One of Ohio University Southern's newest offerings will work directly with local companies to help them keep materials flowing in and out of their businesses.

Materials Management is a new two-year associate degree program that will focus on inventory control and management. Previously offered at OU's Lancaster campus, this program will work with local businesses to provide classroom and on-site training in this field.

The program is really designed for someone who has already been in the workplace, said John Boright, director of the program at OUS. More than 15 Liebert employees have signed up for the program that can accommodate 25 to 30 students beginning this fall quarter.

"We tried to start this program several years ago to focus on a riverboat program, but it did not work out," he said. "Recently, Liebert became interested. When they saw this program, they said, 'this is exactly what we want.'"

Many of the courses needed, such as basic computers and accounting, are already offered at the university. Approximately 10 new courses will be created that will allow students to earn a degree solely at the southern campus, he said.

New courses include hazardous materials regulations, transportation and traffic management and transportation law.

Marty Scott, human resources director at Liebert, said the company is excited to work with Ohio University to develop a program that will work fluidly with the company's needs.

"We have worked with Ohio University to ensure that aspects of the curriculum cover specific functions and processes that Liebert associates experience in a manufacturing setting," he said. "This is a great benefit for associates because they can understand how the formal education is applied to daily manufacturing activities. "

Liebert has found that some employees were hesitant to sign up for college courses because they are overwhelmed by the various degrees available, Scott said.

Ohio University and Liebert have simplified the process by developing a program that relates specifically to what employees do in the plant, preselecting courses required, allowing them to see how it is applied in a work setting and educating employees about tuition reimbursement programs and financial aid, Scott said.

Dr. Dan Evans, dean of OUS, said he likes to use the term "communiversity," and that there is no question that these types of programs will continue to be the focus.

"One of the things OUS has tried to do is respond directly to local needs," Evans said. "Material Management was in direct response to Liebert, who said 'this is what we need.' Several other businesses have shown interest as well."

Registration is under way for the fall semester. Anyone interested in the program can contact Boright at 533-4573 for more information.