FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 13, 2000 CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119 DRAKE TO BE FEATURED IN NEW ONLINE COLLEGE FAIR Drake University is participating in a new Online College Fair program that's making its national debut this fall. The program is designed to make it easier for students and parents to interact with representatives of colleges and universities. Drake will host its own multimedia chat room at www.OnlineCollegeFair.com from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19. The Drake chat room also will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 29. Five Iowa colleges and universities are taking part in the Online College Fair program. In addition to Drake, they are Coe College, Iowa State University, Maharishi International University and the University of Iowa. By logging onto www.OnlineCollegeFair.com, prospective students can chat live with school representatives, view campuses and learn what each institution has to offer in a "virtual Q&A." Students can also join live sessions on topics such as financial aid and scholarships, test preparation and college counseling that will be moderated by admission experts. The Online College Fair program is sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) in conjunction with Interaction Software Inc. "While this program is no substitute for meeting face-to-face at a college fair or campus visit," said Drake Dean of Admission Tom Willoughby, "the Online College Fair is a great way for students to have meaningful, personal contact with admission staff and other key campus personnel they may not otherwise be able to meet during their college search." In addition to the Online College Fair program, NACAC annually conducts National College Fairs and Performing and Visual Arts College Fairs in more than 60 locations nationwide. Last year, more than 400,000 students and their families explored their options for higher education at an NACAC College Fair.