UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Young people considering college are faced with important career choices that hinge on several different factors. To help with their selection, Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences will host prospective students at its 10th annual Open House from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 beginning at the Hetzel Union Building on the University Park campus.

"Teenagers have lots of questions when it comes to careers and employment," says Marianne Fivek, assistant to the dean for student recruitment and activities. "Sometimes their best options aren't immediately obvious, especially to a high school student who hasn't arrived at clear career goals. Our open house highlights opportunities in the agricultural sciences in an informal, relaxed setting where students can get personal attention. It's also an opportunity for families to visit with deans, professors and current students.

"About 60 faculty, staff and students from the college will be there to answer questions about the agricultural sciences, and about university life," she says. "Representatives from the Ag Advocates student organization and the Ag Student Council also will attend."

Attendees can learn about careers in agricultural and related fields and the college's 18 undergraduate majors, including animal science, food science, landscape design, agribusiness management, agricultural and biological engineering and environmental resource management. 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 10:15 a.m. Exhibits will highlight academic departments, student organizations, ROTC, housing and food services, and other aspects of university life. Families and students can visit college facilities and explore the campus through tours that will include the Penn State Creamery, animal science facilities and the School of Forest Resources. A panel discussion on internships, careers and international experiences in agriculture will be held in 105 Forum Building at 1 p.m.

After the open house, families can visit 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 lunch and dinner. The event is open to all prospective college students and their families.

To register for the open house or for more information, visit the World Wide Web at http://www.cas.psu.edu or contact the Office for Undergraduate Education at 814-865-7521.

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EDITORS: To contact Marianne Fivek, call 814-865-7521.

Contact:

Gary Abdullah gxa2@psu.edu 814-863-2708 814-863-9877 fax #128