UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences will hold an informative open house for prospective students, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14, in the auditorium of the Hetzel Union Building -- also known as the HUB.
The world of careers and employment can be confusing, noted Marianne Fivek, assistant professor of agricultural and extension education and undergraduate recruitment coordinator. Young people often don't think of pursuing a career in the ag sciences.
"Selecting a career can be tough for anyone, and it's even tougher if you're a teenager in or just out of high school," Fivek said. "Sometimes the best choices aren't immediately obvious, especially to a high school student who hasn't settled on clear career goals."
She said attending an event such as this can introduce young people to career options that they haven't thought of but might be interested in. "It's great to see the light go on in young people's eyes, as they discover a career that they might not have associated with agriculture."
The open-house setting is relaxed and informal, Fivek pointed out. About 50 faculty, staff and students from the college will be there, so visitors can get personal attention as they visit with faculty or talk with students about university life. Representatives from the Ag Advocates student organization, Ag Student Council and various other clubs, organizations and societies also will attend.
Prospective students and their families will learn about the college and what it offers in terms of majors, minors, clubs, organizations, societies, internships and education abroad.
The event will feature sessions offering information about the college's 17 academic majors, during which attendees will hear from faculty members about programs in the following disciplines: agricultural sciences; business and education; animal science and pre-vet studies; biomedical and food sciences; energy, engineering and technology; environmental sciences and natural resources; and plant sciences.
Tours will be available, including such facilities as the Food Science Building and Berkey Creamery, the Forest Resources Building, the equine facility and the large-animal facilities.
After a lunch break, students and their families can tour the EARTH House in North Halls residence halls, followed by a walking tour of the campus.
Families also can visit the Penn State Bookstore, the Penn State University Libraries and the Palmer Museum of Art.
The event is open to all prospective college students and their families. Students must register online by Oct. 3 at the College of Agricultural Sciences' Future Students website.