TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama College of Engineering will host Engineering Day (E-Day), an open house for junior high, high school and community college students and their families, on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.

E-Day will give prospective students a closer look at the College of Engineering, according to Gregory Singleton, director of Engineering Student Services, and participants will receive a realistic view of how engineering skills are used in everyday life. All interested students, counselors, teachers and parents are invited to attend.

Laboratory tours and exhibits will be offered in such areas as aerospace engineering and mechanics, chemical engineering, civil and environmental engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, and metallurgical and materials engineering. Engineering students and faculty will be available to answer questions throughout the day.

Information will also be provided on college preparation, housing, financial aid, admissions, ROTC and several engineering societies.

“E-Day is a great opportunity for students who are interested in mathematics and science to tour our College, find out about the various fields of engineering and consider their future career plans,” said Singleton. “They also become familiar with what life at The University of Alabama will be like.”

E-Day registration will take place in front of H. M. Comer Hall beginning at 8 a.m. Tours of the departments will start at 9 a.m. and last until 12:30 p.m., followed by a complimentary lunch for all guests. For more information on E-Day, call 1-800-369-ENGR or 205/348-2547.

In 1837, The University of Alabama became the first university in the state to offer engineering classes and was one of the first five in the nation to do so. The average starting salary for UA engineering graduates receiving their bachelor of science degrees has increased by nearly 10 percent in the past three years.