Georgia Southern University has teamed up with Savannah State University to offer programs at the GSU Liberty campus. Both universities participated in an open house Thursday at the GSU Liberty campus to get Liberty County residents enrolled in courses.

“We are creating more options by offering different programs at the GSU liberty campus,” GSU Interim Admissions Director Christy Rikard said. “It’s fun to get creative and serve the region.”

Starting this semester, SSU will offer homeland security courses as a mini-semester before offering more courses in the summer. In Fall 2019, SSU is also adding an 18 credit-hour certificate in Virtual Forensic Science and will offer Social Work courses in 2020.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to provide courses to the community with three of our niche programs that aren't at GSU,” SSU President Dr. Cheryl Dozier said.” We wanted to be able to provide three degrees that go straight to the workforce.”

One of GSU and SSU’s main goals with the collaboration is to get military and non-traditional students enrolled.

“The opportunity to come to Liberty County is very special, especially offering our degrees to military families and other students in the area,” Dozier said.

“Building upon the forensic sciences degree, this certificate will be open to students in any major as well as those employed in law enforcement, military or an associated area of forensic science, criminal justice or homeland security,” SSU Chief Academic Officer Dr. Michael Laney said.

At the open house, both GSU’S and SSU’S office of admissions had a table set up for potential students. Both universities also had a military and veterans affairs table set up for any active military or veterans looking to take courses.

“We are here to say college still matters, and we have programs at this location that will lead you to a degree,” Reiber said.” What we want to do is serve the students better and we shouldn't be competing.”