Most Frequently Asked Questions by Potential Students

How do I get started in the program?

The first step is to complete and submit an Admission Application.  Then you need to make an appointment with a counselor to complete the assessment process that includes taking the college’s free placement test.

I have a degree(s).  How can I get credit for general education and program prerequisite courses that I have already taken?

You may transfer credits by sending an official (must include a signature from the issuing institution and its authorized seal and be delivered in a sealed envelope) transcript to the Admissions Office, and by requesting, in writing, an evaluation of the transcript.  It is important to do this your first term of enrollment at Chemeketa.

Must I begin my studies fall term?

It is more important to those who are pursuing a winemaking degree because of the larger number of prerequisites.  It is easier for vineyard management degree students.

I am currently employed full-time.  How can I attend classes?

Because a majority of the students are in similar situations, most courses are scheduled for later afternoon, evenings and/or weekends.

Do I have to pursue a degree or may I choose the courses to be taken?

Courses may be taken on a course-by-course basis to satisfy continuing education or personal enrichment needs.  Employees and those establishing vineyards and wineries may also select the courses that are most applicable to their professional goals.

When I take a credit course, do I have to be concerned about exams and grades?

No.  You may audit the course, which absolves a student of responsibility for a grade.  However, the audit request must be filed in Enrollment Services by the deadline for each term.

What is Cooperative Work Experience?

This program is designed to provide the student with practical, hands-on training.  Cooperative Work Experience gives students experience in commercial vineyards and wineries.  It is a structured experience with identified objectives and outcomes.

The Cooperative Work Experience concept recognizes the value of learning that can take place when student’s work and train in real job situations.  A sense of achievement from the work experience is most desirable.  Positive achievement includes successful completion of a job, solutions to problems, and the possibility that individuals would be able to advance or progress within their organization.  Developing appropriate, measurable Learning Objectives will keep students on track and provide the vehicle for accomplishing student and supervisor goals.

It’s important in the Cooperative Work Experience Program that a student pursues a planned program of work experience education, which includes new and expanded responsibilities or learning opportunities beyond those experienced during previous employment.  The demand for new learning opportunities requires special attention.  One way to meet this demand is through a program of planned learning objectives centered on the work of the student.  Educational accomplishment will occur by involving the student in developing learning objectives.

It is expected that student performance evaluations by employer/supervisors will be based upon the stated objectives and significant in determining whether the student is on the right path.

What are the job opportunities?

There are numerous current employees in the Oregon wine industry who have been trained in the Vineyard Management/Winemaking Program.  Presently there are more requests for employees and interns than there are students to fill them.

Will I be able to compete for a job in the Oregon wine industry with those who have a BS or MS degree in enology and viticulture?

Professional training and work experience with Oregon grapes and wines are the two primary requirements for success, and that is what Chemeketa specializes in.

Are any courses available on-line?

Currently General Viticulture and Soil and Plant Nutrition are offered online.  Plans are to develop other online courses in the future.

Will any of the credits earned at Chemeketa apply towards a four-year degree?

A student who receives an Associate of Applied Science degree in Vineyard Management can transfer 30 credit hours to Oregon State University as lower division transfer credits and the senior intern requirement is waived if they wish to earn a four-year degree in Horticulture with a Viticulture option.

Has Chemeketa received any feedback about the program from the Oregon wine grape industry?

The program was developed and implemented at the request of industry for the sole purpose of providing a larger pool of professionally trained vineyard managers and winemakers.  An active industry advisory committee has provided regular input from the beginning of the program.  The program is highly visible and respected and widely supported by industry.