PROFESSORS VISIT LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE SNEAK PEEK AT COLLEGE LIFE

Old Dominion University faculty, staff and administrators will guest lecture to more than 2,650 high school students in Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg this week as part of the university's biannual high school tour.

This marks the first time in three years the tour has been held locally. Recent visits have included schools in Richmond, Northern Virginia and Southwestern Virginia.

"By bringing college professors to the high school classroom, we can give high school students a small sample of what a collegiate lecture is like," said John R. Broderick, vice president for institutional advancement. "Deciding whether to attend college is a tough choice for many students. These tours help take some of that indecision away. Our goal is to open eyes and provide a new and different academic experience."

Lecture topics include Native American history, math, communication, marine biology, theatre and mechanical engineering. Among the most requested offerings was e-commerce, which is Old Dominion's newest degree program. In addition, President James V. Koch will visit four schools to talk about life after high school.

In the 95 class sessions scheduled, more than 2,650 high school students will see first-hand what is expected in a collegiate academic environment. Participating schools include Bethel High School in Hampton, Granby High School in Norfolk, Hickory High School in Chesapeake, Jamestown High School in Williamsburg, Kempsville High School in Virginia Beach, Menchville High School in Newport News, Salem High School in Virginia Beach, Tallwood High School in Virginia Beach, and Woodside High School in Newport News.