to education that accelerate careers and transform lives. Our mission is to make learning limitless—opening pathways to education that accelerate careers and transform lives. We're in the business of removing barriers to great education. That was 2U's purpose at its founding and it continues to guide us today. Through our partnerships with top universities and companies, and through edX, we create pathways that can genuinely change someone's trajectory. This is the reason your new colleagues around the world do what we do each day..
[Audio] Our vision. A world where potential defines opportunity, and everyone has access to the education they need to thrive at every stage of their career. Our vision is a world where potential defines opportunity, and everyone has access to the education they need to thrive at every stage of their career. This is why our mission matters—it's the future we're working to create. It's aspirational and long-term—the North Star guiding our work..
[Audio] What We Do Free to Degree In the early days, our work was met with skepticism. It was believed then — and some believe it still — that an online program could never match the quality of education delivered on campus. Today, 2U has an unmatched track record of laying and reinforcing that foundation of high quality education. It's why we can deliver excellence and efficiency at scale..
[Audio] DELIVERING ON OUR PURPOSE What We Do We partner with top universities and companies to expand access to the education learners need—when and where they need it. We empower our partners to scale what they do best—teaching, research, motivation—while preserving full academic independence. We partner with top universities and companies to expand access to the education learners need—when and where they need it. We empower our partners to scale what they do best—teaching, research, motivation—while preserving full academic independence..
[Audio] 5,300+ Powering lifelong learning with edX. OFFERINGS 99M+ 250+ edX is 2U’s global learning platform, connecting people with high-quality, career-relevant learning opportunities from top institutions, at every investment level. LEARNER NETWORK PARTNERS 6M+ GRADUATES & COMPLETIONS * As of September 2025 While we operate as 2U, learners in the programs we deliver engage with our partner's brands or the edX brand. edX is the leading global education platform and free-to-degree marketplace. edX is not only a world-leading marketplace for the best in online education. The platform brings together a thriving global network of learners and top educational partners. Supported by our pioneering technology and services, edX is designed to deliver great online learning experiences at scale. In our next slide, you'll see a snapshot of the breadth of universities and companies who work with us to bring education to learners around the world..
[Audio] 250+ Global University & Corporate Partners Caltech Logo Imperial College London Logo LSE logo.png University of British Columbia Logo The University of Edinburgh Logo The University of Queensland Logo University of Oxford Logo * As of February 12, 2024 2U, is the trusted partner of choice for over 250 universities and companies. This portfolio is one of the best groups of universities and companies that you can put on a single page. You look at the list of schools and companies represented, and it is simply exceptional. This list has grown over the years and will continue to grow in the future. As part of our long-term strategic plan, we're focused on building deep partnerships with top brands across a breadth of offerings..
[Audio] Our Product Categories Just a sample of the types of courses available by product Open Courses Executive Education Degrees Artificial Intelligence Data Science & Analysis Digital Transformation & Disruptive Technology Cybersecurity Business Management & Strategy Project Management Fintech & Blockchain Leadership & Interpersonal Skills Women’s Leadership Digital Marketing Health Science & Wellness Sustainability Nursing Social Work Data Science Business Architecture Pharmacy Physician Assistant Counseling Education Law Engineering Business Communication Computer Science Corporate Finance Data Science Digital Marketing Engineering Healthcare Language Project Management Psychology UX/UI Design This slide shows our various product categories and just a sample of the course offerings students and partners can explore. You'll often hear our leadership speak about our products as "Free to Degree," which is represented on this slide from left to right. In 2021, 2U acquired edX, a company founded in Boston by Harvard and MIT. This acquisition expanded our offerings to include thousands of open courses. With edX, learners around the world are able to access education to unlock their potential, without the barriers of cost or location. For a low fee, learners can earn certificates for the successful completion of open courses, and even stack some courses into a certification. Moving to the second column, In 2017, 2U acquired the South African company GetSmarter, which specialized in powering executive education. These non-degree courses, typically 8-10 weeks, address an audience of mostly working adults trying to advance their careers and seeking certification. Despite the course rigor, learners in our executive education courses have a 90% completion rate. (T&O 2023) The third category is that of our Degree programmes. On average, our partners' graduate degree programs are 25 months. Undergraduate degree programs are relatively new to 2U, and programs at schools like London School of Economics and Morehouse College. Since 2U makes a significant investment in all its Degree Programs, we have to be very strategic in who we select as university partners. To identify the program we would like to partner with, we use data to understand the size of the market, what areas of study are growing, and what job fields are likely to be most needed in the future. You can see many examples of verticals here on the slide. When we look at the data we collect in the terms of "academic disciplines" we know that some of the largest verticals in terms of graduate degrees conferred are: Business, Law, Social Work, Medicine, Education/Teaching, and Public Administration. We have placed students at more than 135,000 placement sites to develop hands-on skills in important fields like counseling, education, nursing, social work, speech therapy, and physical therapy. Degrees have a 73% all-time graduation rate (2023 Transparency Report) All of these product categories together help to drive our mission and offer many different options to lifelong learners as they experience needing to upskill in their lives and careers. For more information check out the transparency reports on the 2Universe.
[Audio] 2U Culture Culture is an invaluable part of 2U and it is something that all of our Leadership team are passionate about keeping "alive" as we continue to grow and evolve moving forward..
[Audio] Culture Embodied At 2U What have you heard about 2U's culture? Have you heard anything at all? Our culture is a feeling, and a mindset, and is infused in everything we do here at 2U. Our guiding principles describe our culture (which we'll get into in just a little bit). Everyone brings something unique to the table- we all create the culture that is represented here which is #Lifeat2U..
[Audio] Our Guiding Principles Our culture is built on strong values. United by purpose, passion, and powerful collaboration, we’re driven to be better here—to each other, to learners, and to the institutions who work with us to make learning limitless. Shape what’s next. We look ahead with courage and curiosity, shaping progress one step at a time. Own the outcome. We invest ourselves in moving the mission forward and being a reliable teammate. Act with purpose. We act with focus, urgency and heart because what we do makes a difference. Be open. We speak candidly, listen generously, and trust that we’re all working toward the same goal. Win together. We succeed by supporting one another and taking pride in what we accomplish together. Our five principles unite every member of the organization and are the foundation for our culture. Have you seen any of these guiding principles stand out so far? Act with purpose. We act with focus, urgency, and heart because what we do makes a difference. We're proud of the part each of us plays in helping learners turn potential into opportunity. Act with purpose connects discipline, urgency, and intentionality with our mission and our impact around the world. We're looking for employees to make intentional, mission-driven choices that move the organization forward with speed and steady progress. Shape what's next. We look ahead with courage and curiosity, shaping progress one step at a time. We believe progress isn't a single breakthrough. It's the daily act of learning, adapting, and improving together. This guiding principle represents our position at the forefront of innovation in higher education and signals both creativity and momentum. Own the outcome. We invest ourselves in moving the mission forward and being a reliable teammate. We focus on the outcomes we create and the impact they can have on our learners, partners, and each other. It's about stepping up, leaning in, and owning the results—good or bad. Win together. We succeed by supporting one another and taking pride in what we accomplish together. We know that every win, large and small, is worth celebrating as a step into a better future for us all. Be open. We speak candidly, listen generously, and trust that we're all working toward the same goal. We collaborate freely because open minds and honest voices make our work, and each other, stronger..
[Audio] Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion At 2U, we are committed to creating and sustaining a culture that embodies diverse walks of life, ideas, genders, ages, races, cultures, sexual orientations, abilities and other unique qualities of our employees. We strive to offer a workplace where every employee feels empowered by the ways in which we are different, as well as the ways in which we are the same. On the slide, you can read through our DE&I statement. At 2U, we are always working towards making our workplace inclusive for all walks of life. Our passion that drives the DE&I initiatives is this idea that every person counts and can contribute. One of the largest initiatives within DE&I has been the creation of our Business Resource Networks. BRNs are employee-led groups that foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with our mission and business goals..
[Audio] 2U’s Business Resource Networks 2Q APIN BNet PCnet BARN TuGente WAN JEAN ARN One of the ways that 2U employees practice the DEI Values of Awareness and Empathy is through BRNS. What is a BRN - BRNs are employee-led groups that foster a diverse, inclusive workplace aligned with our mission and business goals. They offer a forum for networking, professional development, and multicultural celebration. It's a great opportunity to build and demonstrate leadership skills as well as build an inclusive work environment by encouraging/supporting team member's participation, regardless of your current level at 2U. We currently have Nine BRN's at 2U. We have 2Q – who serve as a strategic partner with 2U to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion. Bnet (Black Engagement Network) offering a forum for networking, professional development, and belonging for Black/African Americans. BARN (Black African Resource Network) who's mission is to foster diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for 2U's African employees, with a specific focus on the shared experiences of employees from historically underrepresented groups. APIN (Asian and Pacific Islander Network) who's objective is fostering a prominent space and advocating for Asian & Pacific Islander employees through intentional engagement, heightened awareness, and joyous celebration. PCNet (Parent and Caregiver network) who act to Support fellow caregivers as professionals by creating an inclusive environment, building opportunities for networking, advocacy, and support, and raising broader awareness about caregiver experiences. WAN (Woman's alliance Network) is on a mission to educate and empower woman and allies to energize their personal and professional spaces with our stories in order to influence structural and cultural change at 2U. TuGente who's vision is to build and foster a strong Latin community and support system within 2U as well as our local and global communities and university partners. ARN (Ability Resource Network) focus on providing a sense of community and amplify the voices of individuals with varying capabilities through the facilitation of supportive, inclusive, and accessible spaces. And finally we have JEAN (Jewish Employee and Ally Network) which seeks to foster a vibrant community that can enhance the employee experience for Jewish 2U employees and the broader 2U community as a whole. More information about our BRN's as well as how to sign up for a BRN can be found on 2Universe..
[Audio] + Remote Workers Across 5 Continents Three Physical Offices London, UK Arlington, VA -Office -Country of Operation Cape Town, ZA Our dedicated teams are spread across five continents – North America (United States), Africa, Europe (UK), Asia, and Australia. We've closed some of our regional office locations to centralize our office operations around two major hub offices in Cape Town, South Africa and our HQ in Arlington Virginia. We also have a small office in London. You can see some of the locations where we have workers, with a large remote population located in various other cities around the world..
[Audio] #Lifeat2U showcases what it's like to be a member of the 2U community through the lens of 2U employees. In other words, it's our story. Make sure to tag @Lifeat2U and use the hashtag when sharing team outings, VTO, office celebrations, etc. on social media. Everything you will be experiencing and learning over the next few days is an introduction to #Lifeat2U..
[Audio] Engage With Us facebook.com/2u/ @2uinc linkedin.com /company/2u Check out our social channels. You can engage with us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Follow along and tag @Lifeat2U to share your stories and use #Lifeat2U to join the conversation!.
[Audio] Stay Connected After orientation, stay up-to-date with all things 2U with these resources: 2U.com 2Universe 2Universe Digest After orientation we want to make sure that you are staying connected to your colleagues and 2U. Make sure to regularly check out The Latest on 2u.com, our intranet 2Universe, and the bi-weekly e-newsletter 2Universe Digest.
[Audio] I appreciate your time and attention during this session. I know this is a ton of information to take in! Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you have. Thank you and have a great day further..