UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Picking a college is a tough decision, and future agriculturists, food scientists and biological researchers will get help and advice when Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences holds its Seventh Annual Open House for prospective students on Saturday, March 18 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Agricultural Sciences and Industries (ASI) Building on the University Park campus.

"Selecting a college is hard for anyone," says Marianne Fivek, assistant professor of agricultural and extension education and undergraduate recruitment coordinator. "It's especially confusing for a high school student who hasn't settled on clear career goals. Our Open House gives students interested in the agricultural sciences an informal, relaxed setting where they can explore their college plans. It's also an opportunity for families to visit with deans, professors, current students and other prospective students.

"Last year's Open House drew about 125 families, or around 350 people, and we were able to give them personal attention," Fivek adds. "About 50 faculty and staff from the college are there to answer questions about the agricultural sciences, and about university life. Representatives from the Ag Advocates student organization and the Ag Student Council also attend."

Attendees can learn about careers in agricultural and related fields and consider the college's 18 undergraduate majors. The event will begin with an informational fair at 8 a.m., followed by a general session at 9 a.m. and academic advising sessions at 10 a.m.

Exhibits will highlight academic departments, student organizations, ROTC, housing and food services and other aspects of university life. A special luncheon and advising session for students who already have started their education at a location other than University Park will be held at noon in 101 ASI. An information session for minority students also will be held at noon in 107 ASI.

Families and individual students can see college facilities and explore the campus through tours that will include food science laboratories, animal science facilities and the School of Forest Resources. A panel discussion on careers in agriculture will be held in 101 ASI Building at 1:30 p.m.

After the Open House, families can visit the University Creamery, the Penn State Bookstore, the Penn State University Libraries and the Palmer Museum of Art. Penn State Housing and Food Services will offer special meal deals for both lunch and dinner. The event is open to all prospective college students and their families.

For more information, contact the Office for Undergraduate Education at 814-865-7521, or send e-mail to Fivek at mafivek@psu.edu.

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EDITORS: For more information, contact Marianne Fivek at 814-865-7521.

Contacts: Gary Abdullah gxa2@psu.edu 814-863-2708 814-865-1068 fax