For immediate release

March 29, 2006

For information, contact Pam Joseph at (419) 995-8284

The Ohio State University at Lima will offer University coursework at the Putnam County ESC-Skilled Learning Center starting in Autumn Quarter 2006.

Representatives from Ohio State Lima and the Putnam County ESC signed a memorandum of understanding March 29, 2006, sealing a deal that will bring Ohio State classes and professors to Ottawa.

The courses will be taught at the new Putnam County ESC-Skilled Learning Center that is under construction at 124 Putnam Parkway near the Putnam County YMCA. The building project is expected to be complete in August 2006 with occupancy in September.

Ohio State will begin the program with three courses per quarter at the Putnam County facility. The courses will be taught by regular faculty members who teach at Ohio State Lima and credits earned will be Ohio State University credits. Education officials expect a blend of current high school students seeking advanced credits, traditional age college students beginning their college careers near home and non-traditional students testing out the University environment. While many Putnam County residents are expected to make use of the facility, residency is not a requirement to attend classes at the center.

The Ohio State Lima schedule for Putnam County for Autumn quarter 2006 is as follows:

Ohio State Lima is committed to three courses for Autumn Quarter. A third class is to be announced at a later date.

For information about this and other Ohio State Lima programs, call the Admissions office at (419) 995-8391.

For more information about the Putnam County ESC and its services, call (419) 523-5951.