How to Apply
Before you become a student in the Visual Communications program at Chemeketa Community College, you must submit an application to the program. The pages in this section our Web site are designed to help guide you through the application process.
Applying to the Program
You will apply to both the college and the VC program. A counselor will meet with you help assess your readiness for the program. Program overviews are offered throughout the year to give you insight into the program and the application process. If you have additional questions after attending an overview, you may make an individual appointment with the program chair to discuss your application. You will then submit a portfolio of materials to be considered for the VC program. The application portfolio is detailed here.
Important: You are not considered an applicant to the VC program until you have submitted a complete application portfolio. Your application will be evaluated only after you have completed any required prerequisites and submitted the required portfolio in one package.
Criteria
We are not looking for professional quality work as entrance criteria. We are looking for evidence of the creative, technical and communication skills that will help you be successful in the program. While some students seem to be born with talent, it is your experience, training and attitude that will determine your success. If you do not have examples of previous work, you may begin by taking the art and photography courses and develop a portfolio from these projects. The program reflects a balance of creative, technical and communication skills, which should be evident in the work you submit. You can view a sample portfolio evaluation form right here.
Application Portfolio
Your application will consist of an essay, transcripts, a portfolio of work and an assigned project. The details are all included on a separate page. It is not required to have an expensive portfolio or elaborately mounted work, but presentation does count and neatness is always an asset. Your work should be assembled in one easily accessible, protected folder or case.
Selection Process
Design instructors will review your completed application portfolio. You will receive written notification after this review. You may receive one of several letters regarding the status of your application. You may be notified that you have been accepted and are ready to begin classes. You may be notified that you are ready to begin, but that we have more applicants than we can accept, and based on the date of your completed application, you will be placed on a numbered waiting list. If it is determined that you need to complete additional work prior to gaining admissions into the program, you will be notified of this decision and may reapply for admission the next term. You may make an appointment with an instructor to review your portfolio if your application is not successful.
Who to Contact with Questions
To speak with Christine Linder, Program Chair, call 503-399-6473 or email christine.linder@chemeketa.edu.
To speak with Kim Martin in Counseling and Career Services call 503-399-5111 or email kim.martin@chemeketa.edu.
To speak with Julian Harkema, VC Instructional Assistant, about general program information or a tour of the facilities, call 503-399-5070 or email julian.harkema@chemeketa.edu.
To speak with one of the Humanities and Communications administrative assistants regarding your program application, call 503-399-5184.
