WHO CAN APPLY
Admission is open to anyone completing the application process and fulfilling the criteria below. The program takes a minimum of two years to complete, beginning in the fall after you are accepted into the program. Most students take three years to complete their studies to allow for adequate time to develop professional competence in both design and technical skills. Students may apply throughout the year, however the core courses begin in fall and must follow the program sequence. Consult the college catalog or web site for detailed information about the course of study. Many of the art classes and general education requirements may be completed prior to entering the program.

WHY WE ARE SCREENING APPLICANTS
This is an entry-level program, although it requires a great amount of dedication and work from students. It is not easy. Your classes will require an intense amount of work to gain the skills required to be successful in the graphic arts field on graduation. We value your time and commitment and want to help you make the most of your time at Chemeketa. The graphic arts field is very competitive. The instructors want to help you be to successful when you graduate, not just get good grades. This requires family, as well as financial commitments, in addition to a passion for the work. The screening process has been developed to help you assess whether this is the right program for you at this time.

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. There will be a program overview each term, which will 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 on
a separate page.

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. A sample portfolio evaluation form is included with this information.

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.

To speak with Christine Linder, Program Chair, call 503-399-6473 or email linc@chemeketa.edu.

To speak with Jean Lacy-Tang in Counseling and Career Services call 503-399-5111 or email jltang@chemeketa.edu.

To speak with Julian Harkema, VC Instructional Assistant, about general program information or a tour of the facilities, call 503-399-5070.

To speak with one of the Humanities and Communications administrative assistants regarding your program application, call 503-399-5184.