UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Teenagers Making Career Choices Often Must Look Past The Glitz Of "glamor" Careers To Choose What's Best For Them. To Help In This Process, Penn State's College Of Agricultural Sciences Will Host An Open House For Prospective Students From 8 A.m. To 5 P.m. On Saturday, March 27, In The Hetzel Union Building (hub) On The University Park Campus.

"The world of careers and employment can be confusing," says Marianne Fivek, assistant professor of agricultural and extension education and undergraduate recruitment coordinator. "Sometimes the best choices aren't immediately obvious, especially to a high school student who hasn't settled on 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 turfgrass science, food science, landscape contracting, agricultural business management, agricultural and biological engineering, and environmental resource management. The event will begin with an informational fair at 8 a.m., followed by a financial aid and scholarships overview at 9:30 a.m., a general session at 10:15 a.m. and academic advising sessions at 11:15 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 residence halls, food science laboratories, animal science facilities and the School of Forest Resources. A panel discussion on internships, careers and international experiences in agriculture will be held in 101 Agricultural Sciences and Industries 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 bargains for lunch and dinner in the university dining halls. The event is open to all prospective college students and their families.

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

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Gary Abdullah Office 814-863-2708 FAX 814-863-9877