The workshop, taking place at four locations around the state this week, is designed to facilitate communication among admissions and guidance professionals and provide an opportunity for both groups to learn about changes in financial aid, standardized testing, student-athlete requirements and Ohio Board of Regents initiatives.

"Articulation is a wonderful opportunity to make resources and information available to people vitally important to the success of students -- high school guidance counselors," said Director of Undergraduate Admissions T. David Garcia, this year's OACAC president. "I am extremely proud of Ohio University's role in serving them and in helping their students explore higher education."

Guidance counselors from southeast Ohio counties are eligible for registration-fee waivers to encourage representation from schools that have not sent staff members in the past, and free bus transportation is available to central Ohio guidance counselors.

In addition to information sessions, a critical component of the Articulation conference is a College Fair in the Convocation Center, where admissions representatives from private and public two- and four-year Ohio colleges and universities will be available to speak with the high school guidance counselors. The day concludes with an optional tour of campus.

"It is a great event for showcasing Ohio University to individuals who may have not been to our campus previously but who serve high school students in the college search process," said Kevin Witham, senior associate director in Undergraduate Admissions and on-site co-chair for the event. "It's also a great way to help meet the goals of Vision Ohio. We want to support the students of the Appalachian region and the state with outreach programs that contribute to education."

Ellen Shope, now in her fourth year as a guidance counselor at Valley High School in Scioto County, will attend the annual Articulation conference for the first time this year.

"The location is very convenient for us, and the fee waiver for guidance counselors from southeastern Ohio probably encourages even more guidance counselors to attend," she said. "It's very important that there are open communication lines between high school and college counselors. We're all trying to help the same students further their education and make a better life for themselves."