YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University is revitalizing its foreign language program.

Until recently, the university offered only Spanish and Italian, and for the summer only Spanish.

Newly named Provost Jennifer Pintar informed President Bill Johnson and several members of the YSU Board of Trustees during Thursday’s committee meetings the university has expanded the program to include Chinese, German and French.

A news release from YSU states the program also will combine in-class instruction along with online resources provided by Rosetta Stone.

“By leveraging both traditional instruction and cutting-edge technology, we are equipping students with the skills and cultural competency to thrive in today’s interconnected world,” Pintar said.

The program is based on two, three-credit courses intended to meet foreign language requirements and also provide students with conversational language experience. The new courses will be available for the fall semester and YSU indicated more languages could be added on an as-needed basis.

Charlie Howell, dean of the Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences and Education, said the program’s design facilitates flexible learning and affords students a deeper understanding of their chosen language.

“We believe that this immersive experience will empower our students to become global citizens and effective communicators in an increasingly diverse society,” he said.