Lowell Institute is established.

Harvard Summer School (HSS) is founded by Harvard Professor of Natural History Asa Gray.

It is the first and oldest established academic summer school.

A. Lawrence Lowell officially founded the Commission on Extension Courses to offer degree credentials including open access courses, earn-your-way-in admissions, and Harvard Degree authority.

Harvard Board of Overseers — one of Harvard’s two governing boards — approve a Department of University Extension.

Two graduates receive the first-ever Extension degrees.

Extension courses broadcast via radio.

Extension courses broadcast on television.

U.S. Navy submarine crews take first-ever distance degree program, Polaris University, onboard submarines. 

Reginald H. Phelps announces retirement as Director of University Extension, prompting a review of continuing education in the FAS.

In September, the Office of Continuing Education (later renamed Division of Continuing Education) was officially formed after the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) review and recommendation and included University Extension, Summer School, Special Students, and Alumni College.

In September, Dr. Michael Shinagel is appointed Director of Continuing Education and University Extension.

Harvard staff become eligible for the Tuition Assistance Program, which provides employees with a significant cost reduction for classes taken at the Extension School.

Dr. Shinagel becomes Dean of Continuing Education and University Extension — the first dean appointed.

Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement (HILR) founded.

University Extension receives its own coat of arms.

University Extension becomes Harvard Extension School.

Division of Continuing Education name adopted; First computer-based distance course (“teleteaching”) begins.

Harvard Extension School offers its first internet-based course.

First online Harvard College course, Network Programming, is offered through Harvard Extension.

The first Harvard faculty-led Harvard Summer School Study Abroad programs are launched in Peru and Italy.

Crimson Summer Academy was started. 

First live-streamed classes, enabling real-time online attendance.

First hybrid courses open, blending in-class and online students.

Professional Development Programs (now Professional & Executive Development) was established. 

Entrepreneur Huntington D. Lambert named Dean of the Division of Continuing Education.

Pre-College Program launched to provide high school students with a two-week, noncredit on campus program.

HELIX Classroom launches providing a live interactive experience to remote students in hybrid classes.

Dean Nancy Coleman, Ed.D., an adult learner, is appointed the first female Dean of DCE.

DCE Global launches to elevate DCE's global impact.

Brattle Square Studio opens, establishing a state-of-the-art space to broadcast events.

Immersive Classroom is introduced, allowing asynchronous students to participate in activities from live classes.

DCE celebrates 50 years of impact, access, and innovation.