Chemeketa Community College (COCC)

2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR

Chemeketa Community College, located in Salem, Oregon, was founded in 1952 when it was originally known as the Salem Technical-Vocational School. The school was founded with the intention to train unemployed individuals, resulting in an increase in trained and qualified persons in the workforce. The school was renamed in 1969 through a competition held by the recently formed community college district which resulted in the choosing of Chemeketa, which means “a peaceful gathering place.” Today the school serves over 50,000 students annually through a 2,600 square mile service area that includes the counties of Yamhill, Marion and Polk.

Academics

Chemeketa Community College offers a variety of programs that allow students to choose the one that meets their needs, be it through career training or academic transfer opportunities. Career training programs provide theoretical and practical education in the methods and techniques used in their area of study in order to become professionals. Students will learn how to apply their skills to real world settings through the use of controlled environments. Most programs take between one and two years to complete, resulting in a certificate or degree that demonstrates competency in the area studies and allows for the pursuit of job opportunities at the entry level.

Academic transfer program require the student complete the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying to a four year institution in order to complete their final two years of study and obtain a bachelor's degree. Transfer requirements are eased for students looking to transfer to a public Oregon college or university. Students who wish to enroll at an out of state or private school will encounter varying admissions requirements and as a result should meet with a counselor to discuss those schools' admissions requirements and develop a curriculum that best fulfills them.

Programs offered:

• Accounting
• Criminal Justice
• Communications
• Nursing Assistant
• Sociology

Admissions and Financial Aid

Chemeketa Community College is a public, two year, open enrollment institution. The school will admit and individual that meets the minimum requirements for admission, completes and submits an application, and the pays their tuition fees. Transcripts, if available, should be submitted and students may be required to take a placement exam though the submission of one's standardized test scores may waive that requirement. Students are also encouraged to participate in new student orientation to familiarize themselves with the campus and to meet with a counselor to discuss program enrollment and curriculum.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the school's financial aid department to determine one's financial needs and aid program eligibility when forming the student's financial aid packet. Aid must be applied for prior to each academic year.  Students receiving aid may be chosen at random to provide additional tax information to be compared to the information provided on one's FAFSA in order to verify its accuracy.

Athletics

Chemeketa Community College is home to a variety of clubs and organizations that are designed to meet the various interests of its large student body. Students are encouraged to participate in one or more of these clubs or organizations, as they are an excellent forum for socializing, cultural development, affecting change, and the dissemination of ideas. Clubs and organizations have their own schedules and interested students may contact the individual club or visit the student services office to obtain meeting times and lists.

Clubs and organizations include:

• Asian Club
• Beyond the Wall
• Ceramics Club
• Juntos
• Photography Club